Swamp Dweller Kearlie Essay Example

place. Sudden floods devastate the crops and disrupt daily life. The inhabitants of the swamp are welcoming, offering cane brew in calabash cups. They suffer from fly sickness, which causes blindness. Festivities and drumming are intertwined in their existence. Cassava is used to feed sheep and goats. They believe in communicating greetings through drumming and rely on prophecy. Any attempt to reclaim the land from the swamp is seen as an act against their religion. Friends who reunite after a long season partake in drinking sessions. When the river is swollen, people are transported across by individuals like wazuri.

The belief in the infallibility of Kadiye, the priest of the serpent of the swamp, is held by the swamp dwellers who reside in southern Nigeria. Kadiye takes advantage of their belief to its fullest extent. The clash between tradition and modernity is depicted by Igwezu as he questions Kadiye and his methods. Rain signifies hope for the swamp dwellers as it brings new life to the land. The dual role of water as both creator and destroyer is evident in the lives of the swamp dwellers. The sudden arrival of swarming locusts leads to the destruction of crops. The Swamp Dwellers effectively incorporate contrast, parallelism, humor, and irony in a suitable manner.

Soyinka realistically highlights the challenges faced by the swamp dwellers in the play. These individuals are subject to the unpredictable forces of nature unless they reconcile tradition with modernity and adopt modern technology. This clash between tribal values and individual aspirations, traditional ways and contemporary influences, is present everywhere, demonstrating the epitome of corruption and personal desperation.

According to Jeff,

"The Swamp Dwellers" is a play that has various levels of significance and can appeal to a diverse range of people. It delves into the notion of family and extended family in African society, as well as confronts the conflict between traditional and modern societies. Moreover, it reflects on the disparities between urban city life and rural swamp life, implying that both have their own challenges. Soyinka examines dynamics present in universities, family systems, and overall culture.

The topic being discussed is not limited to Africa or any specific region; it occurs in every country worldwide. It is noteworthy that many of us in the play come from various parts of the world - the West Indies, the United States, and Canada - and can connect instances in the play to our own communities and societies. This is a collective experience: children being separated from their families and seeking new purpose in life, while the older generation struggles to cling onto what they know, even if they acknowledge it no longer serves them.

The question they face is this: What about Wole Soyinka, the author? Jeff believes that Soyinka goes beyond his home country of Nigeria and is recognized as the most famous African writer. Soyinka has a reputation for having diverse viewpoints on different matters. Notably, he supported Biafra during a recent tragedy around five or six years ago. Instead of aligning himself with a specific tribe, he identifies based on humanitarian principles and society's needs that transcend tribal divisions. Despite rumors of his death while in prison, he managed to smuggle out an official accusation from the government. Besides being a

poet, Soyinka also excels in playwriting, acting, and directing. He established his own theater company in Nigeria to showcase his plays. He received education from both the University of Ibadan and the University of Leeds in England. Additionally, he has taught at universities like Ibadan and Ife and served as a writer-in-residence at multiple American universities. One of Soyinka's notable works is The Swamp Dwellers, which explores issues within an extended family.

According to Artistic Director Jeff Henry, the play delves into various themes like tribal beliefs, fate, urban life, and religion. It acts as a contemplation on life itself and challenges the idea that things are always better elsewhere. The main character Igwem questions prevailing values and decides to leave for the city. However, he is confronted with greed, corruption, materialism, and a lack of humanity there. This leads to a series of unfortunate events. Ultimately, upon returning home, he realizes that his farm and house have suffered extensive damage from floods and rains - leaving him significantly poorer.

A blind beggar from North Nigeria visits Igwezu's village, only to find that he faces similar circumstances as those he left behind. The village is ruled by Kadiye, a corrupt pope who lives luxuriously while the masses suffer in poverty. According to a York University professor in Theatre, life is not a happy medium and we must strive to find balance and harmony with nature. In this world, there are no complete situations.