cosmoenglishhub

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 wh...

THE TIES THAT BIND CHAPTER 2 By Kosam Ndlovu The second chapter of the text The Ties that Bind focuses on thematising mainly poverty, among other issues. Abject poverty affects many a youngster, making it impossible for them to reach their potential. through flashback, the difficult life Jackie experienced as a child is highlighted. The writer employs a Biblical allusion to illustrate the challenges youngsters encounter while growing up in poverty stricken families and communities. Reference is made to the story of Daniel who was thrown into the lion’s den following his adamant attitude of praying to God, contrary to the decree of king Darius the Medes. However, Daniel is miraculously saved from being eaten by the lions. This allusion demonstrates how difficult it is for the youths to find focus and direction within an environment that is not supportive as a result of poverty and orphanhood. The intervention of the Masosa family in the social and educational life of Jackie demonstra...

THE TIES THAT BIND CHAPTER 1 By Kosam Ndlovu The first chapter of the text The Ties That Bind is expository in nature. The major characters as well as the major themes are highlighted for further exploration in the subsequent chapters. Through the use of suspense and foreshadowing, the reader is kept spellbound by the fascinating multi-plotting presented in this introductory chapter. Told from the third person omniscient perspective, the reader has a panoramic view of the entire scope of the issues that are brought out physically and through the thinking processes of the characters. Jacqueline is portrayed as an individual with authority and confidence. The onomatopoeic   clanking sound of her shoes emphasises her self-assertive character with regards to her professionalism in conducting her duties as a law practitioner and her personality. The foregrounding of Jackie (Jacqueline) as a confident law practitioner, hints on her prudence and keen judgement of character which becom...

The character of Getrude is a product of a society that thrives on degrading women and treating them as second class citizens. Getrude represents women who are desperate. These women are driven by desperation to devise ways of survival within a system characterised by toxic masculinity and patriarchy. For many a woman, marriage is a far fetched dream. The societal expectations regarding a woman who qualifies to be in a marriage are just too high, or perhaps too low to make marriage attractive to women. The cost of getting married involves forfeiting educational endeavours, depriving oneself of personal pleasurable activities such as smoking, drinking and choosing what one wants to wear. The marriage institution represents a hindrance in a woman’s life. It is for this and other reasons that Getrude jettisons the idea of getting married albeit subjecting herself to a life of desperation. The description of Getrude as a “nice” woman is based on her acceptance of the position ...

The poem Poetry with a Mission is a sequel to the poem Youthful Vignettes  both from a thematic and stylistic point of view. The progressive nature of composing poetry is brought out through a series of extended metaphors which create vivid images. Composing poems is an arduous exercise requiring hard work and perseverance. The elementary skills expressed in a crude manner are captured by the metaphor of a "crayon." Naiveté and childlikeness associated with lack of experience come out clearly through the associations connected with the object, crayon. Crayons are associated with infancy as young children, when being introduced to writing use crayons. The stage of using crayons has no permanence hence the expression written in crayon "melts quite fast". Once started, the process of writing poems becomes developmental. The poet employs a reassuring tone as he communicates with the budding poets encouraging them not to be discouraged by the immature expressions o...

Hatibu is a foil to Tajeer his father. He contrasts with his father in his approach to the way he relates with the members of the community. He represents the relatively most rational business tycoons. However, he is far from being perfect as he sometimes acts out of the influence of ulterior motives. Be that as it may, he plays a major role by augmenting the traits of the other characters in the text, especially the character of Tajeer. When he visits Kibichi at his homestead, he devotes his time carefully explaining the purpose of their visit. This indicates that he believes in dialogue. His argument is valid in the sense that he is backed by the law that gives his family the right of ownership of the land. However, no matter how legally justified he is, the fact remains that he lacks consideration of the native villagers. He takes advantage of the corrupt, incompetent and unsympathetic government. Thus Hatibu can be regarded as insincere and an opportunist. Hatibu comes...

Tajeer is presented as a subject of ridicule, thanks to his role in the play  A HOLE INTHE SKY.   As a dynamic character, the audience is left with ambivalent feelings after watching the play. His ill-health doesn't generate pity since to many members of the audience, it comes as a payback for his evil deeds meted out to the poor villagers. It is his change of character towards the end of the play which makes the audience sympathise with him. By sending his men to evict Kibichi's family, Tajeer emerges as an inconsiderate character. He completely turns a deaf ear to the plea of the villagers as they request to be left alone in their ancestral land. Tajeer's greed blinds him to see the desperation that is likely to be experienced by the villagers if they are removed from their native land. For example, he erects a building directly on the stream thus blocking it completely. The villagers who reside downstream fail to obtain water as the stream is the only source of wate...