Three images were used in "The Black Hermit" to help bring out the theme for the story which centered on Nationalism and Tribalism. They are:
1) Jane, a comfort woman, depicted as an object of contentment, as Remi - the protagonist, found "contentment in the Jane, his new lover ..." in the city (emphasis on "the" is mine). Mark the use of the article "the" in reference to Jane. Thus, Jane was totally objectified, showing that she was not regarded as a person, but an object from which Remi derived sexual satisfaction in the city where he exiled himself from his tribe. The Jane is, therefore, an image of a woman, who provides sexual satisfaction. The Jane could have been any woman, provided she played her role to Remi.
2) Another image was the use of "Youth" as "a cloth that can wear away." It is true that youth is a passing age. It does not last forever. But, does youth wear away? Yes, actually it does. Like cloth, too much indulgence in youthful exuberances and "washing" of youthful age can lead it to "wear and tear." This warns our youth to be mindful of how they use their time. The beautiful, well-bottomed and breast-pointed lady soon becomes like a sexually unattractive and aged woman with shivering legs and sagging breasts.
3) The change of regime following independence from the colonial British empire was depicted as the tribally re-arranged marriage to Remi's late brother's wife, Thorni - a kind of change of baton. Similarly, as independence was demanded by Kenyan nationalists, this particular tribal re-marriage was required by tribalists. Remi would be handed leadership of the nation and a wife he did not love, thus depicting the inherent conflict between Nationalism and Tribalism. Where does one's loyalty lie? The tribal wife represents national leadership of the newly independent nation. Is leadership forced on people without their total consent and aspiration?
Explanation:
"The Black Hermit" was a play written by Ngugi wa Thiong’o, and first published in 1968. The Makerere College Students Dramatic Society at the Ugandan National Theatre first played out the play on November 1962.
The Black Hermit chronicled the conflicts faced by African nationalists who won independence from their colonial masters. African governments since independence have failed to solve the problems that confronted them. These included tribalism, land clashes, and inequalities.
All over Nigeria, for instance, after 60 years of independence, the country has not found its bearing. Every year there have been tribal wars and clashes. Those entrusted with political leadership are yet to grasp the enormity of their responsibilities. They actively play one citizen against the other, one tribe against the other, one religion against the other, and one political association against the other. Tribal racism is still rampant in social, economic, and political spheres. While they demonstrate against racism in the U.S., back home, they do everything to engender, promote, and sustain tribal, political, economic and religious racism, unmindful of the negative impact on their nations.
The play is divided into three parts: Act One, Act Two, and Act Three with three scenes each. The first and third acts occur in the countryside while the second one happened in the town.
The main character was Remi and the minor ones included Thoni, Nyobi, Omange, Pastor, Jane, and the elders.
