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A Grain of Wheat,
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Kieran
Ah this is a rather old question... but I'll answer anyway. The title of the novel comes from Paul's parable in the Bible:
"Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened except it die. And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain."
In the context of the novel it refers to the fact that old things must pass away for new ones to be born... Colonial administration must fall so new African governments can lead, (the Uhuru movement, and the idea of liberation under Jomo Kenyatta). It's the ideal for which the freedom fighters long for and are prepared to sacrifice their lives for.
Compare this also to the relationship and love triangle of Karanja and Gikonyo for Mumbi, whose love eventually blossoms at the end, which was 'fertile'?
What happened to the idealism and moral vision of the Thompsons?Why did it fail?
Mugo's treason and heroism... (his true act of heroism was finally owning up to his betrayal and so purifying his soul in the process even though he was condemned by the people).
There's a number of moral lessons throughout the novel. But the main one I think for me was that things like wheat take time to grow, one must not be impatient for Uhuru, but make sure it grows steadily.
The other would be that all power has the potential to be corrupted, regardless of race, as we see with characters like Robson or the MP that cheats Gikonyo and Karanja.
I hope that answers the two possible interpretations of your question.
"Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened except it die. And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain."
In the context of the novel it refers to the fact that old things must pass away for new ones to be born... Colonial administration must fall so new African governments can lead, (the Uhuru movement, and the idea of liberation under Jomo Kenyatta). It's the ideal for which the freedom fighters long for and are prepared to sacrifice their lives for.
Compare this also to the relationship and love triangle of Karanja and Gikonyo for Mumbi, whose love eventually blossoms at the end, which was 'fertile'?
What happened to the idealism and moral vision of the Thompsons?Why did it fail?
Mugo's treason and heroism... (his true act of heroism was finally owning up to his betrayal and so purifying his soul in the process even though he was condemned by the people).
There's a number of moral lessons throughout the novel. But the main one I think for me was that things like wheat take time to grow, one must not be impatient for Uhuru, but make sure it grows steadily.
The other would be that all power has the potential to be corrupted, regardless of race, as we see with characters like Robson or the MP that cheats Gikonyo and Karanja.
I hope that answers the two possible interpretations of your question.
Gamal Adam
Who the hero of the novel Agrain of wheat
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