Literature gives a fascinating insight into the ills perpetrated in our contemporary societies from time immemorial. Benjamin Branoff, in his story Window Seat, aptly captures some of these ills in a quiet interesting way. Ills executed in our day to day life have been brought to light in Branoff's story.
Right from the onset of the story, lawlessness on roads comes out so openly. As the narrator commences his recount, it becomes very clear that traffic rules are defied, especially by touts and drivers themselves. Ridiculously, a minivan meant to carry ten passengers carries twenty five instead. The narrator says that four people are seated at the hind raw with "fused hips" he says he is lucky he is seated next to the window and that he only has to be vigilant on one side.
Graft is also unmasked in the story as perpetrated by the traffic policemen in conjuction with the drivers themselves. Obviously,they do this to avert the wrath of the law. It is sad to note that the very traffic policemen charged with the responsibility to guarantee safety to passengers are the ones doing the opposite. It is very unfortunate that they infringe the same laws just to satisfy their material greed. Instead of being hawk-eyed on those who execute such ills, they are partakers in the same vice and in fact they are the one spearheading it. It is even very ridiculous that they go to an extend of forcibly asking for bribes when vans are on the right. They take a way keys from the car ignition to threaten any adamant driver and compel them to give them bribes. Evidently, this is the sole reason why the spine of corruption can not be broken.
The author has also avidly depicted poverty in the story. At the bus stop, the narrator reveals that people are wearing sandals while others are barefooted. This is a clear indication of poverty and impoverishment. It is an implication that they can barely afford to purchase a pair of shoes. Most probably, Kanga steals from the narrator "mzungu" because of the grinding poverty. It shows inadequacy of provisions which translates to poor living.
Aggressive behavior and misconduct by touts in town also portrays poverty. This is, obviously, a society where people are living from hand to mouth while equally trying hard to make both ends meet. They scream and shout while trying to convince passengers to go aboard their "daladalas."
The narrator is branded the name "mzungu" by Africans who view him as "superior" and because he is white. Most probably, Kanga robs him for this reason and believe. The narrator chooses to date a French girl by the name Monique since she is from his race and he says "I should be with a French girl because French women are absolutely like american men"
In conclusion, the story aptly captures the reality of situations prevailing in our contemporary societies. Measures should be taken to shun the same in an effort to make our society a better place to live in.
HOSEA KIPYEGON answered the question on June 21, 2018 at 13:32
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