The development and changing perspectives of education in Ngugi Wa Thiongo's

Abstract

This study is an analysis of the development of the theme of education in several of Ngugi wa Thiongo's literary works. It looks into the various changes of the author's perspectives to the subject of education that are evident in his recurrent treatment of this theme. The river between and .weep not Child have been chosen to represent his attitude to end the early phase of his writing career, while a grain of wheat and petals of blood represent the second phase. Devil on the cross has been Looked at as a representation of the author's most recent statement on the function of education in an independent African nation. Mention of his essays is made in reference to their relevance on the literary works and the theme of education. The study situates the authors literary works in a social historical context. In this respect we trace the author's interest in the theme of education in close relation to his society's historical and social attachment to it. The texts handled here can broadly be viewed as representative of Ngugi's pursuit of his society's determination to address themselves to key issues affecting them. His perspectives are seen to be influenced directly by his society and by his social and academic background. The prominent changes evident in the author's treatment of the theme of education, are of great significance. This study highlights that the development of this theme is a conscious and deliberate attempt by the author to relate the issues of education to the problem of a fast developing independent African state. Consequently the need to resolve some of these issues is raised here. The author's development of his concern for social issues has been a key factor in influencing his attitude towards education. Although this study is not a final statement on education in Ngugi's fiction, it is hoped we have made a significant contribution towards scholarship on one of Africa's greatest literary artists.