A THEMATICX-RAY OF NGUGI WA THIONGO’S “DEVIL ON THE CROSS” : A PANACEA FOR TACKLING IDENTIFIED SOCIETAL ISSUES

Abstract

Ngugi has presented himself not as an individual but as a voice for the voiceless in society. The novel allows one to understand and fight against neo-colonialism and capitalism. This work thematically x-rayed among other things Corruption; Economic, Moral, and Political Corruption and Exploitation; Economic and Sexual exploitation. The novel portrays the class struggle between the poor and the rich. Ngugi elucidates the capitalist exploitative treatment against the poor. It depicts Wariinga as a poor girl who was a victim of sexual exploitation by bosses throughout the novel. Ngugi was deeply engulfed in the Mau Mau Uprising of Kenya. He is convinced that capitalism is a systematic robbery of peasants and workers by the elites and the capitalists. It is a robbery protected by the government on the one hand and religion on the other. Ngugi places two different classes in contrast; the preliterate (the peasants, students, and workers) and the exploiters (wealthy people, the elites, and the upper class) upon whom the destiny of the whole society depends. Through the character of Wariinga, who was exploited several times Ngugi clearly elucidates the Capitalism and imperialism that are prevailing in Kenyan society. Ngugi believes in a classless society where everybody will be treated equally.