Best essay on the theme of Change in the Novel "The River and the Source" by Margaret Ogolla.

Using appropriate illustrations from the novel ‘The River and the Source’ by Margaret Ogolla, discuss the theme of change.

In life many changes occur whether good or bad. Only a fool would fail to glance at the amendments that have happened since the universe occurred. Change can take many categories. There is science and technology. Religion and Tradition is another. It is up to an individual to conform accordingly to change. In the book The River and the Source, characters like Akoko, Nyabera, Elizabeth and Peter have demonstrated change all around. They embraced change and it did not let them down.

Firstly, the theme of change has been clearly demonstrated by Akoko, the main character of this work of art. She showed this in her journey for justice to the bartering market of Kisuma. She made contacts with the whites despite the conservativeness of her late husband Owuor Kembo. Akoko was the founder of change in her family as she fought for the chieftainship of her toddler grandchild, Owuor. She managed to have the greedy; ignorant Otieno Kembo removed from power as ordered by the District Officer. This freed Akoko from all the atrocities committed by Otieno to her. Change brings justice to the oppressed.

Another instance where Akoko showed the theme of change was in the naming culture. Her name was changed from Akoko Obanda to Veronica Akoko Obanda. This was attained through baptism as a result of accepting the change brought about by Christianity. She embraced the new religion advocated by her daughter Nyabera and became loyal to it. Change helps us accept evolving trends in life like in the naming of children from Akoko to names like Becky, Peter and the likes.

Marriage and dowry change is another aspect of change illustrated in the book The River and the Source. According to the Luo tradition dowry was to be paid and a girl was to be searched for by the parents like in the case of Akoko. Thirty head of cattle was paid up for her by her husband. The marriage was built on love contrary to tradition as love was a sign of weakness and thus not a factor considered. In the marriage negotiations of Elizabeth Awiti to Mark Oloo Sigu the soldier, dowry as stated by Akoko was only as a token to finish the requirements of Chik. She came to learn that women were not property to be sold. Change helps us to leave behind archaic traditions like dowry that undermine women.

Education is another aspect of change in this novel by Margaret Ogola. It moved from Akoko telling stories to her children about Ramogi, Nyabera performing riddles all the way down to Nyabera going to a seminary to learn about ‘Baptiso’, baptism. Nyabera was able to tell her daughter about the stories of David and Goliath. Elizabeth Awiti is able to become a shining star among men who dominated education those days. She is able to acquire a Doctor of Philosophy and be the first girl in the book to do so.  Education traditionally was not for a girl. A very educated girl was a cause of alarm in the society. Awiti goes against this and gets education. Change educates us on what is beneficial in life and gives useful knowledge.

Leadership is another aspect of change in this book of literature. It moved from chieftainship that involved inheritance all the way to democratic rule by the people. The traditional leadership did not favour women and their rights as human beings. It rather oppressed them.  The democratic leadership equalized everyone whether man or woman and was fair and just. Leadership also moved from being headed by a chief supported by a council of elders to a presidential rule under a government. Change helps embrace a democratic rule that is fair to all and promotes transparency.

In conclusion change in this book has brought a major impact on the positive more than negative. The characters who embraced change were relieved from a backward and oppressive culture. Change whether good or bad, is an individual’s choice. Pick what benefits you as a person, and then pick what will benefit the entire community.

BEST ESSAY COURTESY OF MELVIN.

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