Theory question 101
Other Set Texts: African DramaLiterature 2, Section A: African Drama. James Ngugi: The Black Hermit
Discuss the significance of the supernatural in The Black Hermit.
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Introduction: the play shows a village community whose life is ruled by belief in gods, spirits, curses and medicine.
Deaths and misfortunes (such as the death of Remi's brother) are explained by the villagers as the work of gods or a curse.
Remi's flight to the city, his refusal of Thoni and his abandoning of the tribe are seen by the elders as unnatural and caused by evil forces.
The elders turn to the medicine man and take a charm/medicine to the city to draw Remi back to the tribe.
Significance: it shows the strength of tradition and the clash between tribal belief, Christianity (the Pastor, Nyobi) and Remi's modern outlook.
It also drives the plot: the elders' journey to the city and Remi's return.
Conclusion: the supernatural reflects the community's world view and deepens the conflict between old and new.
Give examples from the play and say what each shows.