Theory question 102
Other Set Texts: African DramaLiterature 2, Section A. James Ngugi: The Black Hermit
Discuss the use of irony in the play.
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Remi, the 'black hermit', runs from the tribe to the city to be free, yet he is lonely and unsettled there: his escape fails.
He refuses to inherit Thoni as tribal custom demands, but on his return he finds he loves her: when he comes back she is already dead.
Thoni waits faithfully for Remi, but kills herself when she hears he is rejecting her; his return brings death, not joy.
The elders and Nyobi hope his return will save the tribe, but it ends in tragedy.
Jane hopes to marry Remi, while the audience knows he will leave her (dramatic irony).
Remi plans to lead the people politically and reform them, but his own actions destroy the people closest to him.
Conclusion: the irony underlines the conflict between tradition and modernity.
Explain each ironic situation and its effect.