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Literary Devices
Definition of Allegory
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and events. The story of "The Tortoise and The Hare" is... read full definition
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and events. The story of "The... read full definition
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and... read full definition
Chapter 15
Explanation and Analysis—The Kite and the Duckling:
In Chapter 15, Uchendu expresses frustration upon hearing that the men of Abame killed a White man. He states that one should "never kill a man who says nothing," utilizing an allegorical tale to illustrate this point:
Mother Kite once sent her daughter to bring food. She went, and brought back a duckling. "You have done very well," said Mother Kite to her daughter, "but tell me, what did the mother of this duckling say when you swooped and carried its child away?" "It said nothing," replied the young kite. "It just walked away." "You must return the duckling," said Mother Kite. "There is something ominous behind the silence."
As the allegorical tale continues, the young kite returns the duckling. It then proceeds to capture a chick, whose mother "raves and cries and curse[s]" in anger. Mother Kite approves of this, as according to her, "there is nothing to fear from someone who shouts." Uchendu's allegorical tale reflects his lack of trust in White people and their motives. Like the duckling's mother, a person who reacts minimally to threats of violence cannot be trusted. The White man's lack of reaction to his own murder indicates to Uchendu that some greater mischief is afoot.
Related Themes:
