Understanding The Four Strangers in Fathers of Nations
1. Professor Karanja Kimani
Prof Kimani is a representative of Eastern Africa. Being aged about sixty years portrays him as an older and experienced individual. "His hairline had retreated all the way back to his crown, but there it had held: no more hair loss" hints at his battle with ageing that he has resigned to. “His strange habit of smacking his lips as he talked, appearing to shape each word first and to add voice to it only after" Suggests that he is deliberate and meticulous in his communication. The formal mention of his name, title, and affiliation adds a layer of authority and respectability to the character.
It positions him as an intellectual or academic figure, which might explain his deliberate speech pattern. His association with the University of Nairobi and the Institute of Development Studies suggests a deep involvement in scholarly or research activities, hinting at a background of significant education and expertise.
The meticulous shaping of words could symbolize his methodical approach to life, where every action is carefully considered. The resilience in his hairline could metaphorically represent a man who, despite the inevitable passage of time, remains steadfast in his core beliefs or values.
2. Ngobile Melusi
.jpeg "Comrade Ngobile Melusi")
Ngobile Melusi is a representative of Southern Africa. "He had a bushy moustache, which, in moments of speech, wriggled over his mouth like a moth fighting to free its wings and then fly away." The moustache is personified, described as if it has a life of its own, struggling like a moth. This imagery could symbolize Ngobile Melusi's repressed or contained energy, possibly indicating a character who has endured struggle or confinement but retains a desire for freedom or self-expression. It also creates a mood of anticipation or unease, as if something within Melusi is on the verge of breaking free.
"In the blank his card had for his occupation, he defiantly wrote 'Not Applicable.'" The word "defiantly" indicates resistance against norms or expectations. Writing "Not Applicable" in the space for occupation suggests that Ngobile Melusi either rejects societal labels or refuses to be defined by conventional roles. This act of defiance hints at a character who challenges authority or established systems, possibly reflecting a revolutionary or non-conformist spirit.
The use of "Comrade" signals a political affiliation, likely linked to socialism or communism, as it's often used in revolutionary contexts. Coupled with "Citizen of Zimbabwe," this suggests that Melusi is a person of political importance or someone involved in the country's socio-political struggles. It might also imply a connection to Zimbabwe's historical and political context, possibly hinting at the character's involvement in or resistance to the political climate of the time.
Chineke Chiamaka
.jpeg "Pastor Chineke Chiamaka")
Pastor Chineke Chiamaka is a representative of Western Africa. His description as a failed sumo wrestler immediately introduces a sense of inadequacy or lack of success, which may suggest something about the character's past or self-perception. The "loose robes" and "cone-like caps" suggest an attempt to mask or conceal his true nature or past. The cap that "always flop[s] to the left side" could symbolize a quirk or flaw, something that is part of his identity but presented as intentional ("by design, not flaw"). The detailed description of his appearance, particularly the aspects that are hidden or masked, suggests he may have a dual nature or be hiding something significant.
The focus on the eyes, which "narrowed into slits when he relaxed" and "vanished altogether when he laughed," could symbolize deceit, secrecy, or a hidden agenda. Eyes are often described as windows to the soul, and the fact that his eyes become less visible when he shows emotion might suggest he is hiding his true feelings or intentions.
The fact that he is identified as a "Pastor at the Church inside Africa 'CIA, in Lagos, Nigeria" is significant. The acronym "CIA" may be a play on words, potentially hinting at espionage, surveillance, or secrecy, further aligning with the idea of the character hiding something.
The contrast between his religious title and his physical description might indicate that the character is complex, possibly torn between different aspects of his identity or living a double life.
Engineer Seif Tahir
.jpeg "Engineer Seif Tahir")
He is a representative of Northern Africa. His description uses concise and straightforward language. This directness suggests a focus on action and observation rather than deep introspection or emotional elaboration. It reflects Tahir's pragmatic, perhaps even weary, outlook on life.
The use of ellipses ("01 .... North Wing") and incomplete sentences ("Was it a gesture of protest someone or something!") adds a fragmented feel to the text. This exposes him as a character who is emotionally fragmented or unsettled. It also reflects an inner turmoil or unresolved tension, hinting that Seif Tahir is carrying the weight of his past experiences. The phrase "gesture of protest someone or something!" indicates that Tahir is disillusioned or disconnected, unable to fully articulate or understand the source of his discontent.
"Walk seemed to be motion powered by rebellion" is a metaphorical description of Seif's walk as "motion powered by rebellion" paints him as a person who is driven by a defiant spirit. His physical movement reflects an internal state of resistance. This characterization suggests that Seif is not passive; he is actively resisting or challenging something, even if that resistance is subconscious.
Click next below to go to the next section