The Portrayal of Black African Societies and Their Developments in Henry Rider Haggard's She and Wilbur Smith's 'The Leopard Hunts in Darkness'.
ABSTRACT
Dalam skripsi ini, saya akan menganalisis penggambaran masyarakat kulit
hitam Afrika dan perkembangan mereka dalam novel karya Henry Rider Haggard
yang berjudul She dan novel karya Wilbur Smith yang berjudul The Leopard
Hunts in Darkness, serta penyebab-penyebab dari segala perubahan itu. Dalam
analisa ini saya menggunakan pendekatan pasca-kolonialisme.
Novel She memberi gambaran tentang kondisi masyarakat kulit hitam
Afrika pada masa kolonial. Secara fisik, mereka digambarkan masih memiliki
kehidupan yang primitif, dan secara budaya mereka mempraktekkan tradisi-tradisi
yang dianggap aneh oleh orang-orang barat.
Novel The Leopard Hunts in Darkness menggambarkan kondisi
masyarakat kulit hitam Afrika pada masa pasca-kolonisasi. Sekarang, baik secara
fisik dan budaya, mereka digambarkan telah jauh lebih maju, dan mengikuti
hampir segala aspek yang dimiliki oleh budaya barat.
Setelah melakukan analisa, saya menyimpulkan bahwa penyebab utama
perubahan dan perkembangan masyarakat kulit hitam di Afrika adalah
melemahnya rasa kesukuan mereka, dan hal itu menyebabkan pengaruh budaya
lain lebih mudah masuk dan diterima. Hal ini juga menciptakan representasi yang
bias dari mereka.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE ………………………………………………………………
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ……………………………………………
ii
ABSTRACT …………………………………………………………… iii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study …………………………………………
Statement of the Problem …………………………………………
Purpose of the Study ……….….………..…………………………
Methods of Research ……………………………………………..
Organization of the Thesis ……………………………………….
1
2
4
5
5
CHAPTER TWO: THE PORTRAYAL OF BLACK AFRICAN
SOCIETIES AND THEIR DEVELOPMENTS IN SHE
AND THE LEOPARD HUNTS IN DARKNESS ………………..
6
CHAPTER THREE: CONCLUSION ………………………………… 27
BIBLIOGRAPHY ……………………………………………………… 32
APPENDICES
Synopsis of She …………………………………………………. 34
Synopsis of The Leopard Hunts in Darkness …………………… 36
Biographies of the Authors ……………………………………… 38
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APPENDICES
Synopsis of She
Ludwig Horace Holly, an Englishman from Cambridge, is asked by his
friend Vincey to be a guardian for his son, Leo. Vincey then dies shortly
afterwards and he has left his son a legacy in the form of an iron box, which can
only be opened when he is twenty-five years old. Twenty years later, the box is
opened, and its contents include Leo’s father’s letter and an explanation about
their ancestor from Egypt, a priest named Kallikrates who fled to Africa with his
wife Amenartas, and after a series of events, got killed by the queen of a savage
tribe. The letter informs Leo that since then the descendants of Kallikrates have
been trying to kill the person who murdered him, and now it is Leo’s turn to do it.
Soon Holly, Leo, and their servant Job travel to Africa to search for the
queen. However, their ship is wrecked by a violent sea storm, leaving only the
three of them and an Arab named Mahomed as survivors of the accident. Then
they continue the journey through the vast land of Africa, and through numerous
ordeals they finally manage to meet the tribe of Amahaggers, whose leader is
none other than the woman they are searching for, the one who is called She. They
live temporarily in one of the Amahaggers’ caves and get acquainted with a man
named Billali and a girl named Ustane, who falls in love with Leo. Shortly
afterwards, there is a clash between the western people and the Amahaggers,
resulting in the death of Mahomed. To avoid further conflicts, they soon depart
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and finally are able to meet the queen, whose real name is Ayesha, a 2000-yearold woman who actually killed Kallikrates long ago.
The three people then live in Ayesha’s place for a while, getting perplexed
by her amazing beauty and power. One day, Ayesha finds that Leo’s face is
exactly the same as his ancestor Kallikrates’ face, and She declares that he is his
reincarnation. It becomes clear later that Ayesha once loved Kallikrates but then
killed him out of jealousy. She becomes emotional again, and causes her to kill
Ustane, who is considered her rival. Apparently, Ustane is the reincarnation of
Kallikrates’ wife, Amenartas, who managed to escape after Kallikrates has been
killed.
Thinking that finally Kallikrates has returned to her, Ayesha then asks the
three people to go to some place, where she will reveal the secret of her prolonged
life and magical power. She then takes them into a cave in the mountain, a place
which according to her, is the hermitage of a recluse named Noot. The place itself
is hard to reach, but the team finally manage to get to the hidden spot, deep down
in the mountain.
In the incredible place Ayesha shows them an astonishing pillar of flame
which she calls the fountain of life, and which gave her power almost 2000 years
ago. Her intention is to ask Leo to stand in the middle of the flame so as to receive
the same power as she has, so that the two of them can marry and live forever as a
couple who rule the entire world with their power.
However, before the ritual, Leo is scared seeing the pillar of flame and
refuses to enter it. Ayesha then takes the initiative to enter the pillar of flame once
again in order to renew her power once more and if possible to strengthen it to the
maximum. When Ayesha enters it, however, her body shrinks and she finally dies
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instead of getting more power. Job dies from the terrible shock, while Holly and
Leo eventually manage to escape from the mountain and return to England after
going through a series of difficulties along the way.
Synopsis of The Leopard Hunts in Darkness
Craig Mellow, a writer who lives in New York, is asked by Henry
Pickering, a representative of the World Bank, to go to Africa and check their
investments. Craig agrees, and soon he flies to Zimbabwe, Africa, to survey the
mentioned assets.
Later he meets with his old friend Tungata Zebiwe who doesn’t welcome
him. Zebiwe is the leader of the Matabele tribe who has gained a good position in
the government. Later he meets Peter Fungabera, who tells him that Tungata is a
poacher who illegally hunts down elephants and other animals in the area. Then
Peter asks Craig to help him catch Tungata in a set-up operation.
The trap works, and one night Tungata is caught by surprise. Thinking that
every problem has been solved, Craig starts to finish his previous activity while
planning a new one; he wants to settle down in Africa with a woman named SallyAnne. He enjoys his new life just for a short while, then one day Peter Fungabera
and his men storm Craig’s residence and falsely accused him guilty of several
crimes.
Through fierce intimidations and threats, Craig is then forced to sign a
paper saying that he is guilty of all accusations, and agrees to hand over King’s
Lynn, his estate in Africa. Soon Craig learns that Peter Fungabera has planned
this, because his efforts is to get close to Craig in order to obtain the estate for his
own benefit.
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Although Peter Fungabera has already got what he wants, he intends to
leave no witnesses alive, so that he orders the murder of both Craig and SallyAnne. However, one of Fungabera’s men named Timon Nbebi helps the two
instead of killing them as Fungabera has ordered him to do. Together, the three
people then escape to Kalahari Desert, and in the end only Craig and Sally-Anne
survive, while Timon dies defending them against the pursuers. However, before
he dies, Timon Nbebi tells the two people that Peter Fungabera is the real master
poacher in the area, and he captures Tungata Zebiwe so that he will not be an
obstacle to him. He also tells them about the clashes between the two tribes, the
Mashonas and the Matabeles.
Soon afterwards, Craig and Sally-Anne construct a plan to free Tungata
Zebiwe and revenge themselves on Peter Fungabera. Through several clashes and
with the help of the people of Matabele tribe, they finally manage to rescue
Tungata. It is from him that they hear about Peter Fungabera’s next target, a
forgotten treasure in the form of diamonds belonging to Tungata’s ancestors.
After a frantic journey and search, they eventually manage to discover the
place where the valuable treasure is hidden, and they try to recover it before Peter
Fungabera does. Meanwhile, Peter Fungabera takes the easy way to find the exact
spot of the treasures by asking the members of the tribe who guard it. He even
tortures several black Africans cruelly until one of them can’t stand it and tells
him where the treasure is. However, knowing that Craig and companions are
already there, he decides to seal the entrance in hope that they will be trapped
inside. After working hard, however, Craig and the others manage to get out of the
caves, steal a helicopter, forcefully abduct Peter Fungabera, and reveal all his
crimes to end his reign. The story ends with the condition that Tungata Zebiwe
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regains his credibility among the tribes, while Craig and Sally-Anne regain their
properties and eventually settle down in their estate.
Biography of Henry Rider Haggard
Henry Rider Haggard was born in West Bradenham Hall, Norfolk, as the
son of William Haggard and Ella (Doventon) Haggard. He was educated privately
at a London day-school, and also Ipswich Grammar School. Later he married a
Norfolk heiress, Mariana Louisa Margitson. They moved to Transvaal afterwards.
Haggard is a prolific English writer, who published great novels which are
set in Africa. One of his most famous adventure novels is King Solomon’s Mine,
which is inspired by the famous novel Treasure Island written by Robert Louis
Stevenson.
During his years in Africa, Haggard got acquainted with Zulu culture. He
also had an affair with an African woman, and conducted a deep relationship with
her. He is also the author of the adventure novel Allan Quatermain.
Biography of Wilbur Smith
Wilbur Smith is a full-time writer who was born in Zambia, and has lived
all his life in Africa. He is a master storyteller, and a bestselling author of
adventure fiction novels such as The Elephant Song and The Sound of Thunder.
His novels show diverse surroundings, detailed stories, and realism. He also has
abundance of power in his words. Some of Smith’s discussions in his novels
include African tribalism, capitalism, and colonialism. Smith also financed
expeditions to Africa and Alaska.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
As one of the six continents in the planet, Africa was called the “dark
continent” in the past, due to the world’s lack of knowledge about its realm.
Nowadays, however, as the growing technology and science significantly assist
people in their exploration and exploitation, almost all the features provided by
the exotic land are finally revealed, especially its fascinating landscapes and
assorted inhabitants, which are described quite noticeably in the novels discussed
in this thesis.
I have chosen to discuss the portrayal of black African societies in the
novels She by Henry Rider Haggard and The Leopard Hunts in Darkness by
Wilbur Smith, which contain vivid and detailed descriptions of black African
societies. The two novels are concerned with different literary eras, colonial and
post-colonial ones, and I expect to get a deep insight into the developments of the
black African societies in the two different eras, which seemingly cannot be found
so obviously in other genres.
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As for the authors’ significance, which is also the main reason why I have
chosen their works, Henry Rider Haggard is a prolific English writer , who once
got acquainted with the Zulu culture in Africa, and is the author of thirty-four
well-known adventure novels, including the romantic adventure tale King
Solomon’s
Mines
and
Allan
Quatermain
(http://www.classicreader.com/author.php/aut.22), while Wilbur Smith is also a
bestselling
author
of
adventure
fiction
(http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0810335/bio); he is a writer with an abundance
of power in his words. (http://www.gnooks.com/discussion/wilbur+smith.html).
The two novels, She and The Leopard Hunts in Darkness, are chosen because of
their quite comparable aspects, including the dissimilar portrayals and the
developments of the black African societies, which makes it necessary to analyze
the setting of the stories, and other aspects such as the portrayal of African
cultures.
Considering the captivating contrasting aspects, I decide to analyze the
differences in the depictions of the black African societies in both works, which
are the results of the changes and developments in the colonial and post-colonial
eras. I find that there are some deviating descriptions of the black African
societies in the novels that cannot be simply ignored in viewing the two novels. I
find it interesting to compare them in order to reveal the two different views on
the black African societies.
I choose the Post-colonial Approach to analyze the portrayal of the black
African societies in the novels, as I find it effective in finding the particular
differences in the portrayal of the black African societies.
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Post-colonialism is ‘…a term which refers to a broader understanding of
the modern representations of race and ethnicity and the history of these
representations.’
(http://www.adamranson.freeserve.co.uk/postcolonialism.htm).
The quotation shows that the post-colonial approach deals with changes of
representations.
In analyzing the black African societies, I also refer to some elements of
post-colonialism. I learn that ‘…the Nations created by the end of Empire have
been irrevocably altered by the experience of Colonisation (Culturally, Politically
&Economically)...’(http://www.adamranson.freeserve.co.uk/postcolonialism.htm).
The quotation refers to some general elements of post-colonialism which concern
various changes in their representations. Those changes are mainly caused by the
long-term experiences of colonization, including the colonizers’ influences in the
related issues (culture, politics and economy).
Furthermore, to support my analysis of the portrayal of the black African
societies in the novels, I would also like to refer to another element of Postcolonialism, ‘Post-colonialism deals with many issues for societies that have
undergone colonialism: the dilemmas of developing a national identity,…’
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-colonialism). This particular element makes me
learn that the colonized people also have problems in developing their own
identity in the post-colonial era.
To sum up, the elements of post-colonialism that I refer to are the various
changes in the colonized people’s representations and their problems to develop
an identity in the post-colonial era. Based on those particular elements, I would
like to analyze the portrayal of the black African societies in the novels, including
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their physical and mental developments and the various changes of their
representations in the colonial and post-colonial eras. In referring to them, I would
also analyze both the internal and external aspects which become the reasons why
such changes and developments can inevitably occur in the black African societies
described in the novels.
Statement of the Problem
1. How do the authors portray the African societies in the novels?
2. What are the developments and differences in the portrayal of the black
African societies found in both novels?
3. Why are there differences in the representations of the African societies
found in both novels?
Purpose of the Study
1. To describe how the authors portray the black African societies in the
novels.
2. To define the developments and differences in the portrayal of the black
African societies in both novels.
3. To show the main reasons for the differences in the representations of the
black African societies in both novels.
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Method of Research
I use library research in carrying out my study. I read She and The Leopard
Hunts in Darkness as the primary texts, and then read several references that are
relevant to the topic being discussed. I also read the biographies of the authors. I
then analyze the portrayal of the black African societies in the two novels by
using the primary texts and references to support my analysis. Finally, I draw a
conclusion from my analysis.
Organization of the Thesis
I organize my thesis into three chapters. I begin with Chapter One, the
Introduction, which contains the Background of the Study, Statement of the
Problem, and Purpose of the Study. Chapter Two contains a comparison of the
contrasting portrayal and developments of African societies in the novel She and
in the novel The Leopard Hunts in Darkness. The last chapter is the Conclusion,
which contains the analysis of the major causes of the differences in the portrayal
and representations of the African societies in the two novels. The thesis ends
with the Bibliography and the Appendix, which contains the synopses of the
novels and the biographies of the authors.
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CHAPTER THREE
CONCLUSION
The black African societies consist of many tribes who were colonized by
the western people during the colonial era, and were liberated in the post-colonial
era, thus gaining their own political independence. There are, however, lots of
things changed and developed in the representation of the black African societies
over the years, due to various reasons. These changes and developments in the
black African societies in the novels are analyzed, using the post-colonial
approach, which mainly concerns the representation of the black African people in
the two eras.
The first changing and developing aspect is their physical portrayal. In the
novel She, which is set in the colonial era, the black African societies are
described as leading a primordial life compared to the western people. Practically
every aspect of their life, including their dwelling places and fashion style, is
portrayed as primitive. The black African people are described as living in caves,
wearing
simple, not-fabricated leather clothing, and utilizing simple tools in
their daily lives, mainly for cultivating their land and fulfilling their basic daily
needs only. It is described that none of them have ever seen fabricated clothing,
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modern devices and weaponry, such as guns, which are owned by the western
people who come into their societies.
From the discussion above, I conclude that the black African societies in
the novel She, which is set in colonial era, still live in primitiveness and
simplicity, and do not get many influences from the western colonizers in terms of
physical aspects.
However, in the novel The Leopard Hunts in Darkness, the black African
societies, still divided into tribes, are portrayed as being far more advanced
physically. They live in houses, not caves, and they utilized modern stuff such as
cigarettes and fabricated, stylish clothing, as well as weapons and handy devices
such as the telephone and the tractor. In other words, they have already
familiarized themselves with western-made products which symbolizes the
influences of global modernization on the black African societies.
Therefore, I conclude that the black African societies in the novel The
Leopard Hunts in Darkness are generally physically modernized due to the
colonizers’ influences in the past.
Comparing the portrayal of the black African societies in the two novels, I
conclude that there are significant physical changes in the black African societies
between colonial and post-colonial eras, which mainly concern developments in
their general lifestyles, including the improvements in their dwelling places,
fashion styles, devices and furniture.
In the matter of culture, the black African societies have also undergone
significant changes. Influences on cultural aspects are indeed unavoidable as parts
of global modernization of the black African societies.
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In the novel She, the black African societies are portrayed as having weird
and unusual customs and cultures in the eyes of the western people who colonized
them, corresponding to their physical aspects. The female members of the
Amahagger tribe are portrayed as having a higher position than men in the black
African society. Therefore, the marital bonds are practically determined by the
women, as they are the ones who choose their husbands. They are free to do this
as they please; furthermore, they are also free to change their husbands as many
times as they please. Strangely enough, it is described in the novel that there are
very few or no quarrels at all among the members of the tribe about this
“switching” husband system. This particular custom is considered strange by the
western people, because the system that they follow in their societies is different.
The other customs, which include the vulgar practice of cannibalism and
the primitive and unwritten laws which allow inhumane punishments, are other
examples to show that the black African society is portrayed less civilized than the
western people.
In the novel The Leopard Hunts in Darkness, however, the black African
societies are portrayed as having far more civilized customs and cultures, and
most of them are derived from the western culture. Men have a higher position in
the societies, which implies the newly applied patrilineal system. There are no
more actions of cannibalism, and the laws are changed into constitutional and
written ones following the western examples.
From the discussion, I conclude that the western influences have
penetrated deep into the black African societies, and eventually make their their
fundamental customs and cultures become similar to the western ones. The
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process itself was started in the colonial era, and when the colonization stopped in
the post-colonial era, the intrusions had reached such a condition that the black
African societies now adopt and apply their past colonizers’ customs and cultures
in their lives.
The sense of tribalism among the black African societies in the novel She
is still strong, so strong that they are portrayed as being one solid tribe and are
unlikely to be shaken or deeply influenced by external factors such as western
customs so as to start any clashes.
However, in the novel The Leopard Hunts in Darkness, the black African
societies are portrayed as having a weak sense of tribalism. It is portrayed that
there are disagreements and clashes among the members of the tribe, and also
among tribes.
From this condition, I conclude that the sense of tribalism of the black
African societies have degenerated in the post-colonial era, because the black
African people are no longer colonized, and their strong tribal bond has
weakened. This condition, along with the unavoidable globalization and
modernization that they experience, causes many disagreements and clashes in the
black African societies.
I conclude that there are changes and developments in the portrayal of the
black African societies in the two novels, She and The Leopard Hunts in
Darkness, which concern many physical and cultural aspects. In the novel She, the
black African societies are described as living primitively, with all kinds of
uncivilized customs and a strong sense of tribalism, while in the novel The
Leopard Hunts in Darkness, the condition of the black African societies is
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portrayed in contrast with their past condition. In the former condition, they have
more advanced standard of living, following the western standard.
In my opinion, the application of the post-colonial approach is very
significant in analyzing the portrayal of black African societies in the two novels,
She and The Leopard Hunts in Darkness. By using this approach, I can show that
the changes in the portrayal of the black African societies in the second novel are
caused by their adaptation to the western culture and way of life. In the colonial
times, the black African societies did not seem to care much about the western
culture, but the long-term colonization, which also means long-term relationships
with the western people, have inevitably affected them. Therefore, in the postcolonial era, the black African people unconsciously care about the western
culture which has already influenced their culture in the societies, and they apply
it in their daily lives. Moreover, due to the weakening sense of tribalism among
the black African societies, they are even more gullible to outsiders’ influences,
and this condition makes the changes and developments get even easier to take
place.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
References:
Barry, Peter. Beginning Theory. New York: Manchester University Press, 2002.
Internet Sites:
Biography for Wilbur Smith. 1990-2006. Internet Movie Database Inc. 16 March
2006
.
Dicussion: Wilbur Smith. 16 March 2006.
.
H. Rider Haggard. 2001, 2005. Blackdog Media. 16 March 2006
.
Post Colonialism. Film Communication Media. Filton College. 16 March 2006
.
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Post-colonialism. 26 February 2006. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 16 March 2006
.
Primary Texts:
Haggard, H. Rider. She. New York: Penguin Popular Classics, 1994.
Smith, Wilbur. The Leopard Hunts in Darkness. New York: Ballantine Books,
1990.
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Dalam skripsi ini, saya akan menganalisis penggambaran masyarakat kulit
hitam Afrika dan perkembangan mereka dalam novel karya Henry Rider Haggard
yang berjudul She dan novel karya Wilbur Smith yang berjudul The Leopard
Hunts in Darkness, serta penyebab-penyebab dari segala perubahan itu. Dalam
analisa ini saya menggunakan pendekatan pasca-kolonialisme.
Novel She memberi gambaran tentang kondisi masyarakat kulit hitam
Afrika pada masa kolonial. Secara fisik, mereka digambarkan masih memiliki
kehidupan yang primitif, dan secara budaya mereka mempraktekkan tradisi-tradisi
yang dianggap aneh oleh orang-orang barat.
Novel The Leopard Hunts in Darkness menggambarkan kondisi
masyarakat kulit hitam Afrika pada masa pasca-kolonisasi. Sekarang, baik secara
fisik dan budaya, mereka digambarkan telah jauh lebih maju, dan mengikuti
hampir segala aspek yang dimiliki oleh budaya barat.
Setelah melakukan analisa, saya menyimpulkan bahwa penyebab utama
perubahan dan perkembangan masyarakat kulit hitam di Afrika adalah
melemahnya rasa kesukuan mereka, dan hal itu menyebabkan pengaruh budaya
lain lebih mudah masuk dan diterima. Hal ini juga menciptakan representasi yang
bias dari mereka.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE ………………………………………………………………
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ……………………………………………
ii
ABSTRACT …………………………………………………………… iii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study …………………………………………
Statement of the Problem …………………………………………
Purpose of the Study ……….….………..…………………………
Methods of Research ……………………………………………..
Organization of the Thesis ……………………………………….
1
2
4
5
5
CHAPTER TWO: THE PORTRAYAL OF BLACK AFRICAN
SOCIETIES AND THEIR DEVELOPMENTS IN SHE
AND THE LEOPARD HUNTS IN DARKNESS ………………..
6
CHAPTER THREE: CONCLUSION ………………………………… 27
BIBLIOGRAPHY ……………………………………………………… 32
APPENDICES
Synopsis of She …………………………………………………. 34
Synopsis of The Leopard Hunts in Darkness …………………… 36
Biographies of the Authors ……………………………………… 38
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APPENDICES
Synopsis of She
Ludwig Horace Holly, an Englishman from Cambridge, is asked by his
friend Vincey to be a guardian for his son, Leo. Vincey then dies shortly
afterwards and he has left his son a legacy in the form of an iron box, which can
only be opened when he is twenty-five years old. Twenty years later, the box is
opened, and its contents include Leo’s father’s letter and an explanation about
their ancestor from Egypt, a priest named Kallikrates who fled to Africa with his
wife Amenartas, and after a series of events, got killed by the queen of a savage
tribe. The letter informs Leo that since then the descendants of Kallikrates have
been trying to kill the person who murdered him, and now it is Leo’s turn to do it.
Soon Holly, Leo, and their servant Job travel to Africa to search for the
queen. However, their ship is wrecked by a violent sea storm, leaving only the
three of them and an Arab named Mahomed as survivors of the accident. Then
they continue the journey through the vast land of Africa, and through numerous
ordeals they finally manage to meet the tribe of Amahaggers, whose leader is
none other than the woman they are searching for, the one who is called She. They
live temporarily in one of the Amahaggers’ caves and get acquainted with a man
named Billali and a girl named Ustane, who falls in love with Leo. Shortly
afterwards, there is a clash between the western people and the Amahaggers,
resulting in the death of Mahomed. To avoid further conflicts, they soon depart
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and finally are able to meet the queen, whose real name is Ayesha, a 2000-yearold woman who actually killed Kallikrates long ago.
The three people then live in Ayesha’s place for a while, getting perplexed
by her amazing beauty and power. One day, Ayesha finds that Leo’s face is
exactly the same as his ancestor Kallikrates’ face, and She declares that he is his
reincarnation. It becomes clear later that Ayesha once loved Kallikrates but then
killed him out of jealousy. She becomes emotional again, and causes her to kill
Ustane, who is considered her rival. Apparently, Ustane is the reincarnation of
Kallikrates’ wife, Amenartas, who managed to escape after Kallikrates has been
killed.
Thinking that finally Kallikrates has returned to her, Ayesha then asks the
three people to go to some place, where she will reveal the secret of her prolonged
life and magical power. She then takes them into a cave in the mountain, a place
which according to her, is the hermitage of a recluse named Noot. The place itself
is hard to reach, but the team finally manage to get to the hidden spot, deep down
in the mountain.
In the incredible place Ayesha shows them an astonishing pillar of flame
which she calls the fountain of life, and which gave her power almost 2000 years
ago. Her intention is to ask Leo to stand in the middle of the flame so as to receive
the same power as she has, so that the two of them can marry and live forever as a
couple who rule the entire world with their power.
However, before the ritual, Leo is scared seeing the pillar of flame and
refuses to enter it. Ayesha then takes the initiative to enter the pillar of flame once
again in order to renew her power once more and if possible to strengthen it to the
maximum. When Ayesha enters it, however, her body shrinks and she finally dies
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instead of getting more power. Job dies from the terrible shock, while Holly and
Leo eventually manage to escape from the mountain and return to England after
going through a series of difficulties along the way.
Synopsis of The Leopard Hunts in Darkness
Craig Mellow, a writer who lives in New York, is asked by Henry
Pickering, a representative of the World Bank, to go to Africa and check their
investments. Craig agrees, and soon he flies to Zimbabwe, Africa, to survey the
mentioned assets.
Later he meets with his old friend Tungata Zebiwe who doesn’t welcome
him. Zebiwe is the leader of the Matabele tribe who has gained a good position in
the government. Later he meets Peter Fungabera, who tells him that Tungata is a
poacher who illegally hunts down elephants and other animals in the area. Then
Peter asks Craig to help him catch Tungata in a set-up operation.
The trap works, and one night Tungata is caught by surprise. Thinking that
every problem has been solved, Craig starts to finish his previous activity while
planning a new one; he wants to settle down in Africa with a woman named SallyAnne. He enjoys his new life just for a short while, then one day Peter Fungabera
and his men storm Craig’s residence and falsely accused him guilty of several
crimes.
Through fierce intimidations and threats, Craig is then forced to sign a
paper saying that he is guilty of all accusations, and agrees to hand over King’s
Lynn, his estate in Africa. Soon Craig learns that Peter Fungabera has planned
this, because his efforts is to get close to Craig in order to obtain the estate for his
own benefit.
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Although Peter Fungabera has already got what he wants, he intends to
leave no witnesses alive, so that he orders the murder of both Craig and SallyAnne. However, one of Fungabera’s men named Timon Nbebi helps the two
instead of killing them as Fungabera has ordered him to do. Together, the three
people then escape to Kalahari Desert, and in the end only Craig and Sally-Anne
survive, while Timon dies defending them against the pursuers. However, before
he dies, Timon Nbebi tells the two people that Peter Fungabera is the real master
poacher in the area, and he captures Tungata Zebiwe so that he will not be an
obstacle to him. He also tells them about the clashes between the two tribes, the
Mashonas and the Matabeles.
Soon afterwards, Craig and Sally-Anne construct a plan to free Tungata
Zebiwe and revenge themselves on Peter Fungabera. Through several clashes and
with the help of the people of Matabele tribe, they finally manage to rescue
Tungata. It is from him that they hear about Peter Fungabera’s next target, a
forgotten treasure in the form of diamonds belonging to Tungata’s ancestors.
After a frantic journey and search, they eventually manage to discover the
place where the valuable treasure is hidden, and they try to recover it before Peter
Fungabera does. Meanwhile, Peter Fungabera takes the easy way to find the exact
spot of the treasures by asking the members of the tribe who guard it. He even
tortures several black Africans cruelly until one of them can’t stand it and tells
him where the treasure is. However, knowing that Craig and companions are
already there, he decides to seal the entrance in hope that they will be trapped
inside. After working hard, however, Craig and the others manage to get out of the
caves, steal a helicopter, forcefully abduct Peter Fungabera, and reveal all his
crimes to end his reign. The story ends with the condition that Tungata Zebiwe
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regains his credibility among the tribes, while Craig and Sally-Anne regain their
properties and eventually settle down in their estate.
Biography of Henry Rider Haggard
Henry Rider Haggard was born in West Bradenham Hall, Norfolk, as the
son of William Haggard and Ella (Doventon) Haggard. He was educated privately
at a London day-school, and also Ipswich Grammar School. Later he married a
Norfolk heiress, Mariana Louisa Margitson. They moved to Transvaal afterwards.
Haggard is a prolific English writer, who published great novels which are
set in Africa. One of his most famous adventure novels is King Solomon’s Mine,
which is inspired by the famous novel Treasure Island written by Robert Louis
Stevenson.
During his years in Africa, Haggard got acquainted with Zulu culture. He
also had an affair with an African woman, and conducted a deep relationship with
her. He is also the author of the adventure novel Allan Quatermain.
Biography of Wilbur Smith
Wilbur Smith is a full-time writer who was born in Zambia, and has lived
all his life in Africa. He is a master storyteller, and a bestselling author of
adventure fiction novels such as The Elephant Song and The Sound of Thunder.
His novels show diverse surroundings, detailed stories, and realism. He also has
abundance of power in his words. Some of Smith’s discussions in his novels
include African tribalism, capitalism, and colonialism. Smith also financed
expeditions to Africa and Alaska.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
As one of the six continents in the planet, Africa was called the “dark
continent” in the past, due to the world’s lack of knowledge about its realm.
Nowadays, however, as the growing technology and science significantly assist
people in their exploration and exploitation, almost all the features provided by
the exotic land are finally revealed, especially its fascinating landscapes and
assorted inhabitants, which are described quite noticeably in the novels discussed
in this thesis.
I have chosen to discuss the portrayal of black African societies in the
novels She by Henry Rider Haggard and The Leopard Hunts in Darkness by
Wilbur Smith, which contain vivid and detailed descriptions of black African
societies. The two novels are concerned with different literary eras, colonial and
post-colonial ones, and I expect to get a deep insight into the developments of the
black African societies in the two different eras, which seemingly cannot be found
so obviously in other genres.
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As for the authors’ significance, which is also the main reason why I have
chosen their works, Henry Rider Haggard is a prolific English writer , who once
got acquainted with the Zulu culture in Africa, and is the author of thirty-four
well-known adventure novels, including the romantic adventure tale King
Solomon’s
Mines
and
Allan
Quatermain
(http://www.classicreader.com/author.php/aut.22), while Wilbur Smith is also a
bestselling
author
of
adventure
fiction
(http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0810335/bio); he is a writer with an abundance
of power in his words. (http://www.gnooks.com/discussion/wilbur+smith.html).
The two novels, She and The Leopard Hunts in Darkness, are chosen because of
their quite comparable aspects, including the dissimilar portrayals and the
developments of the black African societies, which makes it necessary to analyze
the setting of the stories, and other aspects such as the portrayal of African
cultures.
Considering the captivating contrasting aspects, I decide to analyze the
differences in the depictions of the black African societies in both works, which
are the results of the changes and developments in the colonial and post-colonial
eras. I find that there are some deviating descriptions of the black African
societies in the novels that cannot be simply ignored in viewing the two novels. I
find it interesting to compare them in order to reveal the two different views on
the black African societies.
I choose the Post-colonial Approach to analyze the portrayal of the black
African societies in the novels, as I find it effective in finding the particular
differences in the portrayal of the black African societies.
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Post-colonialism is ‘…a term which refers to a broader understanding of
the modern representations of race and ethnicity and the history of these
representations.’
(http://www.adamranson.freeserve.co.uk/postcolonialism.htm).
The quotation shows that the post-colonial approach deals with changes of
representations.
In analyzing the black African societies, I also refer to some elements of
post-colonialism. I learn that ‘…the Nations created by the end of Empire have
been irrevocably altered by the experience of Colonisation (Culturally, Politically
&Economically)...’(http://www.adamranson.freeserve.co.uk/postcolonialism.htm).
The quotation refers to some general elements of post-colonialism which concern
various changes in their representations. Those changes are mainly caused by the
long-term experiences of colonization, including the colonizers’ influences in the
related issues (culture, politics and economy).
Furthermore, to support my analysis of the portrayal of the black African
societies in the novels, I would also like to refer to another element of Postcolonialism, ‘Post-colonialism deals with many issues for societies that have
undergone colonialism: the dilemmas of developing a national identity,…’
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-colonialism). This particular element makes me
learn that the colonized people also have problems in developing their own
identity in the post-colonial era.
To sum up, the elements of post-colonialism that I refer to are the various
changes in the colonized people’s representations and their problems to develop
an identity in the post-colonial era. Based on those particular elements, I would
like to analyze the portrayal of the black African societies in the novels, including
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their physical and mental developments and the various changes of their
representations in the colonial and post-colonial eras. In referring to them, I would
also analyze both the internal and external aspects which become the reasons why
such changes and developments can inevitably occur in the black African societies
described in the novels.
Statement of the Problem
1. How do the authors portray the African societies in the novels?
2. What are the developments and differences in the portrayal of the black
African societies found in both novels?
3. Why are there differences in the representations of the African societies
found in both novels?
Purpose of the Study
1. To describe how the authors portray the black African societies in the
novels.
2. To define the developments and differences in the portrayal of the black
African societies in both novels.
3. To show the main reasons for the differences in the representations of the
black African societies in both novels.
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Method of Research
I use library research in carrying out my study. I read She and The Leopard
Hunts in Darkness as the primary texts, and then read several references that are
relevant to the topic being discussed. I also read the biographies of the authors. I
then analyze the portrayal of the black African societies in the two novels by
using the primary texts and references to support my analysis. Finally, I draw a
conclusion from my analysis.
Organization of the Thesis
I organize my thesis into three chapters. I begin with Chapter One, the
Introduction, which contains the Background of the Study, Statement of the
Problem, and Purpose of the Study. Chapter Two contains a comparison of the
contrasting portrayal and developments of African societies in the novel She and
in the novel The Leopard Hunts in Darkness. The last chapter is the Conclusion,
which contains the analysis of the major causes of the differences in the portrayal
and representations of the African societies in the two novels. The thesis ends
with the Bibliography and the Appendix, which contains the synopses of the
novels and the biographies of the authors.
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CHAPTER THREE
CONCLUSION
The black African societies consist of many tribes who were colonized by
the western people during the colonial era, and were liberated in the post-colonial
era, thus gaining their own political independence. There are, however, lots of
things changed and developed in the representation of the black African societies
over the years, due to various reasons. These changes and developments in the
black African societies in the novels are analyzed, using the post-colonial
approach, which mainly concerns the representation of the black African people in
the two eras.
The first changing and developing aspect is their physical portrayal. In the
novel She, which is set in the colonial era, the black African societies are
described as leading a primordial life compared to the western people. Practically
every aspect of their life, including their dwelling places and fashion style, is
portrayed as primitive. The black African people are described as living in caves,
wearing
simple, not-fabricated leather clothing, and utilizing simple tools in
their daily lives, mainly for cultivating their land and fulfilling their basic daily
needs only. It is described that none of them have ever seen fabricated clothing,
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modern devices and weaponry, such as guns, which are owned by the western
people who come into their societies.
From the discussion above, I conclude that the black African societies in
the novel She, which is set in colonial era, still live in primitiveness and
simplicity, and do not get many influences from the western colonizers in terms of
physical aspects.
However, in the novel The Leopard Hunts in Darkness, the black African
societies, still divided into tribes, are portrayed as being far more advanced
physically. They live in houses, not caves, and they utilized modern stuff such as
cigarettes and fabricated, stylish clothing, as well as weapons and handy devices
such as the telephone and the tractor. In other words, they have already
familiarized themselves with western-made products which symbolizes the
influences of global modernization on the black African societies.
Therefore, I conclude that the black African societies in the novel The
Leopard Hunts in Darkness are generally physically modernized due to the
colonizers’ influences in the past.
Comparing the portrayal of the black African societies in the two novels, I
conclude that there are significant physical changes in the black African societies
between colonial and post-colonial eras, which mainly concern developments in
their general lifestyles, including the improvements in their dwelling places,
fashion styles, devices and furniture.
In the matter of culture, the black African societies have also undergone
significant changes. Influences on cultural aspects are indeed unavoidable as parts
of global modernization of the black African societies.
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In the novel She, the black African societies are portrayed as having weird
and unusual customs and cultures in the eyes of the western people who colonized
them, corresponding to their physical aspects. The female members of the
Amahagger tribe are portrayed as having a higher position than men in the black
African society. Therefore, the marital bonds are practically determined by the
women, as they are the ones who choose their husbands. They are free to do this
as they please; furthermore, they are also free to change their husbands as many
times as they please. Strangely enough, it is described in the novel that there are
very few or no quarrels at all among the members of the tribe about this
“switching” husband system. This particular custom is considered strange by the
western people, because the system that they follow in their societies is different.
The other customs, which include the vulgar practice of cannibalism and
the primitive and unwritten laws which allow inhumane punishments, are other
examples to show that the black African society is portrayed less civilized than the
western people.
In the novel The Leopard Hunts in Darkness, however, the black African
societies are portrayed as having far more civilized customs and cultures, and
most of them are derived from the western culture. Men have a higher position in
the societies, which implies the newly applied patrilineal system. There are no
more actions of cannibalism, and the laws are changed into constitutional and
written ones following the western examples.
From the discussion, I conclude that the western influences have
penetrated deep into the black African societies, and eventually make their their
fundamental customs and cultures become similar to the western ones. The
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process itself was started in the colonial era, and when the colonization stopped in
the post-colonial era, the intrusions had reached such a condition that the black
African societies now adopt and apply their past colonizers’ customs and cultures
in their lives.
The sense of tribalism among the black African societies in the novel She
is still strong, so strong that they are portrayed as being one solid tribe and are
unlikely to be shaken or deeply influenced by external factors such as western
customs so as to start any clashes.
However, in the novel The Leopard Hunts in Darkness, the black African
societies are portrayed as having a weak sense of tribalism. It is portrayed that
there are disagreements and clashes among the members of the tribe, and also
among tribes.
From this condition, I conclude that the sense of tribalism of the black
African societies have degenerated in the post-colonial era, because the black
African people are no longer colonized, and their strong tribal bond has
weakened. This condition, along with the unavoidable globalization and
modernization that they experience, causes many disagreements and clashes in the
black African societies.
I conclude that there are changes and developments in the portrayal of the
black African societies in the two novels, She and The Leopard Hunts in
Darkness, which concern many physical and cultural aspects. In the novel She, the
black African societies are described as living primitively, with all kinds of
uncivilized customs and a strong sense of tribalism, while in the novel The
Leopard Hunts in Darkness, the condition of the black African societies is
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portrayed in contrast with their past condition. In the former condition, they have
more advanced standard of living, following the western standard.
In my opinion, the application of the post-colonial approach is very
significant in analyzing the portrayal of black African societies in the two novels,
She and The Leopard Hunts in Darkness. By using this approach, I can show that
the changes in the portrayal of the black African societies in the second novel are
caused by their adaptation to the western culture and way of life. In the colonial
times, the black African societies did not seem to care much about the western
culture, but the long-term colonization, which also means long-term relationships
with the western people, have inevitably affected them. Therefore, in the postcolonial era, the black African people unconsciously care about the western
culture which has already influenced their culture in the societies, and they apply
it in their daily lives. Moreover, due to the weakening sense of tribalism among
the black African societies, they are even more gullible to outsiders’ influences,
and this condition makes the changes and developments get even easier to take
place.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
References:
Barry, Peter. Beginning Theory. New York: Manchester University Press, 2002.
Internet Sites:
Biography for Wilbur Smith. 1990-2006. Internet Movie Database Inc. 16 March
2006
.
Dicussion: Wilbur Smith. 16 March 2006.
.
H. Rider Haggard. 2001, 2005. Blackdog Media. 16 March 2006
.
Post Colonialism. Film Communication Media. Filton College. 16 March 2006
.
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Post-colonialism. 26 February 2006. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 16 March 2006
.
Primary Texts:
Haggard, H. Rider. She. New York: Penguin Popular Classics, 1994.
Smith, Wilbur. The Leopard Hunts in Darkness. New York: Ballantine Books,
1990.
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