Skip to main content

An Analysis of Tomorrow's People: Scene 4

Tomorrow's People: Scene 4

Plot Overview

The scene opens with a restless and agitated tone as opposition youth are seen toys-toying, reflecting the political tensions in the country. Barnabas, the leader of the youth, states that the opposition is here to lead the "people of tomorrow." The scene emphasises the need for revolution as a solution to the country's political and economic challenges. Barnabas tries to persuade Yakhani to conform to party's views, but she remains assertive, showing her independence. The unresolved conflict between Barnabas and Yakhani hints at future confrontations in the play. Meanwhile, Yakhani's forbidden love with Nimrod, despite their political and tribal differences, illustrates love triumphing over adversity.

Themes

Corruption and Violence

The scene highlights corruption, political violence, and the impact of propaganda. The opposition youth express their disgust towards these vices through slogans and chants, positioning the opposition as a solution to the country's issues.

Revolution and Change

The need for revolution is explicitly expressed by Barnabas, who proclaims that the "nation needs nothing short" of a complete transformation to cleanse itself of corruption.

Individual Autonomy vs. Political Allegiance

Yakhani's defiance shows her understanding of personal rights and autonomy, especially in contrast to Barnabas' loyalty to the party. This conflict between individual freedom and political loyalty is a central theme.

Forbidden Love Amid Political Tensions

The relationship between Yakhani and Nimrod represents the theme of forbidden love. Despite their political and tribal differences, they continue their relationship, showcasing loves triumph over political ideologies.

Justice and Accountability

The repeated calls for the corrupt to be jailed emphasise the theme of justice. The youth believe that those who have abused power must be held accountable.

Youth as Agents of Change

The phrase "people of tomorrow" suggests a generational shift, highlighting the youth as the agents of change. It implies that the older generation of leaders is responsible of the nations's decay, and it is up to the younger generation to reverse it.

Characters

Barnabas

His name, an allusion drawn from the Bible, means "son of encouragement" or "son of consolation." As a youth leader, Barnabas is an influential figure, urging young people towards revolution and cleansing of the nation. His role as an enforcer of political ideology clashes with his attempt to woo Yakhani. He is far from the idealised person of "tomorrow" as he threatens Yakhani through the statement, "don't say you were not warned."

Yakhani

A symbol of individual autonomy, Yakhani is portrayed as assertive, rebellious  and aware of her personal rights. She resists Barnabas' advances and refuses to compromise her independence.Hher relationship with Nimrod, a member of the opposing political camp, illustrates her defiance of party expectations. 

Nimrod

Although not featured prominently in this scene, Nimrod's relationship with Yakhani is central to the theme of forbidden love. His political and tribal differences with Yakhani are key obstacles that they overcome through their love.

Youth 

They symbolise energy, ambition, and desire for a change. Their repeated slogans and political rhetoric - "Down with the looters and liars!" - reflects their strong opposition to corruption and desire to restore justice. 

Dramatic Action

The tension between Yakhani and Barnabas sets the stage for future conflicts. Barnabas' warning to Yakhani that she must "stop [her] nonsense" or risk harm foreshadows the violence to come. Yakhani's bold rejection of Barnabas' romanic advances shows her strength and resolve, contrasting sharply with his aggressive and authoritarian tactics.

Style

Political rhetoric

The scene is characterised by political sloganeering and repetitive phrases. These serve to establish group identity and unity among the youth who are determined to bring about a socio-political change.

Symbolism

  • Yakhani's defiance
It symbolises the conflict between individual rights and oppressive political systems.

  • Nimrod and Yakhani's love
This romantic relationship symbolises the ability of love to transcend political and tribal boundaries.

Irony

There is irony in Barnabas' role as an advocate for change, while his own tactics toward Yakhani are oppressive. Additionally, Yakhani, a member of the opposition resists aligning her personal life with political allegiance.

Word Play

The phrase "people of tomorrow" highlights the youth's role as future leaders, while also reflecting the struggle for new, progressive ideologies against older, retrogressive ones.

Tone

The scene is characterised by an agitated and confrontational tone. There is a slight tonal shift as Barnabas attempts romantic persuasion, only to be rebuffed by Yakhani, revealing a tone of tension and defiance. 



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

AN ANALYSIS OF THE POEM "EVERY STONE THAT TURNS..." BY BVUMA

The poem opens with an air of inner turmoil. The speaker expresses disappointment at the futility of his efforts to find happiness despite his all endeavours. The motif of "every stone that turns" symbolises the chapters, experiences and phases the speaker goes through in life, all of which expose him to danger or unpleasantness.  The poem presents a sense of meaninglessness. Futility is symbolised by "an abstract atlas," representing the intangible weight of unfulfilled aspirations. The speaker feels exposed and vulnerable, as suggested by the "neon ball atop Pearl House," which hints at a precarious, unstable state of existence. The image of "a pair of high-heeled shoes" signifies a figure, possibly Yeukai, walking the empty streets in search of something vital - be it food or emotional fulfilment. The word "pecks" suggests a futile, bird-like effort to find sustenance or help, while the "still streets" emphasise the a...

COMING OF THE DRY SEASON: SHADOWS ON THE WALL

 SHADOWS ON THE WALL The story begins with a motif of shadows. This device runs through the story. This establishes a gloomy atmosphere characterised by hopelessness and dejection of the child narrator. It also emphasises the neglect and emptiness the narrator is experiencing. Even in the presence of his parents, the child feels abandoned. The family is so dysfunctional that the child finds solace in the shadows instead of the real parents. The "wall" symbolises a barrier to freedom and happiness. It represents the depressing effects of the narrator's  parents' tempestuous relationship.  The narrator has lost sense of reality after failing to find love and protection from the parents especially from the father who is abusive and callous. The real world exposes the narrator to cruelty and abuse hence the fascination on the shadows.  Through their sitting location in the hut, a huge social distance between the father and the child is reflected. The father is sitting n...

More Screen Time

More Screen Time What do you like to watch on your screen? Movies, sitcoms or comedies? Many people enjoy spending their weekends sitting on sofas or lying in bed, watching their favourite TV or online programmes on their mobile phones or televisions. Fancy Documentaries? If you enjoy shows that tell true stories about wildlife, cities or anything people don't know much about, you might love documentaries. These shows are typically  informative ,   unless  they poorly researched. However, since documentaries involve a lot of narration, some people find them dull or less engaging. Many enjoy documentaries about animals and plants, but you can also find documentaries about popular destinations, like the White Temple in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand. The Famous White Temple - Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rain, Thailand Laughter is The Best Medicine! Some people, however, that documentaries don't help them relax as much as they would like, so they prefer watching comedie...