Parasites, Dogs, and Foxes: Examining Matigari and the Revolutionary Struggle in Post-Independence Kenya

Kemebradikumor Theophilus Dabrilagha and Arthur Ebibolou Orupou
Additional contact information
Kemebradikumor Theophilus Dabrilagha: Department of English and Literary Studies University of Africa, Toru-Orua
Arthur Ebibolou Orupou: Department of English Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education, Sagbama, Bayelsa State

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 4, 1708-1714

Abstract: This paper examines the symbolism of “parasites,†“dogs,†and “foxes†in Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s Matigari, using postcolonial literary theory to analyze the roles of these categories in the broader context of post-independence Kenya. In Matigari, the colonial powers, represented as vultures or parasites, exploit the land and labor of the Kenyan people for profit. The study critiques the continuity of colonial exploitation through the emergence of new imperialist figures, embodied by characters like Robert Williams, who symbolize a shift from overt colonialism to neocolonialism and imperialism. The “dogs†are the African collaborators-members of the educated elite, like John Boy and John Boy Junior who perpetuate the oppression of the masses. The “foxes†represent the common people, whose hopes for post-independence prosperity are dashed as they face even harsher conditions under a government led by their own elites. Through characters, imagery, and social critique, Ngũgĩ illustrates the persistence of exploitation and inequality in postcolonial societies, underscoring the need for a revolutionary awakening to reclaim justice.

Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/ ... ssue-4/1708-1714.pdf (application/pdf)
https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/arti ... -independence-kenya/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-4:p:1708-1714

Access Statistics for this article

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science is currently edited by Dr. Nidhi Malhan

More articles in International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science from International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS)
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Dr. Pawan Verma ().