Parasites, Dogs, and Foxes: Examining Matigari and the Revolutionary Struggle in Post-Independence Kenya

This paper examines the symbolism of “parasites,†“dogs,†and “foxes†in Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s Matigari, using postcolonial literary theory to analyze the roles of these categories in the broader context of post-independence Kenya. In Matigari, the colonial powers, represented as vultures or parasites, exploit the land and labor of the Kenyan people for profit. The study critiques the continuity of colonial exploitation through the emergence of new imperialist figures, embodied by characters like Robert Williams, who symbolize a shift from overt colonialism to neocolonialism and imperialism. The “dogs†are the African collaborators-members of the educated elite, like John Boy and John Boy Junior who perpetuate the oppression of the masses. The “foxes†represent the common people, whose hopes for post-independence prosperity are dashed as they face even harsher conditions under a government led by their own elites. Through characters, imagery, and social critique, Ngũgĩ illustrates the persistence of exploitation and inequality in postcolonial societies, underscoring the need for a revolutionary awakening to reclaim justice.