The Impact of Colonialism in The River Between: Analyzing How British Colonization Influences the Characters’ Lives and Cultural Identity

The Impact of Colonialism in The River Between: Analyzing How British Colonization Influences the Characters’ Lives and Cultural Identity

The River Between by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o explores the profound effects of British colonialism on the lives of the Kikuyu people in Kenya. Through the experiences of characters like Waiyaki and his family, Ngũgĩ delves into the internal and external conflicts caused by colonial rule. British colonization, through both the imposition of foreign values and the systemic alteration of societal structures, forces the Kikuyu people to confront their identity, culture, and way of life.

In the novel, colonialism manifests itself through the introduction of Christianity, Western education, and economic systems that displace traditional Kikuyu practices. Characters who embrace these colonial elements, like the missionaries and local collaborators, often find themselves at odds with those who strive to maintain their indigenous ways. The divide between the two sides represents the larger colonial impact: the erosion of native cultures and values in favor of foreign ideologies.

Waiyaki, the protagonist, embodies this tension. His desire to reconcile both Kikuyu tradition and Western education leads to personal conflict, as he tries to mediate between the colonial influences and the preservation of his cultural heritage. Through this exploration of colonialism, The River Between paints a vivid picture of how colonization shapes personal identity and societal relationships.