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 Blossoms of the Savannah Essay Questions and Answers

The old and young generation in Blossoms of the Savannah are in conflict .Discuss.

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Answer Text:
There is normally a broad gap between old generation and young generation in terms of differences in values, attitudes and interests. The differences caused by the dynamism of way of life from one generation to
another is notable especially between parents and their children even in our current society.
In Blossoms of the Savannah, there is conflict between the old and young generation which is portrayed by the conflict between Ole Kaelo and his daughters. Ole kaelo’s family have lived in Nakuru where he has brought up his daughters. They have therefore lost touch with the Nasila culture this makes Education their priority in life. Ole kaelo after retrenchment goes back to Nasila and embraces the culture because he wants to fit in the society. He accepts to marry off his daughters to Oloisudori instead of granting their wish to go to the university. This creates a great conflict between them making them escape home to Ntare-naaj.
The old man, Ole Musanka and the likes of enkamuratani, enkasakatoni and enkaitoyoni are a representative of the old generation that are in conflict with Minik who represents the young generation. Because of her determination of getting education from Makerere University and pursuing a career, they hate her for not settling down and getting married. Ole Musanka label her ‘wasp’ and cautions Ole kaelo’s daughters from joining her crusades against FGM. The main conflict between this two groups of people is the question of being conservative versus being liberal.
Resian is against the idea that a woman should be submissive to their husbands. When Olarinkoi, Joseph Permuat and their father are seated in the living room waiting for food. She comes out boldly even in the presences of Yeiyo-botorr and says that men can as well cook. Her mother and Yeiyo-botorr are shocked at her reaction and says that she has a demon that can be cured by circumcision, hence creating conflict of interest. Resian and Taiyo also swear that they will not be like their mother who submits to their father at the expense of their own lives.
Joseph and Taiyo are faced with cultural conflict when they falls in love with each other. Uncle Simeren cautions Mama Milanoi that they need to be told that they are related. Nasila culture does not allow such a union and hence Joseph is torn between loyalty to that culture or love for Taiyo. Ole Kaelo also invites him home and introduces him as their brother bringing up even more conflict between what he want the girls to be taught and what the girls themselves want.
In conclusion we can agree that the main cause of conflict between the old generation and young generation is differences brought about by cultural gap.


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