The Narrator

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o uses both third-person and first-person narration to tell the story. These different perspectives help to weave together the lives of multiple characters while also involving the reader in Kenya's journey to independence.

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Third-Person Narration

📌 Definition: The narrator is not a character in the story but describes what the characters do, think, and feel.

• Recognisable by the use of "he" and "she".
• Provides a broad view of events and allows the reader to see multiple characters' thoughts and experiences.
• Example (Chapter 1):
  • "Mugo felt nervous. He was lying on his back and looking at the roof. Sooty locks hung from the fern and grass thatch and all pointed at his heart."
  • Here, we see Mugo's emotions and surroundings through an external observer.

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First-Person Narration

📌 Definition: The story is told from the point of view of a character, using "I" or "we".

• Used to show personal experiences and create a stronger connection between the reader and the characters.
• Helps the reader feel like they are part of the community.
• Example (Chapter 14):
  • "We hoped that Mugo would come out and join us ..."
  • The use of "we" makes the reader feel included in the community's expectations and emotions.

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✅ Key Takeaways

• Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o switches between third-person and first-person narration to provide a deep understanding of the characters while also immersing the reader in Kenya's collective experience.
• Third-person narration provides an objective view of multiple characters.
• First-person narration makes the reader feel emotionally connected to the story.