The Role of Ritual and Ceremony in The River Between: Understanding the Cultural Significance of Kikuyu Traditions
Rituals and ceremonies are deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the Kikuyu community, and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o presents these practices as essential to understanding the community’s identity in The River Between. Traditional Kikuyu rituals, such as circumcision, marriage ceremonies, and spiritual rites, serve as a way to maintain and transmit cultural values from one generation to the next. These rituals are more than just cultural practices—they embody the values of community, family, and continuity.
Circumcision, in particular, is portrayed as a rite of passage in the novel. For the Kikuyu people, it is a deeply spiritual and communal event that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. However, as colonial influence grows, this practice, along with other traditions, faces criticism from missionaries and becomes a point of contention within the community. Some characters embrace the traditions wholeheartedly, seeing them as vital for maintaining their identity, while others, like Muthoni, question these practices, wanting to pursue education and Christianity.
Ngũgĩ uses these rituals to explore the tension between indigenous traditions and colonial values. While some characters strive to hold onto their cultural practices, others are drawn to the new ways of life introduced by colonialism. The novel shows that rituals are not just remnants of the past—they are vital for the community’s survival and identity in the face of external forces attempting to erase or transform them.
13. The Theme of Division and Unity in The River Between: How Ngũgĩ Depicts the Struggle Between Tradition and Change
In The River Between, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o masterfully explores the theme of division and unity as it pertains to the clash between tradition and change. The central conflict revolves around the Kikuyu community’s attempt to navigate the pressures of modernization, colonialism, and the introduction of Western ideologies, all of which threaten their cultural heritage. The river, as a physical and metaphorical symbol in the novel, serves to represent this divide between two opposing forces: the old ways of life and the new.
The younger generation, including Waiyaki, struggles to reconcile their traditional upbringing with the new ideas presented through education and Western influence. The community’s internal divide is also reflected in the differing opinions about the role of religion—specifically Christianity—and the cultural practices associated with Kikuyu spirituality. Waiyaki’s journey is emblematic of this division, as he seeks to integrate both worlds but faces opposition from those who cling strictly to one side or the other.
However, despite these divisions, Ngũgĩ also presents moments of potential unity. The characters who try to reconcile their indigenous practices with modern ideas demonstrate the possibility of bridging the gap. By emphasizing both the division caused by colonial pressures and the potential for unity through understanding and mutual respect, Ngũgĩ paints a hopeful vision of cultural continuity in the face of change.