Subaltern in Contemporary African Fiction in Ngugi Wa Thiong'o's Wizard of the Crow

Abstract

This paper investigates oppression, exploitation, denigration and dehumanization of the poor masses (the proletariat) in a given Africa society as explored in Ngugi Wa Thiong'o's Wizard of the Crow. Writings regarding the situation of the masses and the challenges they go through due to bad governance have become alarming and worrisome issues that need urgent attention for redress. The novelist as a social crusader in this instance, wants to, inspire social positive changes through exposing the atrocities of the leaders in the form of oppression, suppression, dehumanization and neglect of the subaltern in African societies. This paper therefore, subjects the novel to textual analysis and highlights the cases of dominance, inequalities and authoritarian governance which reduces human dignity and survival in a society bereft of peaceful living and recognition of basic human rights. The theoretical anchor for this work is Marxism which helps to expose the struggles of the masses for a better society in their efforts to lighten the pains of victimization and denials. The novelist thus, advocates honesty, good governance and integrity in leadership.