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how is poverty expressed in i will marry when i want ?

### **How is Poverty Expressed in “I Will Marry When I Want”?**

In Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Ngugi wa Mirii’s play “I Will Marry When I Want” (originally published as *Ngaahika Ndeenda*), poverty is a pervasive and complex theme that influences the characters’ actions and perspectives. Set in postcolonial Kenya, this play is both a critique of colonialism’s enduring impacts and a reflection of the socio-economic challenges faced by rural Kenyans.

#### **The Gruesome Realities of Poverty**

The living conditions of the characters, particularly Kĩgũũnda and his wife Wangeci, are vividly portrayed, illustrating the harsh realities of poverty. Their home is described as a single-room house, which underscores their limited resources and the dire circumstances they face. This setting immediately sets the tone for the struggles of the protagonists and their struggle for a better life.

Kĩgũũnda and Wangeci are peasants, who, like many in their community, have been profoundly affected by colonial policies. The historical context of the Emergency State, mentioned in the summary, is crucial. This period was characterized by widespread burning of houses, imprisonment, and detention of individuals suspected of supporting the Mau Mau movement, which aimed to drive the British out of Kenya and restore native rights and lands.

#### **Poverty’s Impact on Relationships**

Gathoni, the daughter of Kĩgũũnda and Wangeci, embodies the complexities and contradictions of her parents’ poverty. She is described as “beautiful but superficial” and is seduced by the allure of wealth and admiration. Her desire to be admired and to be rich leads her to ignore class differences and ultimately results in her pregnancy. Gathoni’s story highlights how poverty can distort values, making individuals more susceptible to materialistic dreams and the deceptive promises of those with wealth.

#### **Resilience and Advocacy**

Despite their poverty, Kĩgũũnda and Wangeci are not passive victims. Wangeci’s recollections of the Olengurueni women, who were driven from their lands, illustrate a deep-seated connection to their heritage and a belief in the possibility of reclaiming their dignity and land. This memory serves as a reminder of their resilience and the importance of fighting for justice. Similarly, Kĩgũũnda’s initial resistance to Gathoni’s rebellious behavior and his subsequent shift towards supporting her, albeit reluctantly, show a complex relationship between tradition and the need for change.

#### **The Struggle for Self-Determination**

In a broader sense, the play captures the struggle for self-determination in postcolonial Kenya. The impoverished state of Kĩgũũnda and Wangeci represents the broader socio-economic challenges faced by many Kenyans in the years following independence. The characters’ discussions about revolution and their aspiration for a better future speak to the ongoing quest for empowerment and equality.

#### **Quotes that Capture Poverty**

Several lines in the play convey the bleak reality of poverty. Wangeci’s comment about not having any money and her wariness of foreigners are particularly revealing. Furthermore, her frustration and annoyance when her husband and friends talk about revolution while she is focused on her survival indicate the divide between idealism and everyday struggle.

#### **Wangeci’s Complex Emotions**

Wangeci’s character is a poignant portrayal of the toll poverty takes on individuals. She is weary from her struggles and resentful of her perceived humiliation at the hands of wealthier individuals. Her deep resentment towards foreigners is rooted in dissatisfaction and a sense of despair; however, she also begrudges the actions of her husband and friends, believing that their idealistic musings about revolution may jeopardize her chances of achieving any form of comfort or stability for her and her daughter.

#### **Critical Perspective on Poverty**

Critically, the theme of poverty in the play is not merely about material scarcity; it encompasses the emotional and psychological burdens it imposes. The characters’ interactions illustrate how poverty can lead to internal strife, misdirected hope, and the loss of family values. This intertwining of material struggle with personal and communal aspirations is a central theme in the play.

#### **Conclusion**

In “I Will Marry When I Want,” the harsh realities of poverty are vividly depicted, serving as a backdrop for the larger social and political issues of postcolonial Kenya. The characters’ experiences underscore the enduring impact of colonialism and the complexities of creating a new society. Through their struggles, the play offers a powerful commentary on the need for both individual resilience and collective action to overcome the legacy of oppression and poverty.

This analysis of the theme of poverty in the play not only enriches our understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by the characters but also highlights the broader socio-political context of postcolonial Kenya.