Show how Ngugi uses his narrative to contrast the inner emotional qualities in his characters- (chapter 7 pages 99-107)

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Show how Ngugi uses his narrative to contrast the inner emotional qualities in his characters- (chapter 7 pages 99-107)

     After a long hard struggle, In 1963 Kenya was finally on the verge of grasping their long awaited independence from the British. The novel, ‘A Grain of Wheat’, takes the reader back to the period between the fighting and the so-called ‘new world’. It is a true manifestation of emotional individuality of both the colonized and colonizer alike, where they reflect on what has been gained by their triumph, but more importantly what has been lost in their fight for sovereignty. It is a poignant novel of love, betrayal and sacrifice, which in them selves are strong emotional qualities, and are only emphasized by the narrative. In this extract it becomes clear that Ngugi allows the reader to decide what the characters are feeling by contrasting different events and characters, sometimes even by distinguishing between past and present actions. Therefore it is suggested that through the contrasting narrative Ngugi wants the reader to make certain judgments upon his characters.

        The first contrast that comes into light is the revelation of Kihika’s departure to fight in the forest and join the other freedom fighters. This is not surprising to the reader, since we see Kihika’s strong passion, for the cause, formed at a young age where even his ‘heart hardened towards’ the white people before he even saw them. However, what is unanticipated is the reaction of his father who does not seem to understand his son. Being the father of such a hero would certainly suggest that Mbugua would be proud and support Kihika. Nevertheless Mbugua does not even join the fight and wonders ‘what has come into his head’, suggesting that he does not identify with his son. This shows a true contrast in the opinions of the African people towards the struggle for justice where even family members disagreed. Thus, through the narrative Ngugi may be questioning the validity of the so called ‘emergency’, asking whether it was really worth it in light of all the pain and suffering. This idea is confirmed later with Karanja who will not go out to fight in the forest to die.

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    In the reflection of the past, we see the contrasting outlook of Wambuku and Nyeri towards Kihika leaving. Wambuku calls Kihika’s passion for politics and especially the way in which he is so fanatical about the movement a ‘demon’, again another contrasting opinion toward the emergency.  This is reminiscent of when Wambuku asks Kihika ‘ don’t you ever stop talking about politics?’ when they are alone in the woods. Wambuku does not seem to understand the reason why he should fight, much like his father she is convinced that Kihika should stay with her. Consequently Wambuku feels betrayed ...

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