Parliament of Owls by Adipo Sidang' Essay
Using examples from Adipo Sidang's play Parliament of Owls, write an essay demonstrating the truth of the saying, "what goes around comes around." (20 marks)
Actions, whether good or bad, have consequences that eventually return to the doer. In Parliament of Owls by Adipo Sidang, this plays out vividly through the rise and fall of characters like Money Bags, Royal Owl, and their supporters. Their oppressive actions toward other birds backfire, leading to betrayal, suffering, and the collapse of their regime as discussed below.
At the beginning of the play, Money Bags sponsors the Moonlight Bill, designed to benefit a few elite birds at the expense of others. He collaborates with Socialite Owl to push for the bill, hoping to enjoy privileges such as lavish meals, including "fried rats, baked mice, honey, and mayonnaise" (p.23). However, the bill sparks outrage among other birds. Straight Eyed openly opposes it, vowing, "This so-called Moonlight Bill shall not see the light of day! We shall rise to protect other birds—omnivores, grain-eaters, day birds, and night birds!" (p.26). He criticizes the bill for imposing taxes during a time of hunger and suppressing dissent. Money Bags and his allies press on, ignoring these warnings, unaware that their actions will eventually bring about their downfall.
Iron Lady further exposes the hidden agenda behind the Moonlight Bill, accusing Money Bags of using it to "loot funds from the coffers of birds and channel them into unknown private trees" (p.34). Despite these revelations, Royal Owl and Money Bags remain determined to enforce the oppressive bill. They organize a ceremony to sign a unity pact to solidify their grip on power. However, Oyundi, a rebel leader, conspires with other birds to overthrow the government. This betrayal begins with Oyundi planting seeds of mistrust between Royal Owl and Money Bags, leading to Money Bags being stripped of his titles and being arrested (p.120).
The betrayal deepens when Royal Owl, who once supported Money Bags, sentences all bats and collaborators involved in the treason to death (p.122). Ironically, the same laws they crafted to oppress others now turn against them. Money Bags, who once wielded power ruthlessly, is reduced to a prisoner in handcuffs, proving that "what goes around comes around."
Royal Owl’s manipulation of his subjects also backfires. He convinces the owls that enemies surround them and that their rule is divinely ordained, stating, "We create ideas, then impressions... If they do not believe, we do not rule" (p.56). However, Oyundi exposes his lies and leads the rebellion to topple his government. She mocks Royal Owl’s fall from power, declaring, "I told you that you are powerless. No bird listens to you!" (p.125). Royal Owl is forced to flee from parliament in shame, illustrating that those who oppress others will eventually face similar humiliation.
The theme of betrayal is further highlighted through the character of Arum Tidi, a propagandist used by the ruling class to manipulate the birds. Arum Tidi is promised rewards for his loyalty, including "a rat every night... served with delicious soup at Royal Trees" (p.18). However, after fulfilling his propaganda duties, he is abandoned by his handlers and left to die mysteriously, his body found floating in a river (p.61). His tragic fate symbolizes the inevitable consequences of aligning with corrupt regimes—those who serve oppressive leaders are often discarded once they are no longer useful.
Red String, another sycophant of Royal Owl and Money Bags, also suffers a similar fate. After participating in oppressive activities, including plotting to silence dissent, Red String meets his downfall. When the government collapses, Royal Owl orders the execution of all collaborators, including Red String (p.122). The play closes with Oyundi driving the owls out of parliament, marking the complete reversal of their fortunes (p.125).
In conclusion, Parliament of Owls demonstrates that "what goes around comes around" through the characters' experiences of betrayal, manipulation, and downfall. Money Bags, Royal Owl, and their allies oppress others but ultimately fall victim to the same injustices they promoted.