Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s Criticism of Neocolonialism and Its Portrayal in Petals of Blood and A Grain of Wheat

In his novels Petals of Blood and A Grain of Wheat, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o critiques the concept of neocolonialism, which refers to the new forms of exploitation and control that emerged after many African nations gained independence. While colonial powers officially left, Ngũgĩ argues, they left behind systems that continued to oppress African people.

Through his characters and narrative, Ngũgĩ illustrates how postcolonial governments often mirror the exploitative practices of their colonial predecessors. In Petals of Blood, he highlights the economic exploitation of African workers by multinational corporations, while A Grain of Wheat focuses on the betrayal of revolutionary ideals by those who gain power after independence.

Ngũgĩ’s portrayal of neocolonialism is both a critique of political and economic systems and a call to action. His work suggests that true independence cannot be achieved until African countries break free from the lingering influence of former colonizers and the global capitalist systems that continue to exploit their resources. This sharp criticism of neocolonialism has made Ngũgĩ’s work an important contribution to postcolonial studies and African political thought.