quest

Is it true that the problems and injustice experienced by the people in the book you have read are caused by the white man? Use two plays as references to support your answer.

It is not true that the problems and injustices experienced by the people in the books I have read are caused by the white man. Even African people themselves and their culture have their hand on the injustices and problems experienced in the societies.

In responses to this statement two plays “Three Suitors one Husband” and “The Black hermit” will be used to prove this argument.

Forced marriage. Juliette`s parents forced their daughter to marry the suitor who paid the high bride price. This can be seen when Juliette comes back from school for holidays. She is shocked to hear about the marriage arrangements. She become angry and tells them she is supposed to be consulted on issue.

Bride price. As for other African society in Mvoutesse village, they believe that by paying bride price, man shows how serious he is in love. That is why julliete`s parents receive the bride without consulting their daughter

Women oppression. In Mvoutesse village women are considered to be inferior to men. They have no say in the society even on matter which concerns their life. Eg Juliette is not asked about the man she wants to marry.  

Favoritism and corruption. In Mvoutesse some people are favoured and respected because of their positions they have in the society. even when they violet rules no measure are taken against them. For example, Mbarga is never touched although his wife makes Arki. She is never touched by the police since her husband is the village headman. While people like Ondua are beaten by the police.
In “The Black Hermit”

Forcrd marriage/ widow inheritance. In the play Remi is forced to marry Thoni. According to their tradition one should inherit the wife of a brother when he passed away. Remi felt this is not right and it is agaist his freedom of choice as well as weak binding force for love between him and thoni. As a result he runs from his village to town.

Segregation/Isolation. Remi is not happy with the way religious leaders like the pastor declare to isolate themselves from the other.

Tribalism.

Oppression. People are tired by the unfair government in the country. The new government still perpetuates the colonial regime. So people are against exploitation by new government done through heavy taxation. Also, people are against oppression since they are make to work for long hours and get tired. Example they are not happy with the forced community work, since it makes them work so much with no benefits

Land alienation. People also protest against land alienation. This problem is so chronic in African countries. Before and even after independence, the peasant's land continuo being taken and has not been given back to the people. The leader of tells the elders of Marua,

Poor leadership

Irresponsibility

“The coming of the white man to Africa was to some extent, advantageous to the Africans” using two references you have done in class support this statement.  

The coming of white man to Africa since the beginning of 15 C resulted into colonialization to the African countries. Colonialization was actually unfair and did more harm than good. Although their coming was some extent advantageous to the Africans hence there are some positive things it brought to us.

Introduction of formal education

Emancipation of women

Discouragement of bad cultural practice

Freedom of choice

Awareness