Proverbs as a stylistic strategy in song of Lawino.

Abstract

This study examined the proverb as a stylistic strategy in Song of Lawino. A proverb is a simple and insightful, traditional saying that expresses a perceived truth based on common sense or experience. Proverbs are often metaphorical and use formulaic language. Song of Lawino is an epic poem written by Ugandan poet Okot p' Bitek. First published in 1966 in Luo then after translated into other languages, including English. Song of Lawino has become one of the most widely read literary works originating from sub-Saharan Africa that addresses the issues facing a liberated Africa. The poem poses a question: what kind of liberation should Africa take on? Should it honor its traditions, or should it adapt the European values that were already set in place during colonialism? Okot p'Bitek addresses this question by telling the story of Lawino, a woman whose husband, Ocol, throws her out of their home and brings home a more Europeanized woman as a wife. The story is told as a dialogue between Lawino and Ocol. Lawino, the main character in this poem, laments over his husband’s altered demeanor as he tends to live like a white man. Lawino can’t fathom why one would try to live/become someone else. To her, culture is not a piece of cloth that one changes anytime she/he feels like it. It is a pumpkin whose roots run deep underneath the earth and can’t/shouldn’t be uprooted. The Acoli (pronounced as ‘Acholi’) culture should be protected like mother hen protects her chicks under her wings and conserved ( Bitek, 1972).