‘Walenisi’ and ‘Mafuta’: Depiction of Class Segregation

Abstract

Realism is a style that portrays issues as they are in the society and has been there for a long time. The objective of this paper was to seek to know the representation of reality within Utopianism in Walenisi and Mafuta more so the meaning of the names ‘Walenisi’ and ‘Mafuta’. Post-modernism theory directed this research, especially the aspect that talks about Magical-realism, whereby fantasy and realism are put together so as to portray the way issues are in the society in the era of Post-modernism. Purposive sampling was used to select Mkangi’s novel which had Utopianism, fantasy put together with realism. This was qualitative library-based research. Several libraries were visited during the data collection of this study. The method of content analysis of data concerning realism especially the meaning of ‘Walenisi’ and ‘Mafuta’ in Walenisi and Mafuta, was used. Data analysis was done having in mind the themes, characters, various style and stylistics used and the setting of the novels. It was found that realism was used in Walenisi and Mafuta, to bring out the state of issues in the society. It was also evident that, there was the use of realism especially class segregations that resulted to the mistreatment of the lower classes. An aspect of class segregation seemed to be evidenced in the names ‘Walenisi’ and ‘Mafuta’ Moreover, there was the issue of Lucks and fate, mass actions and sensitizations and ultimately the overhaul of the systems of leadership and life.

Keywords: walenisi, mafuta, segregation, realism, class,depiction