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An Analysis of The Tribe of Graves: Act 1, Scene 1 Zimsec Literature Notes

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The Tribe of Graves: Act 1, Scene 1

Introduction

Are you studying The Tribe of Graves for the  ZIMSEC A Level Literature exam or another exam? This guide is designed to help you understand the key elements of the play such as the plot, characters, themes and dramatic techniques. The guide aims to deepen your understanding of the play and bolster your literary skills for the exam.

Plot overview

The scene is set in pre-colonial Zimbabwe, before the arrival of the whites, the play opens with the King of the Rozvi people and his wife, Vahosi, in their bedroom. The King is restless, tossing and sweating in his sleep. Vahosi is concerned and asks him about his troubled sleep. The king reveals that he had had disturbing "enigma" but did not wake her up. He then reveals his dream. In the dream, his late father, his grandfather and some men were building a hut which was soon attacked by termites. Despite the advice to stop the termites by applying ashes, the grandfather ignored it, and the termites eventually caused the hut to collapse, trapping the men inside. The termites then consumed the men, turning them into zombies. The King was urged by his people to kill the termites, but overwhelmed by fear of harming his father, his grandfather and his men, he dropped his spear. As the dream continues, the King found his spear being eaten by termites. He was gripped by immense fear and ran to the shrines to consult the ancestors only to find the shrines destroyed. Vahosi interprets the dream as an omen, pointing to signs of looming disaster, but the King dismisses these concerns and expresses his confidence in the strength of the army and the powers of the herbalists within the Kingdom.

Setting

The scene is set in the King's palace, an African traditional hut in pre-colonial Zimbabwe. The serene, private atmosphere of the bedroom is juxtaposed against the King's inner turmoil, which hints at impending danger of being attacked by the Kingdom's enemies.

Themes

African Traditional Belief System

The play reflects the importance of African spirituality and ancestral guidance. Vahosi's belief in omens, spirit mediums and the overall influence of the ancestors reveals the supremacy of the belief system in the society.  However, the King's reluctance to embrace these traditions, despite their overwhelming prominence reflects his inner conflict and the tension between pragmatism and the spiritual realm. 

Monarchy and Power

The King's authority and his responsibilities are highlighted in the scene. His roles are anchored on political and spiritual leadership. This is revealed through the urging voices of his people, motivating him to take lead in killing the zombies. However, his reluctance to take heed of the omens and portents, coupled with his boastfulness about his abilities, indicate his insecurities as a leader. This reluctance also signals the impending erosion of the kingdom and its values.

Inner turmoil

The King's restlessness reflects his inner conflict and anxieties about his leadership. However, he is insincere as he hides his insecurities with false bravery claiming that the Kingdom is more than ready to face the enemies.

Superstition and Omens

Vahosi links the King's dream and the appearance of a lion that dies within the homestead to omens. She believes that the Kingdom is facing imminent danger.

Colonialism

There is a subtle foreshadowing of the arrival of white settlers, referred to as the "white spectres," hinted through the prophecies of Svikiro Gondo and the omens. 

Courage Vs. Cowardice

The King's hesitation to act in the dream shows his fears of confronting both personal and societal threats. Despite being reminded that he was given the threesome: a spear, gano, and the spotted hide of a full grown leopard, symbols of strength, the King hesitates to act swiftly until it is too late.

Character Analysis

The King

The King is portrayed as an anxious and restless leader. He is caught between superstition and pragmatism. Though he prides himself on logic and physical strength, his fear of spiritual omens and dreams highlights his inner weakness. He is dismissive of women's concerns as seen in his response to Vahosi's interpretation of the omens, yet he remains boastful, confident in his ability to lead and protect his people without spiritual guidance. His repetition of the word "women" suggests a dismissive and condescending attitude towards women, subtly bringing out the theme of misogyny.  However, his oscillation between the physical and the spiritual realms reveals that he is an insecure individual masked by a faced of bravado. 

Vahosi

She is calm and supportive. She represents the traditional role of a queen, but also a custodian of traditional beliefs and values, believing deeply in omens and spiritual signs. Despite her husband's dismissal, she firmly believes in the power of ancestral guidance and wanrs the King of the dangers he ignores. Her care for the King and her belief in tradition make her a strong and wise figure. Vahoma's concerns extend beyond her immediate family, encompassing the wellbeing of the entire kingdom, establishing her as a caring and selfless person. 

Dramatic  Techniques

Lengthy Speeches

The scene is characterised by lengthy speeches. This allows the characters to give key expository elements such as the belief system. The monologues also allow the characters to unveil their inner concerns, helping the audience to understand their intrapersonal conflicts, especially the King's hidden insecurities. 

Irony

It is ironic that the King, a powerful leader is plagued by restlessness and fear despite his outward confidence. This tension between appearance and reality foreshadows the wider tensions and concerns affecting the entire Kingdom.

Props

The spear and knobkerrie symbolise impending violence and the King's role as a warrior. The gradual destruction of the spear as it is devoured by the termites, suggests the King's weakening grip on power.

Tone and Atmosphere

The atmosphere starts serene, with the King and his wife in bed. However, it quickly becomes tense and fearful as the dream reveals the King's anxieties. The tone also shifts between boastfulness and uncertainty, particularly as the King dismisses Vahosi's concerns but later admits his own inner turmoil.

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