THE TIES THAT BIND CHAPTER 3
By Kosam Ndlovu
The chapter opens with contrasting tones. There is tension between optimism
and pessimism symbolised by “the solid black gate” that “reluctantly”
opens. The gate that opens reluctantly indicates hope for a better future
for characters particularly Lincoln and Chiedza. The element of pessimism is brought out through symbolism conveyed by the
“black” and “solid” nature of the gate. The black colour suggests
bleakness while the solid states denotes difficulties. This reflects the
emotional agony which Lincoln is going through as he contemplates the
prospect of having a romantic relationship with Chiedza. He regards his
health status as a stumbling block to this relationship which he
desperately needs. The gate that opens, albeit reluctantly, parallels the
bright future that lies ahead of Lincoln’s life. It heralds the era in his
life, unclouded by his gory past which keeps haunting him.
A sharp contrast is created between material plenitude and emotional
dearth. The description of various expensive cars serves to illustrate the
material wealth which Lincoln has acquired. This is juxtaposed with his
emotional inadequacy and failure to secure contentment and peace of mind.
The writer underscores the point that the abundance of material
possessions on its own is not sufficient to bring inner peace. This
discrepancy is also brought out through the image of food. Lincoln
recommends traditional food as being good for health but he has immense
emotional hunger deeply seated within him.
The incongruity between
Lincoln’s profession and his conduct depicts him as a deceitful person.
When Lincoln is prodded by Lucia about his reluctance, he says his work
is his woman. The same
Lincoln who argues vehemently in court against Fiona Kanda’s case, is seen
here telling lies about his feelings. It is only when he is alone that he
expresses his anguish and longing for a lover. A sense of suspense is
created when he continually avoids revealing what exactly prevents him
from getting married. The statement, “you two can never understand”
suggests that he has a deep seated secret which he is not yet ready to
divulge.
A sense of nostalgia is created through flashback. The picture of him and Anita that falls from the shelf
shifts his attention from the present to the past. This slows down the
pace of the plot at the same time emphasising Lincoln’s backward
orientation and retrogression. Lincoln is still stuck in his past love
life while the people he once got involved with have moved on to establish
their own families. The simile of the thoughts “slashing his heart like a
knife” highlights the feeling of regret and bitterness over his careless
behaviour sleeping with a prostitute that resulted in him contracting HIV
and eventually breaking up with Anita. The plot’s reverse movement is
contrasted with suspense which creates a forward thrust of the plot. The
plot thus moves backward and forward to reflect Lincoln’s thought
patterns. When the writer makes reference to a “stupid mistake” which
Lincoln made in the past without giving full details of it, he does not
only create a sense of regret over past actions but also generates
curiosity about this mistake.
Lincoln’s forgetfulness of Yolanda’s name, after sleeping with her
indicates his reckless behaviour that eventually cost him his dream lover
and almost shattered his dream of becoming a lawyer. His indulgence in
casual sex with a prostitute during his adolescent years bears serious
consequences in his life. The portrayal of Lincoln in this context
illustrates the dangers associated with the experimental stage of
adolescence.
The chapter thematises restlessness and turmoil. Lincoln is anxious that
Chiedza would not accept him because he is living with HIV. Readers
already know that Chiedza is HIV positive and is also worried that Lincoln
cannot have a relationship with her because of her positive HIV status.
The gap of knowledge in these characters has a humorous effect.
The constant pulling between between the past and the future generates an
element of uncertainty. Although Lincoln is tormented by his past mistake,
there is a forward-looking element that is brought out through his
yearning for a relationship with Chiedza. Through the stream of
consciousness, Lincoln asks himself whether the name cited on one of the
documents kept in his library refers to Chiedza whom he so baldy wishes to
be in love with or not. The use of the ellipses on the sentence “If only
Chiedza …” creates suspense that pushes the plot forward, generating
questions about what will eventually happen regarding Lincoln and
Chiedza’s quest for love.
It is at this point of uncertainty and helplessness that Chidavaenzi
introduces the concept of religion as a panacea to complex problems faced
by humans. The assuring words of God from the bible give Lincoln a glimmer
of hope that in future, his prayers will be answered.
The parallel plot about the pentagon bank mirrors Lincoln’s life. Lincoln
has no doubt that the bank is going to be liquidated given the
overwhelming evidence presented including a report written by Chiedza
Jacha. There is overwhelming evidence that his dream relationship will
become a success because his fears are not justified.
The chances that the
relationship will be a success is as certain as the possibility of the
liquidation of the Pentagon Bank; the only difference is that Lincoln does
not know that Chiedza is HIV positive and is also wrestling with the
feelings of love for him!
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