A Detailed Summary of “Devil on the Cross”
by Chika Udekwe
"Devil on the Cross" is a novel by Kenyan author Ngũgĩ Wa Thiong’o, first published in 1982. The book is a political satire that critiques the economic and political systems of post-colonial Kenya.
The novel is set in the early 1980s and takes place in a Kenyan prison where the main character, Wariinga, is being held for her political activism. Warning tells the story of her time in prison to her cellmate, Gacuka, through a series of flashbacks. The story is also interspersed with fantasy and magical elements, including a dialogue between Wariinga and the Devil.
The novel is a scathing critique of the corruption and neocolonialism that existed in Kenya during the time of its publication. It portrays the exploitation of the poor by the rich and powerful, and how the government and capitalist systems oppressed the working class. The book also explores themes of resistance and rebellion against oppression and the power of storytelling as a form of resistance.
The book was written while the author was in detention, and was initially published under a pseudonym. It was banned by the Kenyan government and was not widely read in Kenya until after the end of the Moi regime in 2002.
"Devil on the Cross" is considered one of the most important works of postcolonial African literature and is praised for its political and social commentary. The novel has been translated into several languages and continues to be studied in universities around the world.
Themes
"Devil on the Cross" has several key themes, including:
- Corruption and neocolonialism: The novel critiques the economic and political systems of post-colonial Kenya, and portrays the exploitation of the poor by the rich and powerful. The book exposes the corruption and greed of those in power, who use their positions to enrich themselves at the expense of the people.
2. Oppression and resistance: The novel explores themes of resistance and rebellion against oppression. Warning, the main character, is a political activist who is imprisoned for her activism, and the novel portrays how the government and capitalist systems oppressed the working class.
3. The power of storytelling: The book also explores the power of storytelling as a form of resistance. Warning tells her story to her cellmate as a way of resisting her oppression and preserving her humanity.
4. Gender and sexuality: The novel also explores themes of gender and sexuality. Wariinga’s experiences as a woman and a political activist are portrayed in the context of the patriarchal society in which she lives.
5. Capitalism: The novel explores the negative effects of capitalism on society and the economy, where the few rich and powerful exploit the poor and working class.
6. Human dignity: The book also reflects on the importance of human dignity and the struggle to maintain it in the face of oppression.
*Special attention on the theme of Feminism in "Devil on the Cross"
In "Devil on the Cross," the theme of feminism is represented through the character of Wariinga, who is a strong and independent woman who defies the patriarchal norms of her society. Throughout the novel, Wariinga is forced to conform to societal expectations placed on women, including being forced into an unwanted marriage and is expected to be submissive and subservient to men.
However, Wariinga resists these expectations and fights for her autonomy and agency. She leads a rebellion against the oppressive forces in her community, challenging the patriarchal systems of power and oppression that seek to control and exploit women.
The novel also critiques how colonialism and capitalism have been used to further subjugate and exploit women in Kenya. The book shows how these systems have been used to strip women of their land and resources, leaving them vulnerable and dependent on men for survival.
In conclusion, the theme of feminism in "Devil on the Cross" is represented by Wariinga's struggle against patriarchal norms, and it critiques how colonialism and capitalism have been used to further oppress women as earlier stated.
Characterization
"Devil on the Cross" has several key characters, including:
Wariinga: The main character and narrator of the novel, Warning is a political activist who is imprisoned for her activism. She tells her story to her cellmate, Gacuka, through a series of flashbacks. The warringa is a determined and resilient character who resists her oppression and fights for her rights.
Gacuka: Wariinga's cellmate, Gacuka is a young man who is also in prison for political activism. He listens to Wariinga's story and provides a sounding board for her reflections on her experiences.
The Devil: The Devil appears in the novel in the form of a dialogue between Wariinga and the Devil. The Devil serves as a symbol of the corrupt and oppressive systems that Wariinga is fighting against.
Male characters: The novel portrays many male characters who are powerful and corrupt, exploiting the poor and working class for their gain. The male characters are depicted as oppressive and exploitative, representing the negative side of post-colonial Kenya.
The working class: The novel also features characters who represent the working class and the poor, who are oppressed and exploited by the powerful and rich. These characters serve as a representation of the injustices faced by the majority of the population in post-colonial Kenya.
The characters in the novel are well-developed, multidimensional, and nuanced, representing a diversity of perspectives, experiences, and struggles. The characters are not only political figures but also real-life people who are trying to survive in the oppressive post-colonial Kenyan society.
Narrative techniques
"Devil on the Cross" employs several narrative techniques, including:
Flashbacks: The novel is structured around a series of flashbacks, in which the main character, Wariinga, recounts her experiences to her cellmate, Gacuka. This technique allows the reader to learn about Wariinga's past and understand her motivations and actions.
Stream of consciousness: The narrative is presented in a stream-of-consciousness style, which gives the reader insight into Wariinga's thoughts and feelings as she recounts her story.
Fantasy and magical elements: The novel also includes fantasy and magical elements, including a dialogue between Wariinga and the Devil. This serves to add a layer of symbolism and metaphor to the story and to emphasize the oppressive nature of the systems Wariinga is fighting against.
Political satire: The novel is also a political satire, which critiques the economic and political systems of post-colonial Kenya. This technique is used to expose the corruption and greed of those in power, and to highlight the injustices faced by the working class.
Symbolism: The book also uses symbolism to represent the struggles, the resistance, and the corruption of post-colonial Kenya.
Intertextuality: The novel also employs intertextuality, referencing various literary and cultural works, such as the Bible, and the use of proverbs, idiomatic expressions, and other literary devices.
The narrative techniques employed in the book are used to support the themes of the book and to create an immersive reading experience that is both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging.
