Table of Contents

An Analysis of The Tribe of Graves By Basil Diki: Act 1 Scene 2 

Plot Overview

The scene opens with the celebration of a wedding, with the couple seated on a mat as guests present gifts, share snuff, and ululate in joy.  The festive atmosphere is heightened by the rhythm of drums, and people compete to outdo each other in dancing. A remarkable unnamed young female dancer dominates the stage, leaving many young men too tired to keep up with her. Suddenly, the herdboy interrupts the merriment, rushing in to stop the drummers. He brings terrifying news of the arrival of Europeans, who he describes as "ghosts." Mushore, a staunch believer in traditions, interprets this as divine punishment for the lenient punishment given to Chikwete's son for committing bestiality. There's is a debate on how to respond, with Wedenga suggesting hiding from the Europeans while Zindonga and the herdboy refuse, considering it cowardice. Duri arrives to the homestead and dismisses the narrative about the ghosts as stupid, but later reveals that he has seen the whites. He suggests sending Svikiro Gondo, a tribal medium, to meet the whites. However, this leads to a heated argument among the elders. The scene ends with Duri and Mushore agreeing to meet the King despite Duri continuing criticising the established hierarchical leadership consisting of chiefs and the King as well as the spirit mediums.

Setting

The scene is set in an open space under a tree symbolising the freedom and peace enjoyed by the village people. However, this peaceful setting changes suddenly with the arrival of the herdboy bearing the news about the whites. This news signals a dangerous intrusion by external elements leading to an impending conflict. Eventually, this setting becomes a symbol of vulnerability forcing the villagers to disperse into their compounds for safety.

Characters

Herdboy

The herdboy is the bearer of the disturbing news about the arrival of the whites. Despite his fear, he displays audacity and determination as he contradicts the elders and refuses to be silent and to go home. He is a defiant character and insists that his age does not diminish his role in the society especially that his mother has appointed him to be the head of the family following his father's death, presenting himself as a mature and responsible individual. He feels entitled to contribute to the serious matters affecting the community as he confidently states that following his father's death, his mother appointed him to be the head of the family.

Wedenga

Wedenga is calm and compassionate as seen when he gently comforts the herdboy. He is a steadfast custodian of the traditions and beliefs of the society. His pious nature is evident in his belief in traditional prophecies, interpreting the arrival of the whites as a fulfilment of Svikiro Gondo's predictions. He is fearful and superstitious of angering the spirits which leads him to advocate for hiding from the "ghosts." However, he is regarded as a coward by other characters especially Duri who challenges him to strike him with his spear. In response, his timid and submissive nature comes out vividly as he lowers his head and later, as he is driven out of the arena by an enraged Duri, stumbles and falls in fear as he leaves.

Mushore

Mushore is a staunch believer in traditional values. He is convinced that the arrival of the whites is a result of divine punishment. His faith in ancestral spirits leads him to advocate for performing rituals to appease the spirits. However, he is a gullible character as he quickly begins to express disbelief about the mediums after Duri's explanation, making him a dynamic character. 

Zindonga

Zindonga is a bold and defiant young man. He challenges the status quo and refuses to hide from the whites, viewing it as cowardice. He has a courageous and rebellious spirit as he advocates for change and openly criticises the established leadership of their repeated mistakes. Zindonga represents the voice of the younger generation who are determined to break free from the conservative traditions of the elders and usher in progressive reforms. His determination and outspokenness positions him as a driving force for reform, earning positive comments from the elders who see potential in him. 

Duri

He is a disillusioned and skeptical character. Duri openly criticises the tribal leadership and rejects the authority and prophecies of mediums. He boldly challenges the status quo, questioning the credibility of Sviriko Gondo and advocating for more rational solutions. Duri is a confrontational character as seen when he has an altercation with Wedenga and threatens him with his axe, showing his boldness and impatience. His doubt of the abilities of mediums portrays him as a realistic and progressive character.

Chitekwe's Son

Chitekwe's son is a moral outcast in the community due to his act of bestiality which he commits with a dog, for which he received a minimal punishment. His offence is symbolic of the society's moral decay, which some believe has angered the spirit.

Themes

African traditional Beliefs

The play examines the tension between belief in spiritual forces and practical solutions. The characters' reliance on rituals, mediums, and prophecies reflects the importance of tradition in guiding decisions.

The Monarchy System

The hierarchy of power, with the king at the top, is central to the play. Traditional leadership is respected, and decisions are often deferred to the chief and king. However, the generational conflict reveals dissatisfaction with this structure.

Generational Conflict

The scene explores the conflict between the elders and the youth regarding decision-making. The elders believe in maintaining traditional power structures, while the younger characters, like Zindonga and the herdboy, argue for more involvement in leadership and a rejection of outdated practices.

Arrival of the Whites

The herdboy's report of the whites's arrival introduces an external threat that the characters interpret though the lens of their belief systems. Dramatic irony plays a key role as the audience knows the "ghosts" are actually Europeans, while the characters believe they are supernatural beings.

Preservation of Legacy

Some characters like Mushore and others are concerned with preserving the traditions and legacy passed down through generations. The play explores the importance of upholding the values but also questions whether they are still relevant in the face of new challenges. In this scene, Duri and Zindonga lead in questioning the credibility of mediums as well as the decision making capabilites of the monarch.

Gender Roles

The play reinforces traditional gender roles, particularly in the protection of women. Men are expected to shield women from danger and women are largely kept out of leadership or decision making despite proving their strength as is seen when an unnamed young lady outperforms the young man. However, women are regarded as weak and cowards. This is brought out when Duri confronts Wedenga, challenging him to fight him. When Wedenga does not take up the challenge, Duri calls him a coward and a woman.

Techniques

Dramatic irony

The audience is aware that the "ghosts" are actually white settlers, which creates dramatic irony as the characters interpret their arrival as a supernatural event.

Props

Spears and axes serve as symbols of violence and conflict, representing the underlying tensions between the villagers and the incoming whites. They also symbolise the readiness of the village to defend its territory should intruders threaten.

Atmosphere and Tone

The atmosphere shifts from joy and celebration to tension and fear with the arrival of the herdboy's news. This tonal shift reflects the larger themes of impending conflict and the disruption of the established traditional life.

Confrontation and Conflict

The scene is rife with conflict, both between individuals such as Duri and Wedenga and between generations. This tension mirrors the larger societal struggle over how to respond to the arrival of the whites and the challenge they pose to the society as a whole.