The Function of Collective Memory in the Creation of a New Nation in Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s A Grain of Wheat

Abstract

This paper aims to share a story of Kenya narrated by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s A Grain of Wheat and analyse its narrative in accordance with Ernest Renan’s article entitled “What is a Nation?” to reveal a part of its journey from their dependence on the British colonial rule to their independence. The whole novel is anchored in the collective memories of some of the Kenyans, describing what they have undergone so far under the British colonial rule and how they have gained their independence with the help of the Mau Mau freedom fighters who mostly sacrifice their own life for their nation’s peace and liberation. This collective memory helps them get together to remember their past and build their present for their future and at this point Thiong’o’s novel seems to echo Renan’s arguments focusing on the basics of the nation. As Renan states in the article, embracing the past memories, accepting all the stories of sacrifice and devotion as well as their own suffering, holding a common and strong will for the present and building the future by punishing the traitors as an example for the others who might think of betraying their togetherness and unity are all the requirements to be fulfilled to create a new nation and Thiong’o’ appears to apply each of them to be sure that they eventually have their own independent nation.