SYMBOLISM IN THE PLAY INHERITANCE- A PLAY BY DAVID MULWA

Sometimes it is hard to explain abstract ideas without having a vessel to carry them. In literature and any other work of art, artists tend to use symbols. A symbol is an object. This object can be used to convey an abstract idea like love or create an emotion within the work of art. Therefore, symbolism is a literary device in which a writer uses objects or symbols in order to convey ideas and at the same time create the desired mood or evoke a desired emotion.

In the play Inheritance, David Mulwa has used various symbols. These symbols are in the form of characters, objects, and animals. These symbols play an important role in helping us understand the meaning of the play and at the same time add aesthetics to the play.

To begin with, the two foreign characters Robert Rollerstone and Daniel Goldstein represent neocolonialism. It is important to point out the age difference between Rollerstone and Goldstein. Goldstein is advanced in age, while Rollerstone is young. This signifies that colonial greed is hereditary. In order to ensure that the company continues to benefit from Kutula’s natural resources, Goldstein brings in new blood: the young and ambitious Rollerstone. On his part, Rollerstone brings in a new approach- directly involving the people of Kutula in order to mask his real intentions.

Lulu is also a symbol. She is the symbol of hope for the people of Kutula. During the commemoration ceremony, Lulu is chosen to be the one to give Lacuna the crown. This is to symbolize that the people still entrust Lacuna Kasoo with the power. Lulu is chosen because she was still pure and had not been defiled. Her role on this day was to crown Lacuna and later ‘entertain’ him in his palace. Lacuna, on the other hand, had planned to take advantage of Lulu. Having failed in his endeavours, Lacuna detains Lulu in his palace. Lacuna wants to marry Lulu as a new hope for his leadership. By arresting Lulu, Lacuna had just snatched hope from the people. Nevertheless, the people mount a revolution that reclaims Lulu back and ousts Lacuna from power.

Apart from Lulu, Lacuna Kasoo has also been used symbolically. He represents opportunism that comes with many neo-colonial African states. Lacuna grabs power by assassinating his father. Killing King Kutula kills the hope of a progressive African state. He also plans to steal the future by marrying Lulu. Lacuna’s behaviours are a representation of leaders who use their position and power to amass wealth, oppress others while rewarding cronies and running down the country’s economy. He leads a pack of greedy tribesmen and loyalists in looting the Kutula’s resources while spreading fear through the security agencies. He depicts the negative image of political power as a tool of oppression.   

Apart from the characters, the playwright has also used objects as symbols. To begin with, the crown represents power. After the death of King Kutula XV, Lacuna was given the crown on coronation day. This symbolized that Lacuna was the successor of his father. Also, during the commemoration ceremony, Lulu hands the crown over to Lacuna. This shows that young people are giving the older people represented by Lacuna the mandate to rule.  Once with the crown, Lacuna is invincible. He has the strength and power over his subjects and that is why in Kutula, there are three people: those who oppose him and are constantly harassed, those who fear him, and the few who are loyal to him.

Apples are also used as symbols. In the play, they symbolize wealth and good living. Being among the most expensive fruits, apples in this play are usually found in Lacuna’s palace. They are a reserve of the few and are mostly served to Lacuna and his dignitaries. Not once did Lacuna offer apples to people like Reverend Sangoi and her entourage. They are, in fact, entertained by Melissa, Lacuna Kasoo’s wife. However, when the foreigners visit, they are offered apples and even coffee.

Towards the end of the play, the playwright introduces doves. Historically and Biblically, white doves have been used as a symbol of peace. In the play, the doves are no different. They represent a peaceful revolution that is about to take place. Tired of Lacuna Kasoo’s leadership, the people, led by Reverend Sangoi and Romanus Bengo’ mount a bloodless revolution against Lacuna. Kasoo’s regime had performed dismally due to wanton corruption, foreign domination, manipulation, and total disregard for the wishes of the people.

The last symbol in the play is Bukelenge Valley. Bukelenge valley represents the wealth and fertility of Kutula republic. The valley has fertile soils and plenty of water. In order to promote dependence in the state, Lacuna Kasoo with his foreign investors diverts the water from the valley to a dam. The dam is expected to improve the livelihood of the people. Nevertheless, despite the projected increase in income, the valley dries up killing the fortunes of Kutula. In this case, the valley represents the valley of suffering and death.  Lacuna further forcefully evacuates the people from the valley so as to create room for foreign investments. Thus, the valley becomes a symbol of oppression and injustice. The valley also represents the grasp the investors have on Lacuna’s government and their influence on the economic decisions of Kutula.

Symbolism plays a major role in revealing neocolonialism and the unpopular Lacuna regime. It also alludes to the new hope and the resilience of Kutula people in fighting against oppression and foreign influence in their state.