He has always accepted his position to be subordinate p. 12 . Evenwhen he has four wives and sixteen children while his brother has only one wife and twochildren he remains humble p.12 . When Ole Kaelo returns to Nasila, he humblyexpects that Kaelo will take up his role as the eldest brother p.12 When Kaelo getsenraged after he Simiren relays elders concerns to him Kaelo on their stand onpolygamy, he does not argue with his brother p.13 . 34HospitableHe jovially welcomes the Kaelo s; his brother s family, back home from Nakuru wherethey have stayed for around thirty years. Traditional ConservativeHe represents his brother during ritual and practices such as girls initiation, boys circumcision etc. P.11, 12 .The novelist uses Simiren to show the positive aspects of the Maa culture. Humility,generosity, responsibility and hospitality are emphasized. He makes it possible forKaelo to have a smooth transition to Nasila before and during the migration. Yeiyo-BotorrShe is the first wife of Simiren, and aunt to Taiyo and Resian. She is accorded moreroles in the family and has an obligation of leading the co-wives. In Simiren s house, sheis the eldest wife of the four wives. Conservative SuperstitiousShe thinks of Resian as a mad girl when she speaks ill about the lazy Olarinkoi. Shecannot bear an argument about female freedom and assertiveness P.77 . She believesResian has a bad spirit because she is not circumcised p.78 .Yeiyo-botorr is used bythe novelist to lay ground for polygamy in a Maa family. She is used to show cohesion ina traditional polygamous family. ResponsibleShe introduces the other women to visitors p.16 .SincereWhen she finds Taiyo and Resian doing house chores she genuinely praises them p.76 .Soin Ole SupeyoHe is a respected elder of Ilmolelian clan, a longtime friend to Ole Kaelo as well as hismentor. HonestHe honestly tells Ole Kaelo how much corrupt Oloisudori is and warns him sarcastically35against him p.26 .


Shecannot bear an argument about female freedom and assertiveness P.77 . She believesResian has a bad spirit because she is not circumcised p.78 .Yeiyo-botorr is used bythe novelist to lay ground for polygamy in a Maa family. She is used to show cohesion ina traditional polygamous family. ResponsibleShe introduces the other women to visitors p.16 .SincereWhen she finds Taiyo and Resian doing house chores she genuinely praises them p.76 .Soin Ole SupeyoHe is a respected elder of Ilmolelian clan, a longtime friend to Ole Kaelo as well as hismentor. HonestHe honestly tells Ole Kaelo how much corrupt Oloisudori is and warns him sarcastically35against him p.26 . He advises Kaelo to be careful with Oloisudori p.26 . He also warnsKaelo against Oloisudori s immoral behavior by telling him to ensure he keeps hisdaughters away from him p.26 .SarcasticHe uses sarcastic remarks on Kaelo aiming at hurting him. Supeyo said, scornful smiletwisting his lips. P.26 Emakererei Minik ene NkoitoiShe is a doctor of veterinary science, manager of a big ranch and a crusader againstFGM. She is the mentor to Taiyo and Resian. She is the manager of a ranch and aveterinary expert. BoldThough she is hated very much in Nasila, she champions freedom of females andcrusades against F.G.M and early marriages p.62. She boldly tells Oloisudori that noneof the girls would leave the ranch p.283 . She looks boldly into Oloisudori s eyes p.283 .She visits Ole Supeyo s homestead to persuade him not to circumcise hisdaughter p.22 .She orders Oloisudori to leave the ranch for his own safety and thesafety of his expensive machines p.283 . She refuse to comply with his demand to begiven either Resian or Taiyo. AuthoritativeShe orders the driver to take delivery notes to the office p.254 . Resian observes that Dr.Minik Nkoitoi has an authoritative aura like of a principal in a high school p.259 .


She looks boldly into Oloisudori s eyes p.283 .She visits Ole Supeyo s homestead to persuade him not to circumcise hisdaughter p.22 .She orders Oloisudori to leave the ranch for his own safety and thesafety of his expensive machines p.283 . She refuse to comply with his demand to begiven either Resian or Taiyo. AuthoritativeShe orders the driver to take delivery notes to the office p.254 . Resian observes that Dr.Minik Nkoitoi has an authoritative aura like of a principal in a high school p.259 . Sheauthoritatively makes it clear that Oloisudori and his group did not have a right toreceive any invitation letter to the party p.282 .She advises Oloisudori to leave theranch in an angry tone p.283 .Generous HelpfulShe helps Resian and Taiyo get admission letters to Egerton University. She givesResian a house and a job in the Ranch and saves Taiyo from her circumcisers. Sheholds a party for the two girls before they go to the university p.280 .Educated liberatedMama Milanoi says she had gone to Makerere University in Uganda p.61 . She36manages a vast ranch which requires a lot of expertise. Loving WarmShe holds Resian on her shoulder and speaks to her calmly p.259 . She chooses toaddress Nabaru instead of Resian directly. P.262 . She develops a warm relationshipwith Resian p.267 .ConvincingShe convinces Nabaru that FGM is wasteful to females and Nabaru changes herposition towards FGM p.263 .SympatheticShe feels sad when she sees a traumatized girl; she feels bitter bile sizzle inside herselfand burn in her heart p.269 .CourteousThe narrator comments about her courteous character when she calls the girls for theadmission letters p.279 .Minik is important to the novel for she is the agent of education, female empowermentas well as crusader of women freedom. Without her, the novelist cannot address thecentral issue of FGM in the novel.


P.262 . She develops a warm relationshipwith Resian p.267 .ConvincingShe convinces Nabaru that FGM is wasteful to females and Nabaru changes herposition towards FGM p.263 .SympatheticShe feels sad when she sees a traumatized girl; she feels bitter bile sizzle inside herselfand burn in her heart p.269 .CourteousThe narrator comments about her courteous character when she calls the girls for theadmission letters p.279 .Minik is important to the novel for she is the agent of education, female empowermentas well as crusader of women freedom. Without her, the novelist cannot address thecentral issue of FGM in the novel. The last section of the novel takes place at the ranchand therefore she contributes significantly to plot development. Edward Oloisudori LoonkiyaaHe is a close friend to Ole Kaelo and a jack of all trades. ImmoralSupeyo warns Kaelo to keep his daughters away from him terming him as a randy hegoat. His initial plan was to extort Kaelo but on noticing the two girls he changes hismind. P.112 . Resian certainly felt the fingers of his lifted hand graze the fullness of herbreast p.93 . While in Kaelo s house, Oloisudori s eyes drop from face to Resian sbosom p.203 . Kaelo is advised to keep off his daughters from him. CunningHe brings gifts to the girls without telling them he is also paying their dowry p.179 . Heentices Resian and Taiyo s parents by taking them for a visit in his own homestead p. 37186 . Ole Kaelo had even earlier reported to Oloisudori that girls are reporting at theUniversity but instead he plans to marry them p.187 . He ensnares Taiyo and Resianlike antelopes p.192 . He schemes a plan of grabbing Resian to be his wife p.200 .CorruptSupeyo states clearly that Oloisudori s corrupt nature is known by everybody in Nasila. Joseph refers to him as a monster p.100 . He also describes him as a shadowy figure p.100 and extortionist p.101 .


He ensnares Taiyo and Resianlike antelopes p.192 . He schemes a plan of grabbing Resian to be his wife p.200 .CorruptSupeyo states clearly that Oloisudori s corrupt nature is known by everybody in Nasila. Joseph refers to him as a monster p.100 . He also describes him as a shadowy figure p.100 and extortionist p.101 . He takes part in hunting elephants and rhinos p.236 .AuthoritativeHe authoritatively asks where Kaelo is p.92 . He authoritatively states that Resian is hiswife p.204 and that only death can part them p.204 .Cynical SarcasticHe tells Kaelo, that he is interested in his girl, Resian and his friend is interested in Taiyobluntly p.110 .He instructs that only Resian should cook for him and three guests p.69 . He tells Kaelo, I would like to relieve you of your two daughters p.110 .SadisticWhen Resian tells him off he laughs sadistically. P.205 . Resian tells Oloisudori that heis stark mad for thinking she is her wife. In response to this, Oloisudori laughs softly. This shows he derives pleasure from her displeasure. Oloisudori is essential in the novel for he helps in creation of the theme of materialism greed. The author uses him to create irony as a stylistic device. Joseph ParmuatHe is a teacher in primary school and trainer of Taiyo and Resian on traditional dances. He is in love with Taiyo but traditions restrain the relationship. BoldHe openly tells Taiyo and Resian that he will join them to fight FGM even when theenvironment is not friendly p.88 . He describes himself as a fish that had jumped out ofwater on verge of death This is when his relationship with Taiyo inclines to intimacy p.136 . 38DependableMama Milanoi corrects Kaelo s thinking by informing him that Joseph is the finest anddependable young man of Nasila p.48 .She does not disappoint Taiyo s parents p.132 .LovingOn meeting Taiyo, he falls in love with her.


The author uses him to create irony as a stylistic device. Joseph ParmuatHe is a teacher in primary school and trainer of Taiyo and Resian on traditional dances. He is in love with Taiyo but traditions restrain the relationship. BoldHe openly tells Taiyo and Resian that he will join them to fight FGM even when theenvironment is not friendly p.88 . He describes himself as a fish that had jumped out ofwater on verge of death This is when his relationship with Taiyo inclines to intimacy p.136 . 38DependableMama Milanoi corrects Kaelo s thinking by informing him that Joseph is the finest anddependable young man of Nasila p.48 .She does not disappoint Taiyo s parents p.132 .LovingOn meeting Taiyo, he falls in love with her. He promises to visit her the following dayand also coach her on traditional dance if allowed by Taiyo s father. CautiousIn dealing with Kaelo s two girls, he is cautious of Nasila culture and respects hisparents. P.122 . He is alert so that with Taiyo they do not begin a clandestinerelationship p.123 . He fears the condition of Intoiye nemengalana in the girls. Hecautiously weighs whether to fall in love with Taiyo and break his cultural law p.137 .He fears that the uncircumcised Taiyo may be wild and untamable. ResponsibleWhile dealing with Taiyo he always ensures that Resian is available p.124 . He followsKaelo closely to ensure the old man was safe during the errands of pursuing his girls molesters p.159 . He helps in the rescue of Taiyo from her circumcisers although hedies by being speared to death in the process. Intelligent InformedHe observes that Maa culture has already shed off some traditional practices likethrowing of the dead and the dying to hyenas, abandoning very old and terminally illpeople to animals. P.128 . He observes how Nasila culture is violent once itssensibilities are violated p.132 .PatrioticAlthough there is a strong wave of marrying Taiyo who is uncircumcised, he sticks tohis culture. He strongly feels that Nasila culture was the father and mother thatnurtured. P.137 . In this case he views the culture as that which nourishes themembers of the community.


He observes how Nasila culture is violent once itssensibilities are violated p.132 .PatrioticAlthough there is a strong wave of marrying Taiyo who is uncircumcised, he sticks tohis culture. He strongly feels that Nasila culture was the father and mother thatnurtured. P.137 . In this case he views the culture as that which nourishes themembers of the community. He resolves to decline her love p.136 . 39EducatedIn his house shelves are neatly packed with books. P.131 . He is a primary schoolteacher in Maasai land, an area with low education index. Joseph Parmuat s role is important in the novel. The novelist uses him to anchor thetheme of culture. He also helps in the emancipation of women through his sacrificetowards Taiyo s education. Old Ole MusankaHe is the old man who leads in blessing ceremony of Kaelo s during the homecomingceremony. ReligiousHe leads in blessings of the religious section of the Kaelo s homecoming function p.51 .He blesses Taiyo and prophetically says she will be a mother of the next leader ofNasila p.52 .WiseHe uses proverbs in his conversations. He describes Kaelo as a tiny strand of hair thathad been blown to show the insignificance of Kaelo compared to Maa culture p.51 .He interprets Maa culture to the crowd p.52 . Home is Maa, Home is Nasila, home isfamily and home is children p.52 .ConservativeHe warns Taiyo and Resian not to follow the teachings of Emakererei. He cursesEmakererei the wasp, may she go down with the setting sun! P.52 .Ole Musanka is animportant character in reinforcing the theme of religion as well as culture. His age andposition as an elder as well as a prophet make him stand a better position in religionand culture. He also signals future and hope in Taiyo through his prophecy. PatrioticHe advises Maa elders to cut loose the strings of alien culture from Ole Kaelo p.52 . 40OlarinkoiHe is the young Maasai man who stays at Kaelo s home.


His age andposition as an elder as well as a prophet make him stand a better position in religionand culture. He also signals future and hope in Taiyo through his prophecy. PatrioticHe advises Maa elders to cut loose the strings of alien culture from Ole Kaelo p.52 . 40OlarinkoiHe is the young Maasai man who stays at Kaelo s home. He is a suspicious characterand through him the novelist employs suspense. IntrudingHe intrudes into the affairs of the girls while in the house of Ole Kaelo p.74 . He is notknown by the Kaelo s yet he keeps coming to Kaelo s house. IndifferentHe directs his attention to the girl s parents and not the girls p.75 . While escaping withResian, they travel for a very long distance in silence p.127 .LazyHe is always dozing off at the sitting room or idling somewhere else p.77 . He does notbathe and stinks terribly p.240 .SecretiveHe occasionally brings bundles of food to Kaelo s P.79 . He knows the prophesy whichstates that he should marry Resian and keeps quiet about it as he waits for theopportune time. ProtectiveHe protects Resian from committing suicide after her father beats her and denies her achance to go for University studies p.210 . He rescues the girls from molestation bytwo young menMysteriousJoseph says Olarinkoi is a mystery p.80 and only four men know about him. But thefour always contradict in their facts about him p.81 .For example one says that hecomes from Polonga, 200 kilometers from Nasila p.80 .AbusiveHe uses caustic language p.211 . He uses very abusive language on Resian even aftershe is emotionally unstable p.217 . He calls Nabaru a filthy woman for escaping withResian p.249 .Rough Violent41On the day he abducts Resian, he goes drinking and comes late in the night kicking thedoor roughly p.221 .Beastly bitterHe rapes Resian while drunk p.221 . He promises to do something nasty to Nabaru incase she returns after taking Resian to the ranch. P.249 .


He calls Nabaru a filthy woman for escaping withResian p.249 .Rough Violent41On the day he abducts Resian, he goes drinking and comes late in the night kicking thedoor roughly p.221 .Beastly bitterHe rapes Resian while drunk p.221 . He promises to do something nasty to Nabaru incase she returns after taking Resian to the ranch. P.249 . He strongly believes thatNabaru and Resian will be followed by a curse p.249 .Olarinkoi is important as far as suspense is concerned. The author uses him to createsuspense. He is used in the development of F.G.M as a theme as well as exploring thetheme of violence. NabaruShe is the old woman who takes care of Resian after she regains her consciousnessafter the rape ordeal done by Olarinkoi. Caring HelpfulShe encourages and cares for Resian until she regains her health p.225 . She promisesto give Resian account of what transpired when she lost her memory p.231 . She is theenkabaani who informs Resian of great secrets and even the prophecy p.232 . Shesaves the life of Resian. P.236 . She also becomes her confidant p.237 so that thetwo share a great deal. BoldShe travels a long distance in a rough terrain at night to search for a lorry to ferry Resianto the ranch p.253 .Independent mindedShe thinks it is none of enkoiboni s business to want to circumcise Resian while herparents were still alive p.238 . Her role is vital in showing the possibility of a femalehelping a fellow female in overcoming challenges of FGM. The author uses her todevelop dialogue as a major stylistic device in the novel. Olarinkoi s MotherShe is the old woman prophetess enkoiboni42ScaryShe looks like a witch and has ill motives p.227 . She has a single, red rimmed eye thatresembled a monster which is partly stone and partly human p.227 .Cynical WickedShe shows mockery and disregard to Resian. She abuses her for biting her son s thumb. She calls her names for being uncircumcised. She says Resian is not yet a womanbecause she is not circumcised p.228 .


She has a single, red rimmed eye thatresembled a monster which is partly stone and partly human p.227 .Cynical WickedShe shows mockery and disregard to Resian. She abuses her for biting her son s thumb. She calls her names for being uncircumcised. She says Resian is not yet a womanbecause she is not circumcised p.228 . She shamelessly uncovers Resian s stomach tocheck whether she is pregnant p.235 .SarcasticShe remarks sarcastically, We have been trying to feed you from your bed with a silverspoon. This is not true for Resian was always treated roughly by the witch. P.228 . Shelaughs sarcastically. She mocks her for her father has money p.228 .ContemptuousShe has contempt for the rich corrupt people in the society p.236 . She feels politicalleaders and wealthy people in the country are responsible for the unequal distribution ofresources. In the novel, she represents women who are responsible for being stumbling blocks totheir fellow women in the society. She is used by the writer to bring out the theme ofwomen as enemies of themselves. Lebutu Lorry DriverMeekHe politely asks for more work from Dr. Minik p.254 . On their way to the ranch he usespolite language to address the two ladies. He is contrasted with the other driver whodrives a pick up earlier in the novel carrying Olarinkoi. 43CHAPTER THREETHEMESThemes are issues that are consistent in a creative work. They are sub categories orsub topics of the subject matter or the main idea in a work of art. They constitute theentire message the writer wishes to put across to his or her readers. Therefore, themesare the messages put across by a writer in a work of art. There are major and minorthemes. Major themes cut across the text and are the main ideas the writer intends topass to the readers. Minor themes are minor ideas which are still important in the text. POSITIVE NASILIAN CULTURE TRADITIONSCulture refers to the customs, habits and behaviors that characterize a society s,community s or nation s way of life. On the other hand, traditions form part of theculture of a people and are handed down from one generation to the next. Positive aspects of culture in Nasila are important in holding people together. There aremany aspects of Nasilian culture which are positive.


Minor themes are minor ideas which are still important in the text. POSITIVE NASILIAN CULTURE TRADITIONSCulture refers to the customs, habits and behaviors that characterize a society s,community s or nation s way of life. On the other hand, traditions form part of theculture of a people and are handed down from one generation to the next. Positive aspects of culture in Nasila are important in holding people together. There aremany aspects of Nasilian culture which are positive. The songs the young people andchildren sing during Ole Kaelo s homecoming ceremony attest to the rich Maa culture. The narrator says, From the children s performance, it was evident that the cherishedNasilian traditional dance would stand the test of time. P.44 . The writer says that theparty was full of pomp and gaiety. This is brought out by jewelry won by the guests suchas ivory, beads, coloured lesos, kangas and shukas p.47 , all attesting to the richcultural heritage of the Maa. Generosity as a virtue is seen in Simiren who invites allthose present in the party to savor his brother s lavish hospitality p.46 . Food anddrinks are served in generous measures to all those present p.47 . Ole Musanka, anelder who blesses Ole Kaelo s home, glorifies Maa s culture saying that it was the bloodand marrow that gave sustenance to the body p.51 . According to him, home is Maa,Nasila, family and children p.52 . His only problem is that he supports FGM, a culturalpractice that does not assist women in any way. When Resian and Taiyo go to stay at their uncle s place for some time, they witnesssome positive aspects of communal life and unity at their uncle s home. We are told44that, Life and work in that home was communal. Although each mother had her ownhouse and cooked her own food, all grown up daughters helped each one of them p.148 . There is well laid down chain of command with the first wife being the deputyto their uncle. There are hardly any disagreements and virtues of selflessness andsharing are emphasized p.149 . When Ole Kaelo s daughters are assaulted by two men,the communal way of life comes in handy. All Ilmolelian men join him in pursuing themen and meting punishment on them.


There are hardly any disagreements and virtues of selflessness andsharing are emphasized p.149 . When Ole Kaelo s daughters are assaulted by two men,the communal way of life comes in handy. All Ilmolelian men join him in pursuing themen and meting punishment on them. He is not left alone to deal with the matter. During Ole Kaelo s homecoming ceremony, young men and women from the clan worktogether to make the day successful. Ole Kaelo is touched after discovering thatbrotherhood, honour and selflessness still existed in Nasila and this makes him swearthat he would never abandon the culture of his people or live outside his clan p.40 .Nasila culture clearly defined relationships. The founder had intended that the culturewould regulate the lives of the people It charted out the way for everyone, from cradleto the grave. It defined relationships, it created laws that governed the ownership ofproperty and settled disputes. It did not discriminate, it did not favour anyone over theother, it gave everyone a chance to live a full life; it protected everyone within itsconfines and provided cleansing procedures for those who defiled it. It was simply acherished way of life for all the Maa people p.118 .Mama Milanoi appreciates Nasila culture which spares her nephew from death. She began to see the wisdom of the Maa founder who ensured that justice was alwaystempered with mercy p.163 . According to Nasila culture, if a man sought refugebetween the legs of an old man, he was to be spared despite the crime committed p.162 . Anybody who violates cultural values of Nasila culture is faced with laid downpunishment. Both Ntara Muyo and Lante who had attempted to rape Resian and Taiyoare forced to pay fines to the girls and their father and somehow, justice is done. Thetwo boys had been fined two heifers each and Ntara Muyo an extra heifer to coverthe shame that he had occasioned by accosting his own sister p.164 . Mama Milanoialso reminisces the old aspect of her culture which gave room for mass action in casesomebody misbehaved and went against the expected conduct. A case in point iswhere an old man got infatuated by a girl of fourteen years.


Both Ntara Muyo and Lante who had attempted to rape Resian and Taiyoare forced to pay fines to the girls and their father and somehow, justice is done. Thetwo boys had been fined two heifers each and Ntara Muyo an extra heifer to coverthe shame that he had occasioned by accosting his own sister p.164 . Mama Milanoialso reminisces the old aspect of her culture which gave room for mass action in casesomebody misbehaved and went against the expected conduct. A case in point iswhere an old man got infatuated by a girl of fourteen years. When women realized it,45they attacked the man, stripped him naked and beat him up to death. That served as adetractor to any other man who would harbor such intentions. Mama Milanoi wonderswhere such good aspects of Nasila culture had gone for they would shield her daughterfrom being forced to marry an old man like Oloisudori pp.115-117 .A girl was always protected from men with evil intentions. Girls were kept away frommale visitors in their homes and there was hardly any interaction between fathers anddaughters p.175 . The rich Maa culture has different types of love. There is elangatarewhere boys did anything possible to win girls admiration p.124 . The elangatare loveincluded feats by boys such as killing lions and defending people and their cattle fromtheir enemies. There is also patureishi type of love where a girl and a boy were allowedto have a love affair alongside the conventional love. Such boys were the darlings of thegirls and a song of praise would be composed by the girlfriend in praise of the valorousdeeds of her boyfriend pp.124-125 . This relationship ended in marriage after amarriage ceremony. On the other hand, the patureishi did not end in marriage. It wasmeant to check the conduct and behavior of young people and keep them disciplined p.126 .NEGATIVE CULTURE TRADITIONSNegative aspects of culture in Nasila are strongly opposed by the young generation. Tothem, such practices should be shunned because they have outlived their usefulness ina society that is slowly but surely embracing modernity and civilization. Female Genital Mutilation F.G.M is an outdated cultural practice that has no standingin the changing Nasila.


On the other hand, the patureishi did not end in marriage. It wasmeant to check the conduct and behavior of young people and keep them disciplined p.126 .NEGATIVE CULTURE TRADITIONSNegative aspects of culture in Nasila are strongly opposed by the young generation. Tothem, such practices should be shunned because they have outlived their usefulness ina society that is slowly but surely embracing modernity and civilization. Female Genital Mutilation F.G.M is an outdated cultural practice that has no standingin the changing Nasila. To those that support it, it is meant to tame a wild gender just ascattle that require to be dehorned p.22 . When it was discovered several years back, itwas to find a lasting solution to the exploitation of the Maa women by the Ilarinkonwarriors. That gave birth to enkamuratani the female circumciser . And herOlmurunya was shaped, sharpened and handed to her p.87 .Mama Milanoi alsoaffirms the origin of this cultural practice saying, It was the shame and anger that wasprovoked by Ilarinkon taunts, lewd teasing and provocative posturing that made the46women do what they did to curtail those desires the worthless predators exploited toprey upon them p.90 .Resian is very much opposed to this retrogressive practice. She says, I would rather livein the noisiest place on earth, than live anywhere near a vagabond who would accostme with the intention of mutilating my sexuality p.33 . At this early point, she makesher stand clear that she is opposed to the practice that disfigures and damages femalesexuality. She is bitter and has pain in her heart due to threats of undergoing F.G.M. Theolmurunya, the instrument used to conduct is scary. The writer reveals that it was abladelike tool shaped like a smoothing plane blade and the enkamuratani showed theway she went about her profession of transforming young girls into young womenthrough the cut of olmurunya p.58 . She wonders what the use of F.G.M in today swoman is p.90 . She observes that the practice is being fueled by men who use it tocontinue oppressing women.


The writer reveals that it was abladelike tool shaped like a smoothing plane blade and the enkamuratani showed theway she went about her profession of transforming young girls into young womenthrough the cut of olmurunya p.58 . She wonders what the use of F.G.M in today swoman is p.90 . She observes that the practice is being fueled by men who use it tocontinue oppressing women. One of their ways of oppressing us is to demand thatF.G.M be perpetuated against us forever p.91 . The enkoiboni, mother to Olarinkoi tellsResian, As soon as we clip that erogenous salacity from you that destroys homes, youwill become a respected woman p.229 . This was not the original reason why F.G.Mwas invented but the practice has been maintained to purportedly keep women faithful. F.G.M is so highly regarded that no girl would get married before getting circumcised. Such a girl was derogatorily referred to as entaapai and her family was not sparedridicule. To make matters worse, if she got pregnant, she would be circumcised at birthand married off to the oldest man in the village p.63 . According to enkoiboni, nomother would want an uncircumcised girl as a wife for her son p.235 .This wouldprevent any other girl from doing such a thing. Circumcising the girl at birth is painful,dehumanizing and traumatizing. Joseph Parmuat opines that negative aspects ofculture such as throwing the dead and the dying to hyenas or abandoning the old andvery sick in deserted homesteads to be eaten by wild animals have already beenexpunged from Nasila culture p.128 . Resian is optimistic that soon, Nasila culturewould do away with F.G.M as a cultural practice. Minik cites horrible and outdatedcultural practice such as emuata that forced young brides to wear heavy copper aroundtheir limbs, legs, arms to make them beautiful and which had been discarded hence47freeing women from pain. She opines that even girl child circumcision should bediscarded for it has outlived its usefulness p.263 .Sexism refers to preference given to either the male or the female gender child. It is anoutdated tradition that is still embraced by individuals such as Ole Kaelo.


Minik cites horrible and outdatedcultural practice such as emuata that forced young brides to wear heavy copper aroundtheir limbs, legs, arms to make them beautiful and which had been discarded hence47freeing women from pain. She opines that even girl child circumcision should bediscarded for it has outlived its usefulness p.263 .Sexism refers to preference given to either the male or the female gender child. It is anoutdated tradition that is still embraced by individuals such as Ole Kaelo. We are toldthat he wanted at least three boys but instead gets two girls. This shows his preferencefor boys. When his wife gets pregnant again, he hopes for a boy who would carry hisname to the next generation but instead, he gets a girl that he lives to loathe p.10, 174 .The communal way of life in Nasila and clanship system also has negative effects. Itsmajor negative effect is that it offered no privacy to those who needed it. Taiyo andResian realize that in Nasila, home belonged to all members of the clan. We are told Itwas not an unusual thing to get up in the morning to find the living room full of men andwomen who came that early to share a sumptuous breakfast with their kith and kin p.35 . Some intrude their homes even without being invited 65 . Although they adjustto such a negative aspect of culture, it still remains a bad aspect of culture for itinterferes with their privacy. Taiyo is unhappy with the tradition that disallows marriage of young people from thesame clan, however remotely related they are. According to Nasila culture, if suchpeople married, there would be untold consequences p.49 . Taiyo finds this as a gross unfairness of the outdated culture and a searing torment to her and to allothers who were of progressive minds p.56 . Joseph fears going against that traditionbecause he would be castigated and punished for doing such a thing. He would also beforced to pay cattle to Ole Kaelo as compensation and undergo a demeaning cleansingceremony as well as a public rebuke p.123 . On the contrary, according to Taiyo, cultureand traditions are never static but are dynamic in that culture shades off aspects thatbecome irrelevant with time p.127 .


Joseph fears going against that traditionbecause he would be castigated and punished for doing such a thing. He would also beforced to pay cattle to Ole Kaelo as compensation and undergo a demeaning cleansingceremony as well as a public rebuke p.123 . On the contrary, according to Taiyo, cultureand traditions are never static but are dynamic in that culture shades off aspects thatbecome irrelevant with time p.127 . She cites F.G.M and the clan system that preventspeople from the same clan from marrying p.128 . She observes that such practicesshould have disappeared at the turn of the last century p.128 .Another aspect of culture that Resian and Taiyo condemn is the practice of bookingunborn baby girls p.129 . This denies women a chance to choose their marriage48partners based on love but not what is dictated upon them by their parents. Apart frombooking unborn baby girls, young women are also subjected to early marriages. Resianand Taiyo are the best cases in point. Ole Kaelo forces Resian to marry Oloisudori, hisbusiness friend against her expectations. She undergoes several challenges in order toovercome this plan. When she escapes from Oloisudori s net, she is subjected toanother forced marriage to Olarinkoi but she also escapes it. Taiyo is also not sparedthe practice. She is forcefully circumcised in order to be handed over to Oloisudori as awife, although she is rescued by Minik. ALIENATIONAlienation is becoming a stranger to what one initially belonged to or being isolatedfrom others. Alienation in the novel, Blossoms of the Savannah is as a result ofembracing new culture. Ole Kaelo and his family have lived for thirty years in Nakuru where he has brought uphis daughters until his retrenchment. This has alienated him from many culturalpractices which he comes across with once he returns to Nasila. During his absencefrom Nasila, it was his brother Simiren who represented him in the Ilmolelian clan insacred rituals such as girls initiation p.11 .


As a result of not having circumcised his daughters, Ole Kaelo isderogatively called the father of Intoiye Nemengalana. Ole Kaelo has also alienated himself from his culture by marrying only one wife whilethe community allows polygamy. He is likened to a mono-eyed giant who stood on legsof straw p.13 . He is in constant clash with the Nasila culture which if he adhered to; hewould not give his daughters to an old man like Oloisudori. For instance, cultureprohibits girls meeting with male visitors but he insists that Resian should serveOloisudori and his friend during his visit p.175 .Both Resian and Taiyo clash with FGM tradition, forced early marriages and coachingabout Nasila culture. Resian is very rebellious of FGM and forced marriage to Oloisudori. 50She also rejects cultural coaching saying, I refuse to be taught to solely please malecounterparts p.77-78 . Resian and Taiyo have lost touch with Nasila culture as a resultof being brought up in the city of Nakuru and being educated. They don t know the typesof love that exist in the rich cultural heritage of their community. Resian asks JosephParmuat whether patureishi really exists p.127 showing her ignorance about thematter. Taiyo s modern cultural values clashes with traditional Nasila culture. She fallsin love with Joseph who is of her clan, a thing not allowed in the Nasilian culture. Shedoes not care about her disregard of such a cultural restriction arguing she cannot careabout a primitive culture which also violates her right to marry anybody she falls in lovewith p.133 .The positive aspects of Nasila culture are under threat from the imposing modernculture. The writer puts that this culture, was no more and just Nasila River has beenpolluted by chemicals, by the likes of Oloisudori. It had become mutable and now itcontained defiant mutants that it could not regulate and which were above Nasila laws p.118 . Mama Milanoi admits that her daughters were operating under a differentculture from hers. She says they, knew very little of Nasila culture. They were childrenof a new undefined culture. Theirs was a mutant of another kind p.118 .Education is one of the causes of alienation.


She says they, knew very little of Nasila culture. They were childrenof a new undefined culture. Theirs was a mutant of another kind p.118 .Education is one of the causes of alienation. The Kaelo s, for instance, want theirdaughters educated but at the same time are wary of the influence of education onthem. We are told that the sons of Nasila who got educated got alienated and hardlycame back home p.150 . There is a clash between formal education, which is anaspect of modern culture, with traditional Nasilian culture. This clash makes Nasilaculture to be grappling with the changes education brought. These changes,according to the narrator, were threatening an explosion in the not too distant future pp.150-151 .CULTURAL CONFLICTSeveral characters undergo cultural conflict or dilemma in the novel as a result ofencountering and embracing the modern culture. Nasila culture, which is part of thelarger Maa culture, is also in crisis as a result of clashing with modernity. 51Mama Milanoi, wife to Ole Kaelo, is at cultural crossroads. She is in dilemma as far asthe question of FGM is concerned. She understands the danger she would expose herdaughters in Nasila where there are both positive and negative cultural practices andwishes she could shield them and protect them p.30 . She knows this would not bepossible because Nasila people were very intolerant of those who ignored theircherished cultural sensibilities p.30 . She knows that she is in breach of Nasilatraditions by not having circumcised her daughters by then p.60 . While back in Nakuruand before her husband s retrenchment, Mama Milanoi admits that FGM was a nonissue in the family for She had regarded the practice as an archaic rite that had beendiscarded and forgotten. But there it was now, rearing its ugly head and threatening towreak havoc in the young innocent lives of her daughters p.63 .Mama Milanoi is torn between yielding her daughters to the barbaric culture and losingtheir faith, love and confidence and going against Nasila culture and becoming an alienin the clan. She fears doing anything that would wrong her husband and hence choosesto tread carefully around the matter.


While back in Nakuruand before her husband s retrenchment, Mama Milanoi admits that FGM was a nonissue in the family for She had regarded the practice as an archaic rite that had beendiscarded and forgotten. But there it was now, rearing its ugly head and threatening towreak havoc in the young innocent lives of her daughters p.63 .Mama Milanoi is torn between yielding her daughters to the barbaric culture and losingtheir faith, love and confidence and going against Nasila culture and becoming an alienin the clan. She fears doing anything that would wrong her husband and hence choosesto tread carefully around the matter. She comes out as a weak woman who shies fromdeclaring her stand on Nasila culture when she meekly tells her husband, Our culture iseverything and its rules, our lives p.61 . Her dutiful role of a faithful and obedient wifeto Ole Kaelo comes before her duty to her daughters hence chooses to obey his edicts. She wishes to join forces with the likes of Minik or Emakererei, and fight againstpractices like FGM but then fears for her marriage, If she aligned herself with a personwho Nasila regarded as having such an obnoxious reputation, where would her marriagestand? P.62 . She even wonders whether as a family, they are traditionalists ormodernists especially by embracing retrogressive cultural values p.62 .Joseph is faced with cultural conflict when he falls in love with Taiyo who is from hisclan. His culture does not allow such a union and hence he is torn between loyalty tothat culture or love for Taiyo. He asks himself several questions that reveal this crisis. Did he have to abandon Nasila culture in exchange of a woman who sneered at itstenets? He considered running away from Nasila and its culture but that left a sour tastein his mouth. P.137 . He finally opts to stick by Nasila culture arguing that it was toovaluable to be abandoned in exchange of a woman s love. He finally resolves this52conflict by declining Taiyo s love p.137 .Ole Kaelo s alienation from his culture and embracing a culture that was neither modernnor traditional creates internal conflict in him. He is torn between marrying his daughterResian to Oloisudori or turning down his request, thereby losing his business.


He finally opts to stick by Nasila culture arguing that it was toovaluable to be abandoned in exchange of a woman s love. He finally resolves this52conflict by declining Taiyo s love p.137 .Ole Kaelo s alienation from his culture and embracing a culture that was neither modernnor traditional creates internal conflict in him. He is torn between marrying his daughterResian to Oloisudori or turning down his request, thereby losing his business. He keepswondering what sort of a man Oloisudori is and at some point, he has to assure himselfthat he is a morally upright man so that he can marry his daughter to him p.194 .FEMALE ASSERTIVENESSAt the centre of fighting retrogressive cultural practices is Resian, Taiyo and Minik eneNkoitoi who is commonly called Emakererei. Both Resian and Taiyo resist F.GM and do all they can to fight the outmoded practice. Resian says she would not live anywhere near a man who would want to mutilate hersexuality while Taiyo says she would only be mutilated if only she were dead p.33 . Thisdeclaration sets the mood and tone in the rest of the novel where the girls fight variousindividuals that try to force them in taking a path they do not wish. Resian resists beingcircumcised by force in a dream by fighting the enkamuratani and the enkoiboni pp.244-254 . She tells Minik that she had heard of her relentless fight against F.G.M andunderage marriage p.262 . Her stand is that girl child circumcision should disappearfrom Maa language and regarded extinct and that Intoiye Nemengalana uncircumcisedgirl should stop being derogatory p.263 . Minik is bitter and angry about the continuedpractice of F.G.M at a time she believes the rite has stopped being useful to women. She blames the practice on the neo-culture of wealth which was dampening the fightagainst such outdated practices. Her take is that there was need to plan newstrategies to battle the new monster that was rearing its ugly head p.269 . Resian hasa different way out of the problem. She believes that if all women said no to thedetestable culture, men would do nothing about it pp.277-278 .


Her take is that there was need to plan newstrategies to battle the new monster that was rearing its ugly head p.269 . Resian hasa different way out of the problem. She believes that if all women said no to thedetestable culture, men would do nothing about it pp.277-278 . Women who haveundergone F.G.M such as Minik and Nabaru agree that they are not different humanbeings hence downplaying its importance. Resian is opposed to cultural coaching by Joseph Parmuat. Her father observes thatthough they may find some cultural demands detestable, it is such practices that53nurtured and bound their people together p.71 . To Resian, the coaching is worthlessand she says that if they were sons, they would not be subjected to cultural coaching. She says, I refuse to be taught. I will either be taught at the university what isuniversally beneficial to all mankind or be taught nothing p.73 . She is opposed toinformal education to girls meant to please men saying, I refuse to be taught to solelyplease male counterparts. They can also cook, and they can, and should also learn toplease us females p.77 . She is described as someone who knows her rights by hermother and that she would not allow anyone trample on them p.118 . Later, sheaccepts to be coached but only after Joseph introduces interesting topics such asthose of love. When Taiyo falls in love with Joseph, she does not care about what others or the culturesays about it. She boldly tells Joseph, No, I don t care about the oppressive Nasilaculture. Why should I care about violating the backward culture when it does not carewhen it violates my own rights? P.133 . She says this despite knowing very well thather culture does not allow inter-clan marriage. She assertively tells Joseph she does notcare about her culture s position on the matter when he tells her they cannot marry p.134 . She is ready to defend her love for Joseph including eloping with him to joinothers who share with her neo-cultural persuasion. The two girls are ready to fight and resist forced marriages and Oloisudori s advanceson them. They plan and succeed in returning the gifts that he had brought them saying, Woe to him if he thought she was a chattel to be secured by the content of a briefcase! P.198 .


She assertively tells Joseph she does notcare about her culture s position on the matter when he tells her they cannot marry p.134 . She is ready to defend her love for Joseph including eloping with him to joinothers who share with her neo-cultural persuasion. The two girls are ready to fight and resist forced marriages and Oloisudori s advanceson them. They plan and succeed in returning the gifts that he had brought them saying, Woe to him if he thought she was a chattel to be secured by the content of a briefcase! P.198 . She flatly rejects Oloisudori s plans to marry her saying, You are stark mad ifyou think I am your wife. I can only be your wife over my dead body p.204 . She boldlytells her father that she would rather die than get married to a monster p.209 . WhenResian is abducted by Olarinkoi, she continues in her fighting and resisting spirit. Thewritersays, OlarinkoiandhisdemonicmothermayphysicallytakehertoTanzania take her as his wife physically circumcise her, but mentally she was going toresist She was going to refuse to be subdued she was going to physically resist p.230 . 54The song by the girls from Intapuka-e-Maa during Taiyo s and Resian s farewell party isfull of female assertion. They say they are proud to be uncircumcised and that theywould be doctors, teachers and engineers and would build the nation together with men p.281 . This is a song of hope and optimism hence revealing a generation of youngpeople that are not ready to be daunted by retrogressive cultural practices. MORAL DECADENCEDespite the rich cultural setting of the novel, there are many cases of immoral conductor behavior that falls short of the morals of any society. This can be largely attributed tothe clash or encounter between the traditional culture and modern culture. Many evilsare perpetrated by Oloisudori and other characters with warped morality. Oloisudori is totally morally decayed. He engages in all sorts of vices in order to amasswealth. He is corrupt, immoral, an extortionist, a smuggler, a poacher, a blackmailer, athug and even a killer p.101, 236 .


Many evilsare perpetrated by Oloisudori and other characters with warped morality. Oloisudori is totally morally decayed. He engages in all sorts of vices in order to amasswealth. He is corrupt, immoral, an extortionist, a smuggler, a poacher, a blackmailer, athug and even a killer p.101, 236 . He is also suspected by Ole Kaelo to belong to thecult of ilmasonik, a cult that thrived on extortion and blackmail p.107 . These vices,allegedly associated with him, point at his moral deficiency. When Ole Kaelo asks his friend Supeyo if Oloisudori is a man of integrity, he replies, Don t trust him any further than you would a hyena in your homestead keep the fellowaway from your daughters p.26 . When Oloisudori meets Resian for the first time, hisamorous character is evident. He openly scans her body p.92 and cranes his neck towatch her p.95 . In his presence, Resian is uncomfortable for she felt from his looks asif her blouse was unbuttoned p.96 . She also feels as if he was caressing her entirebody with his hands against her will p.96 . He tells Ole Kaelo his intention to marry hisdaughter very callously and as if he was talking about a goat or a sheep p.110 . In hisfirst visit to Ole Kaelo s home, he took a long time washing his hands as he gloatinglypeered at her p.179 . He has no shame taking the hand of Resian and kissing itwithout her consent. He looks at her in a sexually suggestive manner his gazedeliberately dropped from her face to her bosom and lingered there p.203 . This isbefore he drops the bombshell; which is marrying her and making her the happiestwoman in East Africa. He shamelessly tells Kaelo of his intention to circumcise Resian55before marrying her. Ole Kaelo regards such talks as very abnormal between a father-inlaw and a would be son-in-law.


This isbefore he drops the bombshell; which is marrying her and making her the happiestwoman in East Africa. He shamelessly tells Kaelo of his intention to circumcise Resian55before marrying her. Ole Kaelo regards such talks as very abnormal between a father-inlaw and a would be son-in-law. From such immoral talk, Ole Kaelo believes that theworld had come to an end p.112 .Apart from Oloisudori, there are many other morally rotten characters in the novel suchas Olarinkoi warriors, Olarinkoi, and enkoiboni. The Olarinkoi warriors, who subdued theMaa for long, are morally rotten. They forced the Maa women to compose lewd songswhich they had to perform in the most outrageous and indecent postures and styles p.86 . They took advantage of the compromising situation of the Maa women to exploitthem sexually knowing that they were not able to resist their natural instinctivedesires p.86 .Taiyo and Resian s near rape by two men as they come from their father s shop inNasila points at moral decay in Nasila. P.140 . This incident causes the girls mentaltorture. Some of these deeds are done to them because they are uncircumcised. Olarinkoi is also immoral. He abuses Resian by telling her: Today we shall see howeducated your body is p.221 . This is before physically assaulting and raping her aftershe passes out. The foul language that enkoiboni, the mother to Olarinkoi, addresses Resian with is fullof moral rottenness. Her language is full of abuses and bitterness. Enkabaani, Resian snurse does not support enkoiboni s foul language and urges Resian to ignore her. Shedoes not respect Resian s privacy when she feels her stomach with her hands to checkwhether she was pregnant. All this time, Resian seethed with anger at the blatantintrusion of her privacy and total disregard for her feelings p.235 .BETRAYALBetrayal is breaking of the trust that existed between individuals before. The greatestbetrayal in the novel is that of Ole Kaelo to his daughters.


Shedoes not respect Resian s privacy when she feels her stomach with her hands to checkwhether she was pregnant. All this time, Resian seethed with anger at the blatantintrusion of her privacy and total disregard for her feelings p.235 .BETRAYALBetrayal is breaking of the trust that existed between individuals before. The greatestbetrayal in the novel is that of Ole Kaelo to his daughters. On page one, we are told thatOle Kaelo refused to allow his daughter Taiyo to travel to Mombasa with other youngmen and women selected by an FM radio station for a music extravaganza pp.1-2 . Herefused to allow her saying that no daughter of his would so demean herself and herfamily as to perform in public in exchange of monetary gain p.45 . To him that would56be like engaging in harlotry. In addition, he betrays his daughters ambitions to joinEgerton University preferring instead to marry them off to Oloisudori, a very rich man. This shows he is not ready to help them realize their dreams as a father should do. Ole Kaelo has betrayed Resian in many ways. He has not loved her as he should fromher birth. We are told that From the moment she was born, mute and helpless, hedetested her p.10 . This has contributed to Resian growing up sullen, bewilderedand resentful p.10 . He is biased in his treating of the two daughters for he does notlove her as he loves Taiyo. Taiyo admits this emotional betrayal: For reasons she didnot understand, she had always found their father strangely and harshly impatienttowards Resian p.34 . However, she knew that he despised her ever since she wasyoung p.173 . Ole Kaelo is strongly hateful and unappreciative of her: he wonderedwhere in the world they fetched that awkward, overblown, stupid child And the verylook in her eyes, half-fearful, half-defiant and wholly troubled, was always enough toraise his temper to the highest pitch p.41 . He also abuses her at the slightestprovocation. He tells her: While Taiyo works herself to the bone, she lazes about like anover-fed lizard in the hot afternoon sun! P.64 .


Ole Kaelo is strongly hateful and unappreciative of her: he wonderedwhere in the world they fetched that awkward, overblown, stupid child And the verylook in her eyes, half-fearful, half-defiant and wholly troubled, was always enough toraise his temper to the highest pitch p.41 . He also abuses her at the slightestprovocation. He tells her: While Taiyo works herself to the bone, she lazes about like anover-fed lizard in the hot afternoon sun! P.64 . He goes on Look at the way youslouch I ll not be surprised if you soon become a hunchback p.64 . Even her motherfails Resian for we are told: Even stranger was their mother s failure to come toResian s defense. It was as if her motherly instincts could not extend her protectivewings to cover Resian. Seeing her parents betrayal of her sister, Taiyo takes over tocomfort Resian and reassure her when hurt especially by her father. Her role in Resian slife is very important because she relies on her to make requests to their father on herbehalf for she cannot approach him directly. The case in point is her quest to joinuniversity which she keeps pestering Taiyo to ask their father to do on her behalf. Aparent that cannot communicate with his child has definitely failed in his parentalresponsibility. Ole Kaelo and Oloisudori mercilessly hatch a plan to abduct Resian and marry her offwithout her consent if she does not cooperate. The plan is If she declined, he wouldleave it at that until the evening when his men would pounce on her and abduct her p.191 . After such a heinous plan, The three of them roared with rich laughter 57 p.192 . He is even ready to have her circumcised so that she can get married to a manshe does not even love. Mama Milanoi is not blameless because she is inwardlyopposed to the abduction plan; but does not speak out to condemn such a wicked plan. When Oloisudori reveals his plan to marry Resian, it dawned on her that her father hadalready sold her p.204 . This greatly shocks her because she never thought that herfather could go to the extent of selling her p.205 .


He is even ready to have her circumcised so that she can get married to a manshe does not even love. Mama Milanoi is not blameless because she is inwardlyopposed to the abduction plan; but does not speak out to condemn such a wicked plan. When Oloisudori reveals his plan to marry Resian, it dawned on her that her father hadalready sold her p.204 . This greatly shocks her because she never thought that herfather could go to the extent of selling her p.205 . He confirms the plan to marry her offto his friend Oloisudori and also shatters Resian s dream of enrolling as a student atEgerton University. He tells her: I thought about it alright, but decided that I am notsending you there! P.207 . This discovery makes her cry, accusing her father of hatredand betrayal by betrothing her to Oloisudori p.208 . Resian does not absolve hermother from blame for she believes she also failed her p.230 especially due to hersilence when all those plans against her were being devised. She reasons that hermother should not have been silent when her daughter was being sold to the highestbidder for Even the hyena s greed spared its own young ones p.231 .Mama Milanoi also betrays her daughter Taiyo by allowing her to accompany threewomen to take her to Resian only for her to end up being forcefully subjected to F.G.M.We are told that When she came to, two days later, she was sore, bitter and angry p.273 .


This discovery makes her cry, accusing her father of hatredand betrayal by betrothing her to Oloisudori p.208 . Resian does not absolve hermother from blame for she believes she also failed her p.230 especially due to hersilence when all those plans against her were being devised. She reasons that hermother should not have been silent when her daughter was being sold to the highestbidder for Even the hyena s greed spared its own young ones p.231 .Mama Milanoi also betrays her daughter Taiyo by allowing her to accompany threewomen to take her to Resian only for her to end up being forcefully subjected to F.G.M.We are told that When she came to, two days later, she was sore, bitter and angry p.273 . Her mother does all this out of her docile submission and fear of her husband. In addition, she has to play along with Ole Kaelo in his devious acts so that they cannotlose the wealth Ole Kaelo has corruptly acquired by doing business with Oloisudori. Later, when Resian and Taiyo are reunited, they blame their mother for their ordealssaying She was an example of a wife they never wanted to become and that they knewshe was always in awe of their father who held her captive and never for once allowedher to express her own opinion on any matter however small it was p.277 .MATERIALISM GREED AND OPULENCEMaterialism is putting material possession before anything else in one s life while greedis insatiable want for material possessions. Opulence in this novel refers to exaggerateddisplay of wealth by characters. Ole Kaelo s house in Nasila is so magnificent that Mama Milanoi exclaims, Father of all58creation! This is but a dream p.30 . Taiyo says that the house is magnificent whileResian exclaims she had never seen anything like it before p.31 .He has furnished hisshop at Nasila extravagantly. We are told It was splendid, large and well stocked. Thed cor was discreetly and fashionably done while taking into consideration the kind ofcustomers that were expected p.65 . This is a show of extravagance and opulencewhich the rich in this society strongly believe are indications of a wealthy man.


We are told It was splendid, large and well stocked. Thed cor was discreetly and fashionably done while taking into consideration the kind ofcustomers that were expected p.65 . This is a show of extravagance and opulencewhich the rich in this society strongly believe are indications of a wealthy man. Taiyotells her ever critical sister: It s important that the shop displays a certain measure ofopulence p.65 . This is so that their father can attract rich customers. The genesis of Ole Kaelo s troubles is his signing of a contract with Oloisudori to start abusiness in Nasila. We are told that He had long realized the choice was betweenremaining a nobody; self-righteously and accepting, sensibly, that the man with the meatwas also the same man with the knife p.25 . He therefore gets into business with him. His friend, Supeyo, warns him in advance what kind of man Oloisudori is andOloisudori is probably the most corrupt keep the fellow away from your daughters p.26 . Despite the early warning, he is unheeding a thing which makes him lose his twodear daughters finally. Oloisudori has his hands on all sorts of businesses both legaland illegal. These are; agriculture, finance, tourism, import and export, mining and motortrade, extortion, poaching, smuggling and robbing p.101 . When he comes visiting OleKaelo, his show of extravagance cannot fail to be noticed in his extravagant dressing. He has a pin-striped designer suit, a gold watch, gold bracelet and a gold chain. P.177 .He shows off his wealth by giving generous gifts to Ole Kaelo, Mama Milanoi, Resianand Taiyo. P.178 . He also hands over a briefcase to Ole Kaelo which is later revealedto have contained a half a million shillings p.188 .Despite these ugly businesses, Ole Kaelo still deals with him in order to save hisbusiness from collapsing. He is not sure whether Oloisudori does not belong to a cultthat thrived on blackmail and extortion and which after helping a businessman grow hisbusiness, would come back making outrageous demands like sacrificing their belovedones to the gods of the cult p.107 .


P.178 . He also hands over a briefcase to Ole Kaelo which is later revealedto have contained a half a million shillings p.188 .Despite these ugly businesses, Ole Kaelo still deals with him in order to save hisbusiness from collapsing. He is not sure whether Oloisudori does not belong to a cultthat thrived on blackmail and extortion and which after helping a businessman grow hisbusiness, would come back making outrageous demands like sacrificing their belovedones to the gods of the cult p.107 . Despite knowing all these about him, Ole Kaelocomforts himself in order to defend the material path he has taken. The narratorobserves: He knew it was pursuit of success that made him interact with59Oloisudori .Success was attainment, fortune and prosperity; it was triumph and it gaveone happiness. It did not matter how it was obtained .the end justified the means pp.108-109 . He consoles himself for having decided to marry his daughter toOloisudori saying, Where else would he ever get such a business offer as the oneOloisudori had offered him p.165 . He decides that he is not ready to lose his businesspremises and home for these were a matter of life and death to him. In order to survive, he realized with finality, he had to change his attitude towards Oloisudori; he had toembrace him p.165 . He sees the material side only if his daughter married Oloisudori,saying, she would soon have her own establishment and a wealthy husband who hadmuch ambition p.166 .When Ole Kaelo visits one of the homes of Oloisudori and the house he is building forResian, he falls instantly in love with the might of wealth that he witnesses. Ole Kaelo shouse is lavishly furnished and the writer says it must have been done by a personwhose mind must have been preoccupied by the need to be showy, and ostentatious. On the other hand, the house being built for Resian leaves Ole Kaelo speechless andMama Milanoi stupefied by its grandeur and magnificence p.190 .


In order to survive, he realized with finality, he had to change his attitude towards Oloisudori; he had toembrace him p.165 . He sees the material side only if his daughter married Oloisudori,saying, she would soon have her own establishment and a wealthy husband who hadmuch ambition p.166 .When Ole Kaelo visits one of the homes of Oloisudori and the house he is building forResian, he falls instantly in love with the might of wealth that he witnesses. Ole Kaelo shouse is lavishly furnished and the writer says it must have been done by a personwhose mind must have been preoccupied by the need to be showy, and ostentatious. On the other hand, the house being built for Resian leaves Ole Kaelo speechless andMama Milanoi stupefied by its grandeur and magnificence p.190 . Attracted by wealth,he concludes that it was only a stupid woman, like his daughter Resian, who wouldturn down the offer to own the riches they saw in Oloisudori s home p.188 . He alsohopes that Taiyo, his other daughter would get a rich man to marry her and give himhefty sums of money just as Oloisudori had done. P.188 . After witnessing Oloisudori swealth, he decides that Resian must be married by Oloisudori and that he was notgoing to allow his daughter s ignorance to destroy her future p.191 . He so muchwants the marriage plan to work that he devises a plan with Oloisudori to abduct Resianby force if she did not cooperate p.191 .in fact they agree on usage of a anesthesia tomake her unconscious. The only saving grace that can prevent losing his business andhouse is the success of the marriage. He admits that, the success or failure of theevent would determine the fate of his business p.194 . He fears being reduced topoverty by Oloisudori and therefore, betrays his own daughter in exchange of materialpossessions. DETERMINATION OPTIMISM60Not giving up in whatever one decides to do is very instrumental in achieving success. Resian s determination to go to university from the beginning of the novel to the timeher dream is achieved is remarkable.


The only saving grace that can prevent losing his business andhouse is the success of the marriage. He admits that, the success or failure of theevent would determine the fate of his business p.194 . He fears being reduced topoverty by Oloisudori and therefore, betrays his own daughter in exchange of materialpossessions. DETERMINATION OPTIMISM60Not giving up in whatever one decides to do is very instrumental in achieving success. Resian s determination to go to university from the beginning of the novel to the timeher dream is achieved is remarkable. This determination is seen from the time they arein Nakuru to when they relocate to Nasila. As her father and family is busy packing sothat they can go to their rural home in Nasila, she tells her sister I don t want to work atthe shop I want to come back to Nakuru and join Egerton University. I want to take acourse in Veterinary Science and become a veterinary doctor p.4 . She keeps urgingher sister to talk to their father so that they can be enrolled at the university. To escapeFGM, she tells her sister: That s why it s imperative that you persuade Papaai to allowus go back to Nakuru and enroll at the university p.33 . She is worried that her fatherhad spent all the money in decorating the shop and left with nothing for their universityeducation p.65 . Sometimes, she would imagine herself admitted at the university and walking majestically with other students into one of those awesome lecturetheatres, while donning her academic regalia p.89 . After their near-rape by two youngmen, Resian tells Taiyo to use that incident to compel their father to take them touniversity p.144 .She dreams of graduating and getting a chance to work with Minik ene Nkoitoi, herlifelong role model. P.153 . She is determined to face Oloisudori and resist hisadvances on her. We are told that She had vowed to face the monster gallantly Shewas in the battle front and success or failure was in her hands p.200 . Her optimism tojoin university does not reduce even at her lowest moment when she realizes herfather s intention to marry her by force to Oloisudori.


She is determined to face Oloisudori and resist hisadvances on her. We are told that She had vowed to face the monster gallantly Shewas in the battle front and success or failure was in her hands p.200 . Her optimism tojoin university does not reduce even at her lowest moment when she realizes herfather s intention to marry her by force to Oloisudori. She says, If I don t die and live tobe eighty, I will still go to the university. I ll go to Egerton University, Papaai I hope youwill be there to witness my graduation p.210 .Even in her dream while held captive byOlarinkoi at his hut, she has a dream that showcases her gallant and determined nature. She was determined that the old enkamuratani would never circumcise another girlagain p.244 . In the dream she fought both the enkamuratani and enkoiboni with amallet. Resian s determination to get university educated and resistance against FGM startbearing fruits when she and Nabaru reach Ntare-Naaju sheep ranch. She remembers61the Maa adage that said: home was never far for one who was still alive pp.256-257 .Her dreams of joining Egerton University are fulfilled when Minik promises that shewould ensure that she and Taiyo get enrolled at the university as they wanted. This isfulfilled when she brings them letters of admission to the university towards the end ofthe novel. The song that the girls from Intapuka-e-Maa sing is full of determination. Thegirls are proud of being uncircumcised and have hopes of being doctors, teachers andengineers and contribute in building the nation with men p.281 . Taiyo is determined tobe married by Joseph. She says she won t be dissuaded by Nasila culture that preventsinter-clan marriage saying, I cannot accept its verdict I am too, ready to face anyeventuality that may arise out of our love for one another p.134 .HELP BENEVOLENCEThe overcoming of difficult situations by some characters would not be possiblewithout help and benevolence from other characters. Some of these incidents of helpand benevolence, though coincidental, are very important in not only shaping characters lives but also in shaping the novel s plot.


Taiyo is determined tobe married by Joseph. She says she won t be dissuaded by Nasila culture that preventsinter-clan marriage saying, I cannot accept its verdict I am too, ready to face anyeventuality that may arise out of our love for one another p.134 .HELP BENEVOLENCEThe overcoming of difficult situations by some characters would not be possiblewithout help and benevolence from other characters. Some of these incidents of helpand benevolence, though coincidental, are very important in not only shaping characters lives but also in shaping the novel s plot. When Taiyo and Resian are about to beassaulted sexually by two men, we are told, Suddenly and unexpectedly, a third mansprang out of the bushes like a ghost p.141 . This man is Olarinkoi and he is the onethat saves them by fighting the two men. The girls cannot imagine what would havehappened to them if he had not come at that moment p.142-143 . Later, it is the sameOlarinkoi who saves Resian from Oloisudori s men. His appearance is timely becauseResian has even been contemplating to commit suicide by jumping into a river p.210 .Resian is nursed by Nabaru, a motherly woman after her sexual abuse by Olarinkoi p224 . At times she held her up, giving her drinks of water, or milk, or feeding her;putting bits of olpurda dipped in honey into her mouth p.224 . Nabaru also promisesto help Resian in whatever her plans are: I am willing to help you to do what you intendto do or go where you want to go once you are back onto your feet p.233 . She keepsher word by coming to rescue Resian when Olarinkoi s mother is just about to attackand have her circumcised p.246 .Further, Taiyo and Resian get help from Minik when she promises to have her enrolled62at Egerton University p.264 . She keeps her promise when she gives the two girlsletters of admission to the university. Resian also qualifies for a scholarship from theranch which is managed by Minik to fund her education. She in addition gives her a jobin the ranch, an advance salary, as well as a fully furnished house.


She keeps her promise when she gives the two girlsletters of admission to the university. Resian also qualifies for a scholarship from theranch which is managed by Minik to fund her education. She in addition gives her a jobin the ranch, an advance salary, as well as a fully furnished house. Resian is sincerelyappreciative of Minik s benevolence, saying, Your voice dear Emakererei is truly thevoice of God p.265 . Taiyo is rescued from the hands of her circumcisers by Minik. Both Nabaru and Minik are very instrumental in the physical and psychological healingof the two girls. We are told that with Nabaru s nursing care, Minik s encouragement andcounseling sessions from a teacher from Intapuka-e-Maa school, Taiyo is able to fullyrecover p.276 .MALE CHAUVINISMMale chauvinism refers to the feeling of superiority by men and their domineeringattitude over women in the society as a result of general male domination or patriarchyin a given society. Ole Kaelo is a male chauvinist. He beats his wife to submission tocoerce her follow his decisions without any resistance. When his wife reasons that theyshould think of the family interests first with regard to adhering to Nasila culture, heirritably asks her, What do you mean? P.61 . When she realizes that he is gettingangry, she beats a hasty retreat saying, Our culture is everything and it rules our lives p.61 . Although Mama Milanoi realizes when it is too late the role Oloisudori has playedin shaping their material lives, she admits that she would not have helped to separatehim from such a man because it Was the man who made decisions as to whichdirection their lives took p.114 .According to Resian, the ancient Ilarinkon were no different from the current ones. Sheis of the view that the current Ilarinkon are worse and that they are despotic oppressivetyrants who oppress women by ensuring that they are subjected to FGM for ever p.91 .The current Ilarinkon include Ole Kaelo, Oloisudori and Olarinkoi. Ole Kaelo forcesResian to attend to and serve his friend Oloisudori when her mother says nothing aboutit.


Although Mama Milanoi realizes when it is too late the role Oloisudori has playedin shaping their material lives, she admits that she would not have helped to separatehim from such a man because it Was the man who made decisions as to whichdirection their lives took p.114 .According to Resian, the ancient Ilarinkon were no different from the current ones. Sheis of the view that the current Ilarinkon are worse and that they are despotic oppressivetyrants who oppress women by ensuring that they are subjected to FGM for ever p.91 .The current Ilarinkon include Ole Kaelo, Oloisudori and Olarinkoi. Ole Kaelo forcesResian to attend to and serve his friend Oloisudori when her mother says nothing aboutit. He orders: You have to be there it is important to me that you are there p.171 .Olarinkoi s chauvinism is seen in his changed attitude towards Resian when he takesher to his house far from Nasila. He tells her, You woman You can either cook or keep63standing stupidly or die of hunger and Resian stared at the man who seemed to havesuddenly turned from a person she had known for quite some time, to a beast p.218 .He later molests her sexually after returning drunk. Oloisudori is a male chauvinist. Thisis seen in his address to Resian when she refuses his marriage offer. He tells her Youcan never escape Resian Whether you scream your heart out, or jump into the deepsea you are mine. You are my wife from now henceforth p.204 . He arrogantly tellsher: No one plays games with Oloisudori. Ask your father, he will tell you p.204 . Addmore illustrations .GENDER INEQUALITYMen and women are not equal in this novel. Women s position is lower than that of menwho dominate over everything and suppress women. This is especially seen at thefamily level where the husband is the sole decision maker and the wife just acceptsthose decisions without question. Ole Kaelo has a very easy time courting and marryinghis wife. A woman is not supposed to resist a man who wants to marry her as perNasilian tradition whether she loves him or not.


This is especially seen at thefamily level where the husband is the sole decision maker and the wife just acceptsthose decisions without question. Ole Kaelo has a very easy time courting and marryinghis wife. A woman is not supposed to resist a man who wants to marry her as perNasilian tradition whether she loves him or not. We are told She accepted him withoutany resistance. Tradition did not allow her to offer any and as expected of her, she didnot resist p.29 . Mama Milanoi is an unequal marriage partner to Ole Kaelo. She leavesdecision making to her husband and does not oppose any of his decisions. She refusesto be drawn into the discussion about the coaching of her daughters by Joseph saying It was Taiyo s father s territory p.56 .Mama Milanoi cannot oppose him for in herculture there was no room for dissent, especially if the subject was in conformity withthe culture p.61 .In this society, women had no say. It was a patriarchal society where the Emakerereiand her ilk were fighting to find relevance with little success p.62 . Such genderimbalance uplifts the man over the woman. In their case, it leaves Ole Kaelo with thesole responsibility of making final decisions on all matters affecting the family. We arealso told that Mama Milanoi has been held captive by her husband who never foronce allowed her to express her own opinion on any matter however small it was p.277 . This suppression has prevented her from speaking her mind and opposing thesubjection of her daughters to outdated cultural practices. Resian is opposed to her64father s hiring of Joseph to coach them about Nasilian culture. She says I am beginningto think it is disadvantageous being a woman in this society p.73 . She finds fault withthe plan reasoning that if they were sons, they would not be subjected to such culturalcoaching. Resian regrets living in a society where men thought they had right to everywoman s body p.143 . This is after their near-rape by two men. Such unjustified rightsemanate from the fact that men deem themselves as superior to women and can dowhatever they want with women. CHANGEChange refers to transition or transformation of characters or situations.


Resian regrets living in a society where men thought they had right to everywoman s body p.143 . This is after their near-rape by two men. Such unjustified rightsemanate from the fact that men deem themselves as superior to women and can dowhatever they want with women. CHANGEChange refers to transition or transformation of characters or situations. Most of thechanges in the novel Blossoms of the Savannah are caused by the erosion of the Maaculture as a result of its coming into contact with modern culture or civilization. Thiscauses alienation in characters and as a result they change. The Ole Kaelos are forced by destiny to relocate to Nasila after his retrenchment. Thiscame as a thunderbolt at midday p.7 . The environment in Kaelo s new home in Nasilais different from that in their urban home in Nakuru. Taiyo and Resian are woken up thefirst day in Nasila by a lively chatter of birds in the trees surrounding the house Whata contrast to what they were used to in Nakuru! P.14 . In Nakuru, they were alwayswoken up by hoots from Matatus, touts shouts, engine revving and banging on vehicles. Nasila culture is changing due to alienation. Mama Milanoi cannot believe she can havea man as old as Oloisudori as her mother-in-law. She observes that in the past, such athing would not have happened for Culture would not have allowed it to happen p.114 . She feels that if Nasila culture was intact, such a thing would not havehappened and she wonders where that culture had fled to Had the culture becomemoribund, useless and impotent? P.117 This could be true because forced marriagesto old people were not there in the past and any old man who showed interest in ayoung girl was met with much retribution from women and the entire society. Pp.115117 . The traditional Nasilian culture had many advantages to the people. It regulatedlives of people, defined relationships, did not favour or discriminate and above all, wascherished by all. Sadly, according to Mama Milanoi, this culture was no more.


The traditional Nasilian culture had many advantages to the people. It regulatedlives of people, defined relationships, did not favour or discriminate and above all, wascherished by all. Sadly, according to Mama Milanoi, this culture was no more. It was65defiled and polluted by the likes of Oloisudori had become mutable and containeddefiant mutants that it could not regulate and which were above Nasila laws p.118 .One of the causes of this great change in Nasila culture is education for Mama Milanoigoes on to observe that she had seen changes in her daughters. They had gonethrough a school system that intermingled them with children from other cultures. P.118 . As a result, her children know very little of Nasila culture. They were children ofa new undefined culture. Theirs was a mutant of another kind p.118 . Indeed, Resianbest exemplifies the epitome of this new undefined culture. Joseph Parmuat observes that Individualism, petty jealousy and lack of trust killed thatonce important aspect of Nasila culture p.127 . The individualism of the likes of OleKaelo and Oloisudori are very central in eroding the culture of Nasila hence bringingmany changes in the society. According to Taiyo, culture and traditions are never static. She says, By being dynamic, culture shades off aspects that become irrelevant withtime p.128 . She hopes that the outdated FGM and restriction on inter-clan marriageshould be abolished from Nasila cultural practices. Joseph and Minik cites culturalpractices like throwing the dead to the hyenas, leaving the elderly and sick in desertedhomesteads to be devoured by wild animals and emuata pp.128, 263 . This ascertainsthe dynamism and transformational characteristic of Nasilian culture over the years anaspect that gives hope to fighters against outdated practices such as F.G.M.LOVE, MARRIAGE AND FAMILYOle Kaelo has effectively played his role as a father by providing and putting up a housefor his family in Nasila. The house he has built for his family in Nasila is so magnificentthat Mama Milanoi exclaims, Father of all creation! This is but a dream p.30 . Taiyosays that the house is magnificent while Resian exclaims she had never seen anythinglike it before p.31 .


The house he has built for his family in Nasila is so magnificentthat Mama Milanoi exclaims, Father of all creation! This is but a dream p.30 . Taiyosays that the house is magnificent while Resian exclaims she had never seen anythinglike it before p.31 . At another level, both parents fail in their emotional obligations toone of their daughters, Resian. Ole Kaelo for instance has instilled fear in her such thatthere is no free interaction between father and daughter, has hated her from birth, keepsreprimanding her, abuses her and finally greatly betrays her by conspiring to marry heroff to his friend Oloisudori pp. 206-210 and when this aborts, he turns to his favoritedaughter Taiyo but not before he has her forcefully circumcised p.273 . The hitherto66good and peaceful family especially when he was in Nakuru has fallen apart at the endof the novel due to his greed for wealth. In the traditional Nasilian culture, love is not entirely a prerequisite to marriage. Although Ole Kaelo was smitten with love for Mama Milanoi the first time he saw her inthe church, her feelings for him are not required for them to marry. We are told that From the moment he saw her, he had been obsessed and he was still obsessed twentytwo years later p.9 . On his wife s side, we are told, She accepted him without anyresistance. Tradition did not allow her to offer any and as expected of her, she did notresist p.29 . What she considers is his character. We are told she knew he was a goodman, a great provider, a planner and a man with the will to succeed. She also knew heloved her genuinely p.29 . He continues loving his wife many years after their marriageshowing his satisfaction with her. When he wakes up he says, Oh, did he not have awife there. He was elated p.59 .Simiren, brother to Ole Kaelo, is a polygamist but he treats all his wives equally. It wasonly yeiyo-botorr, who occupied a special position in the home and who received favourfrom her husband without anyone frowning. Communal life, selflessness, and respectcharacterize this family and there are few disagreements and disputes.


He was elated p.59 .Simiren, brother to Ole Kaelo, is a polygamist but he treats all his wives equally. It wasonly yeiyo-botorr, who occupied a special position in the home and who received favourfrom her husband without anyone frowning. Communal life, selflessness, and respectcharacterize this family and there are few disagreements and disputes. The family ingeneral is a haven of peace, a thing that makes Resian and Taiyo admire traditional wayof life in their uncle s polygamous marriage p.154 .Taiyo puts love first before cultural dictates on who one should marry. Their culturedoes not allow inter-culture marriage but nonetheless, she falls in love with JosephParmuat, who belongs to her own clan and hence they are not allowed to marry. Taiyo isassertive enough for she is the one who approaches Joseph saying, I know you are inlove with me the way I am in love with you p.133 . Joseph reciprocates her love forhim saying, I loved you the moment I saw you during your father s homecomingceremony p.134 . When Resian asks Joseph to be her Patureishi, he says that culturedoes not allow it for she is like his sister p.127 .Taiyo loves her sister so much that shehas stepped in to fill the vacuum that has been left in Resian s heart due to her parent scold attitude towards her. Resian has relied on her sister for protection since primary67and Taiyo has made it her duty to mop her tears p.34 .SUFFERINGThere are several characters who suffer in the hands of the blunt Nasilian culture. Resian is slapped by her father for refusing to marry Oloisudori. After this, sheundergoes a series of mental and physical suffering. She suffers as she is transportedto the assumed Minik s Sheep ranch by Olarinkoi. At night during the journey, she fearsattack of wild animals. She also had a layer of dust in her mouth, in her nostrils, in herears and on her eyelashes p.215 . She suffers in the hands of Olarinkoi and his mother. She is physically assaulted by Olarinkoi until she passes out after which he proceeds torape her. After the sexual assault, she falls sick and has hallucinations.


She also had a layer of dust in her mouth, in her nostrils, in herears and on her eyelashes p.215 . She suffers in the hands of Olarinkoi and his mother. She is physically assaulted by Olarinkoi until she passes out after which he proceeds torape her. After the sexual assault, she falls sick and has hallucinations. We are told thatwhen she later came to, confused fleeting impressions registered on her awareness p.223 .Taiyo also suffers the blunt of archaic retrogressive Nasilian culture. She is forcedagainst her will to undergo FGM. During the painful rite, we are told She screamed andscreamed, but nobody came to her rescue. Then she fainted. When she came to, twodays later, she was sore, bitter and angry p.273 .RELIGION AND SUPERSTITIONSDuring the homecoming party of Ole Kaelo, an elder is expected to bless his homebefore Ole Kaelo can be received back in Nasila. We are told The elders would alsobless the wife, children and property that he brought back and which were all henceforthgoing to be the wealth of the Ilmolelian clan p.38 . The ceremony is conducted by OleMusanka who is to conduct the sacred ceremony of officially receiving him into theIlmolelian culture and offer blessings for his family s well-being p.50 . Apart fromblessing Ole Kaelo, the elder had special blessing for Taiyo. He even prophecies thatshe would be the mother of the next leader p.52 . This man also curses Emakererei, thewasp, whose real name is Minik for fighting F.G.M. He says May she go down with thesetting sun p.52 . 68Teiyo Bottor, Resian and Taiyo s aunt tell their mother that their daughter Resian hasOlkuenyi, a bad spirit and it is only circumcision that could get rid of it p.78 . MamaMilanoi remembers that when she was young, diseases were treated through a bloodletting ceremony known as angam. Several nicks were made on the ailing sections ofthe body and the blood sucked out p.79 . Curses are indications of the superstitiousnature of this community. The Enkoiboni, is a diviner.


Several nicks were made on the ailing sections ofthe body and the blood sucked out p.79 . Curses are indications of the superstitiousnature of this community. The Enkoiboni, is a diviner. It is said that she had prophesiedthat Ole Kaelo would move to Nasila with his two uncircumcised daughters and that hisson would go to live in that home and finally bring with him one of Ole Kaelo s daughterto be circumcised before marrying her. Going by that, it is evident that her propheciesand predictions are true p.232 . As Nabaru and Resian escape from Olarinkoi, Olarinkoicurses her saying, My mother s curse will find you there p.249 . He also boasts thathis mother s predictions always come to pass p.250 .WOMEN AS THEIR OWN ENEMIESMuch as the modern woman opposes retrogressive cultural practice such as F.G.M,majority of women support these practices. Mama Milanoi is in support of F.G.M evenas her daughters fight to resist the harmful practice. The writer puts: Did she notsupport female genital mutilation that was prevalent among her people in Nasila? P.63 . Despite being a woman, she betrays her daughter by giving her over to theenkamuratani to be circumcised pp.272-273 . She also keeps quiet and does not speakto oppose her husband s plans to marry off her daughters to an old man. This is despitethe fact that she is inwardly opposed to the whole idea. According to Maa oral tradition,it was women who came up with the idea of F.GM. They made a lasting resolution tosexual exploitation of women by the Olarinkoi and that gave rise to enkamuratani. Andher olmurunya was shaped, sharpened and handed to her p.87 . The same practicethat was useful then comes to haunt young girls such as Taiyo and Resian. Nabaru also finds fault with the Maa women. She believes that they were theperpetrators of FGM and that no woman had taken up the olmurunya to circumcise agirl. P.277 . Resian says that if all women said no to the detestable culture, men woulddo nothing and the practice would stop p.278 .


She believes that they were theperpetrators of FGM and that no woman had taken up the olmurunya to circumcise agirl. P.277 . Resian says that if all women said no to the detestable culture, men woulddo nothing and the practice would stop p.278 . However, women are not speaking inone voice hence it has becomes very difficult to fight cultural practices that harms them. 69Olarinkoi s mother also greatly serves in oppressing fellow women. She is planning tohave Resian circumcised before she can be married by her son. The three women thatTaiyo composes a song to ridicule also serve in oppressing women. We are told thatthey collaborated with men to oppress women p.153 .WAR VIOLENCEThe traditional Maa community in which the novel is set takes pride in engaging inexternal battles and wars to protect their territory or as an economic undertaking. Thereare many cases of violence reported in the clan. One remarkable war is that between Olarinkoi and Maa warriors that led to the Maapeople being ruled for many years. After many years under the Ilarinkon rule, we are toldthat the Maa people eventually revolted and overthrew the Olarinkoi despotic rule p.87 . Ole Kaelo attacks his daughter Resian for refusing to cooperate in his plan tohave her married to Oloisudori. After a moment of frozen immobility, her fathersuddenly pushed his chair, moved fast from behind the desk and slapped her face,sending her reeling back so that she almost fell p.209 .The fight between the girls at Minik s ranch and Oloisudori s men ends the protractedoppression of the man on Kaelo s daughters. We are told that his convoy wasreduced to smoldering shells and acrid smell of burning tyres p283 . There is also afight between Olarinkoi and the men that wanted to rape Resian and Taiyo. The braveryof Olarinkoi saves the girls from being raped. When the two young men are caught up byOlarinkoi and his men, they are beaten up before being spared. Women are also violent. The case in point is the old man they punish for being infatuated by a young girl.


The braveryof Olarinkoi saves the girls from being raped. When the two young men are caught up byOlarinkoi and his men, they are beaten up before being spared. Women are also violent. The case in point is the old man they punish for being infatuated by a young girl. We aretold Then all the women proceeded to the homestead of the accused, armed with allkinds of weapons that included firewood and their husbands knobkerries p.115 .They go on to beating him thoroughly and stripping him naked p.116 . Finally, thisman dies and the women feel satisfied that they have avenged their anger. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ON THEMES1. Explain four good aspects of Nasilian culture. 702. Discuss four cases of culture conflict in the novel Blossoms of the Savannah.3. Identify and illustrate instances of alienation in the novel.4. Determination is the key to success. Write a detailed composition to illustrate thestatement.5. Resian, Taiyo and Minik are justified in their fight against FGM because many culturalpractices have been abandoned. Do you agree? Support your answer with illustrationsfrom the novel.6. Illustrate cases of betrayal in the novel Blossoms of the Savannah and their impacton characters.7. Discuss four evils present in a morally decadent society. CHAPTER FOURLANGUAGE AND STYLEThe language used in literature is different from that used in other disciplines. Languagein literature goes a notch higher because it is not only used originally but alsoinnovatively. This contributes to aesthetics or beauty in literary texts hence appealing tothe readers. Style on the other hand can simply be defined as the unique manner ofdoing something. Just like everybody has a walking style and hair cutting style,playwrights have unique ways which they use to pass their messages to the audience. There are a number of stylistic devices in the novel Blossoms of the Savannah. Thisguidebook will enumerate some of these devices. Vivid DescriptionThe writer uses words to paint clear mental images on the readers mind. This enablesthe audience to understand the text better. As the Kaelo s are preparing to depart fromNakuru for Nasila the scenery is vividly described. He was gesticulating violently,apparently reprimanding loaders for being slow and inept p.1 . This description pointsout clearly the character of Kaelo as stern.


As the Kaelo s are preparing to depart fromNakuru for Nasila the scenery is vividly described. He was gesticulating violently,apparently reprimanding loaders for being slow and inept p.1 . This description pointsout clearly the character of Kaelo as stern. The welcoming ceremony of the Kaelo s71familybyuncleSimiren sfamilyisvividlydescribed Chunksofmeatwentround...selected a piece from the tray p.12 . The description helps in showing thegenerous nature of Kaelo as well as his meticulous planning abilities. Life at Nasila isvividly described the intermittent crowing of roosters a rare atmosphere of tranquilityand serenity... p.14 . The description is used to contrast the peaceful mood of the ruralNasila and the urban town of Nakuru that is characterized by hustles and bustles. Simiren s polygamous setting is described vividly Three main houses stood within awell-tended and a evenly trimmed kei apple perimeter hedge p.14 . The sixteen or sochildren aged between three and sixteen were perched on benches, stools and chairs p.16 . This description shows high birthrate in the family. It also paints a polygamousfamily in Nasila. The vivid description of Ole Supeyo p.23 , he lifted a corner of hisshirt and scratched his belly while his other hand stroked the stubble on his chin shows his wealthy status in the society. Oloisudori is described in uncomplimentary terms wide gap black eyes .looking like awarthog p.92 . The description signals Oloisudori s mean character and the readerscan even form a picture of a criminal before much is disclosed to them. There is a vividdescription of how women in the past dealt with an old man who sexually mistreated ayoung girl p.117 . Taiyo s bold visit to Joseph s bachelor house is vividly described p.130 . It shows the feelings of the two lovers who are restrained by culture. The attack ofthe two girls by two men in which Olarinkoi saves them is vividly described. He spranglike a ghost p.141 .


It shows the feelings of the two lovers who are restrained by culture. The attack ofthe two girls by two men in which Olarinkoi saves them is vividly described. He spranglike a ghost p.141 . This shows the risk the girls are going though in the hostile Nasilaenvironment. The search conducted by thirty men with Kaelo and Joseph is vividly described to showthe urgency of getting the girls molesters p161 . The resigned Resian is vividlydescribed after she is required to serve Oloisudori and his group p.172 . She walked toan oloponi tree at the centre of the garden. Finding a log underneath it, she sankdown her shoulders drooping It shows Oloisudori s insensitive character. Thejourney by Oloisudori and the couple is vividly described p. 190,191 . It showsOloisudori s cunning and scheming character. The journey by Resian, Olarinkoi and the72pick-up driver is vividly described to show the ill manners of the two young men p. 212,213 . The escape by Resian and Nabaru is also vividly described to show the riskinvolved by the two females with strong character p. 247 .SimilesA simile is a stylistic device that compares two things indirectly with an aim of drawinga mental picture in the mind of the reader. Before the Kaelo s relocate to Nasila, somewomen from Nasila visit Mama Milanoi. They signal a future menace since the girls arenot circumcised. The author says, The words came to haunt her like a demented spirit p.8 . This is later seen when mama Milanoi and Kaelo have to live alone in their old ageafter Taiyo and Resian go to the ranch and later to the university p.13 . They hadlikened him to a mono- eyed giant who stood on legs of straw. P.13 .Kaelo is comparedto a giant because he holds a senior position in his home, as the head in his house yethe has chosen to be very weak by having only one wife and two daughters. The eldersfeel Kaelo is not stable. He should be supported by many sons like Simiren. Ole Supeyocompares effects of FGM with effects of dehorning cows.