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1.Imagery
Imagery is permanently used in the epic. Images are conveyed in two forms – similes and
metaphors pg 4. Ogada is said to have slaughtered bulls like buffaloes in preparation for
his fathers visit. This signifies Ogada's respect and love for his father, the father’s
visit was a big occasion for him and his people. In comparing baby Gor and the
grandmother, Ogalo the writer notes:
“The two resembled like identical twins” this suggests a predestined fate for the child as a
hero, one who possesses supernatural powers just like the great chief. Gor turns out to be
similar to the great chief in many ways as a cultural and political leader of his people.
2.Songs
Songs are also extensively used in the epic the dirge on page 8. indicate the sorrow and
the great loss for the community also praise Ogalo's great quality of unifying the people
highlights the people's fears of how they would manage without the guidance of the great
chief. 'what have we done that you should leave us so?' i.e. without a leader the song reflects the beliefs of the community. The dead joins the ancestors death is inevitable – since everyone has to die. Ancestors are respected as being who have wits and magic and are immortal unlike the living who are mortals. It reflects the values of the community e.g. unity one of the reasons why they will miss Ogalo is because he needs them together. Hence, one of the qualities expected of a leader the song, especially in performance, creates the mood.
3.Symbolism
Ratego is a symbol of all evil in society he is a symbol of bad leadership his is referred to
as the Ratego spirit which signifies the destructive evil spirit. He symbolizes disunity,
disintegration alienation from cultural values and virtues, injustice, greed for power, a
ruthless and cruel leader who brings waiting, pain and death among the people.
Pg 15 To Ratego and his army war is their game and their game caused loss of life for the
vulnerable and the innocent women and children were offered to death. Ratego and his
leadership is contrasted with Gor Okumu. Gor is a symbol of virtuous living and he
signifies good leadership he is a symbol of unity, cultural values and virtues. He stands
for justice and is concerned with the well being of all in society. He saves the community
from Ratego's destruction and evil leadership.
4. Repetition
Repetition may be used to emphasis the message intended e.g. on page (100). Repetition
in the following lines_ we have lived side by side and together with sheltie humans,
animals and others creatures, we lived with man-eaters whom we turned into vegetarians,
we lived with man-hunters whom we turned into protectors, we lived with enemies
whom we turned into friends, and we lived with foreigners whom we turned into ourselves in blood and spirit. To emphasis harmonious living change so as to co-exist.
5.Alliteration
We are told of the Whiteman that “These swarm of boasters are like locusts” they ate
Bulls of bulls, billy goats of billy goats. Ram of rams, granaries of grain to signify the
Whiteman's greed, selfishness and exploitation oppression they chose the very best for
themselves.
6.Anaphora
Is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of a sequence of clauses. e.g. some
were – is repeated in four consecutive lines to emphasis that those who were chased away
were evil people hence, the chemistry of the land. Also son of is repeated in 9 consecutive
lines to praise and recognize heroes of the land whose fame and heroic deeds cannot be
forgotten “let” at the beginning of the lines. Emphasis the need to invest in a future ie
wisdom in children who are the future leaders.
Titany answered the question on November 11, 2021 at 07:20