CONFLICT RESOLUTION DURING COLONIALISM: A STUDY WITH REFERENCE TO THE POEM A FAR CRY FROM AFRICA BY DEREK WALCOTT

Abstract

Colonialism is considered an era with conflicts between colonists and natives in their respective regions of origin. Though the nature of conflicts varies, the core of conflicts was for power and dominancy. This harmed the peace that existed within and among different ethnic groups. The poem “A Far Cry from Africa” by Derek Walcott portrays conflicts between British colonists and native Kenyans, Kikiyu tribes. The main objective of this study is to find the reasons, nature, and consequences of this conflict among the people involved. Relevant lines from the poem were taken and they were analyzed using descriptive and argumentative research methods. The findings of the study reveal that the conflicts have occurred due to the injustice accompanied by the misleading political agenda of the British and the aggressiveness of the native Kenyans to regain and protect their fundamental rights. This has caused conflicts and disturbed the peace which existed within and among communities. Political ideology and its agenda have played a role in the creation, manifestation, and consequences of conflicts.