AFRICAN PROSE; ISIDORE OKPEWHO: The Last Duty
Discuss the effects of the war on the people of Urukpe.
Explanation
The effects of the war on the people of Urukpe The major theme of the novel is the effect which the war has on the people of Urukpe. The author highlights the devastating effects of the war on the people by stressing not only the physical loss but also the emotional trauma they experienced. On daily basis, the people experience the emotions of fear, anxiety and general apprehension of danger, especially of their lives and property.
The frequent restriction of movement and the devastating effects of rebel incursion and air raids make the people feel imprisoned in their own town. The characters’ lives are affected and this can be seen as they individually narrate their experiences.
Toje’s instigation against Oshevire causes him (Oshevire) to be detained at Iddu thus separating him from his family. Toje’s exploitation of Oshevire’s situation to his selfish advantage (seducing Aku) leads to the disgrace and shame which Aku suffers in the community.
Toje makes Odibo feel empty by treating him like an imbecile because the war situation makes it impossible for the youth to feel free and get jobs elsewhere.
Major Ali as the commander of the xv Brigade of the federal army finds himself in a very difficult situation. No matter how hard he tries, many forces are against him. He has to be very careful not to offend the prominent indigenes like Toje or step on the toes of his superior officers as well as protect the interest of the soldiers and the civilians. Thus, to strike this balance becomes difficult for him. Oshevire’s situation-his detention, separated his family and subsequent death is consequence of the war.
Aku’s experiences in the novel show the traumatic effects of the war on her. She has to succumb to the tempta-tion of sleeping with Odibo as a result of loneliness and the desire created in her by Toje. She is ostracized by the community and has to lie to her son about the father’s situation. All these put emotional pressure and social stigma on her.
Oghenovo suffers psychological distress in the hands of his peer groups (like Onome) who tell him that his father is in prison because he is a thief. This creates a sense of loss and inferiority complex on Oghenovo who gets confused as to who his real father is.
Oshevire’s appearance at the end of the novel proves to be an ironic reversal as Oghenovo and his mother (Aku) suffer in his hands.
The military occupation of Urukpe puts the dignity and freedom of the citizens in danger. The feud between the Sergeant and Private Sule claims the life of the girl and creates so much tension in the town. The subsequent execution of Private Sule adds to this tense atmosphere, and he is consequently transferred from his post.
Thus, the war affects all the characters to the extent that their lives are never the same again.