Gender perspectives and portrayal in Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s The River Between (1965)

Abstract

This study sought to investigate feminist viewpoint in Ngugi Wa Thiong'o’s The River Between. The novel explores the character of woman and further discusses Kenya's geographical history as well as the influence of British colonization through Muthoni. It also examines the novel's feminist elements, since the female characters are victims of African society's patriarchal system. Ngugi portrays women in in the novel from various dimensions thus a woman may be a mother, politician, socialist, educator, and family provider all at the same time. Ngugi depicts British colonization as the cause of the Kikuyu-Kenyan society's demise. The majority of his heroes are female and play important roles in the fight against tyranny and exploitation. To liberate themselves, they endeavor to shatter patriarchal obstacles and bring about reforms in their culture. Ngugi depicts the essence of a woman and illuminates the positive and bad characteristics of women in Kenyan culture. In the novel, Ngugi does not disregard the influence of colonialism on society in general and women in particular. Muthoni puts to light the predicament of women and the impoverished. The River Between therefore addresses the exploitation of African women based on race, class, and gender.