A thematic analysis of Mbuthia Muruthi's comic works

Abstract

This study brings to you an interesting study of Gikuyu contemporary comedy, in which we focus on a popular artist, Mbuthia Muruthi Mbuthia, a producer and an actor under the stage name 'Machangi ' has taken the Gikuyu language users and non -user's by storm through his series of fourteen comedies. This study set out to do a thematic and stylistic analysis of Mbuthia's comic works with an aim of identifying his role as a social commentator. The first chapter gives an introduction of comedy, outlines the statement of the problem under study as well as stating the objectives of the study, the theoretical framework, Literature review, methodology, scope and limits of the research. The second chapter gives a general overview of Mbuthia's works giving a synopsis of each episode. In the synopsis, the study gives a detailed and descriptive presentation of the plot of every episode. The third chapter gives a thematic analysi~ of Mbuthia's comic works. In this chapter, we highlight the themes that are at the centre of focus in these comedies. These themes include; Violence on women, Male chauvinism, Poverty, Infidelity in marriage and Child abuse. Through this study we have examined the social responsibility bestowed upon the artist by his society and the binary interdependence between the artist and his community. We have found out that the artist engages in pointing out certain vices that seem to hinder the development of his society. These include; corruption, girl child discrimination, domestic ??? violence and infidelity among others. Through the research we have also noted that Mbuthia draws his inspiration from the society and humorously makes it laugh in amusement at its own folly and weaknesses. We therefore welcome you to this inspirational examination into an artist exploration of his community using comedy, a genre of literature.