Using “Blossoms of the Savannah” by H.R. Ole Kulet, discuss the theme of tradition

Question

Using “Blossoms of the Savannah”  by H.R. Ole Kulet, discuss the theme of tradition

Marking Scheme

Introduction 
​Traditional characterizes a society and at least every society has a traditional. In Blossoms of the Savannah the following are the aspects of traditional  (2mks)

​​GRAMMAR

​Marriage is one of the cherished traditions in this community. It is expected that when a man becomes of age, he should choose a woman to marry. This is the case with ole Kaelo who went to betroth his wife Jane Milanoi. Mama Milanoi is excited about their going back to Nasila since in her view it would be easy to marry off her daughters in the new town than in Nakuru. Ole supeyo, Simiven, Oloisudori also cherish marriage Ole supeyo, Oloisudori practice polygamy. 

Female circumcision is another tradition that is valued in this community. It is the tradition  around which the story revolves. Too much value is attached to this tradition story such that a man cannot marry a girl who has not undergone it. This practice has seen the rise of campaigners against the practice eg Minik minik, Nabaru have also gone through the practice. It is a tradition women have brought to themselves.

The people in this society believe in superstitions. When Resian argues with her mother and aunt Yeiyo botorr, her aunt explains to her mother that Resian must be suffering from Olkuenyi, a bad spirit which must be as a result of her uncircumcised nature.   The belief was that spilling of blood through circumcision helped Purge away bad spirits. 

​Positive aspects of culture in Nasila are important. In holding people together, the songs the young people and children sing together Oler Kaelo’s homecoming ceremony attest to the rich Maa culture. The narrator says, “From the children’s performance, it was evident that the cherished Nasila traditional dance would stand the test of time”.  (PG 44) The party was full of pomp and gaiety. This is brought out by the jewellery won by the guests such as irony, beads, coloured  kangas and shukas  The food in plenty for everyone goats and cows are slaughtered  (Pg 47) all attest to the rich cultural heritage of the maa’

When Resian and Taiyo go to stay at their uncle’s place for some time, they witness some aspects of communal life and unity at their uncle’s home. We are told, “Life and work in that home was communal. Although each mother had her own house and cooked her own food, all grown up daughters helped each one of them (PG 148) There is well laid down chain of command with the first wife being the deputy of the husband. There are hardly any disagreements and virtues of selflessness and sharing are emphasized. The wives also live in harmony and they know their duties well.
NB: Accept any other aspect of tradition they must be well illustrated to earn (3 marks).
Conclusion- From the above illustration the Nasila culture has traditions that are both positive and negative.  (2mks)

Body- 12 MKS
Grammar- 4 MKS

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