Theory question 103
Other Set Texts: African DramaLiterature 2, Section A. James Ngugi: The Black Hermit
Discuss the attempts of the Elders to bring Remi home and its significance.
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Remi has left the village for the city after refusing to inherit Thoni, his late brother's wife; the tribe needs him as its educated leader.
The Elders appeal to him through his mother and through messages, reminding him of his duty to the tribe.
They seek help from the medicine man and travel to the city with a charm/medicine to bring him back.
They plead with him in the city in the name of the tribe; Remi finally decides to return.
Significance: shows the strength of tribal loyalty and tradition; reveals Remi's inner conflict between personal freedom, Christianity and the tribe.
His return, however, leads to tragedy (Thoni's death), showing the cost of the clash between old and new.
Describe the attempts, then their significance.