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Illustrate how tradition has enhanced harmony in the novel the river and the source by Margaret Ogola

Illustrate how tradition has enhanced harmony in the novel the river and the source by Margaret Ogola

Answers

Samuel
Tradition is a way of life of people according to their customs and beliefs. The River and the source highlights a number of these traditions and the points below explain the reasons why these customs and beliefs have enhanced harmony in the society.

To begin with, marriage organized traditionally ensured the good neighbourliness within the communities. When chief Owuor Kembo from Sakwa goes to ask for Akoko's hand in marriage, there exists harmony between Yimbo and Sakwa as a result of that marriage. There are no longer warfare between the two communities and they live together happily even after the death of her husband and Akoko has become a migogo in her brother's house.

Secondly, tradition demanded that people live like brothers and sisters under the guidance of their chief and the council of Jodongo. In case of any disputes, they are amicably solved by the elders in the council under the directions of the chief. Harmony is further achieved from the willingness of the people to help their chief with work. Akoko receives help from people willing to help their chief and they do it happily.

Thirdly, tradition lays down clear expectations from the society in matters to do with leadership. There are no fights over the stool of rule because it is reserved for the first born son of the chief. That is the reason why Nyar Asembo, Akoko's mother -in-law faults her slow conception and few children. It also brings out the chief's fear in his son Obura when he starts talking about seeing the world. This however changes after the death of chief Owuor Kembo. His brother sits on the stool of rule with a lot of glee and arrogance and defies all the traditions.

Lastly, tradition creates harmony in the society through the well laid out roles of each and every member in the community. The roles to be played by men are well laid out to them and they are taught, through informal education, how to achieve all these. Oloo, Akoko's brother, is prepared to succeed his father, chief Odero Gogni of Yimbo and he later on becomes a very good chief. He even allows his sister Akoko, after going through hard life in the hands of Chief Otieno,her brother -in-law, to come back home as a migogo. On the other hand, women are taught how to be great wives to their husbands. Aloo, chief Odero's spokesman tells Akoko's suitor and husband to be that she is an apt student who has been taught all the dictates of Chik. They are assured that she is well brought up and will not bring shame to her husband.

In conclusion, tradition has been used to create harmony in the society through various ways as discussed above.
Makari 1986 answered the question on October 30, 2017 at 23:23

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