The River Between - Conflict & Reconcilation

Question 1

Tradition vs Colonialism

The tribe wants to get rid of the whites for having a different set of beliefs and a different knowledge system from them.

Answer 1

“Mugo often said you could not cut the butterflies with a panga.

You could not spear them until you have learn their ways and movement.”

Question 2

Tradition vs Colonialism

This quote was said by Muthoni. Muthoni represents the tradition and the rituals and customs of the tribe. Joshua represents the imperialism and the “white man’s wisdom”. Muthoni wants to be circumcised, which is a ritual compulsory by tradition. However, Joshua does not approve of it because he is a follower of the new knowledge in which circumcision is a sin.

Answer 2

I want to be a woman. I want to be a real girl, a real woman, knowing all the ways of the hills and the ridges. (page 26)

Joshua believed circumcision to be so sinful that… marrying a woman who had been circumcised. (page 31)

Question 3

Tradition vs Colonialism

The Christians want to introduce a completely new concept to the tribe, which is education but the tribe is unwilling to accept this change. This is a measure taken by the Christians to try and overthrow the tribe

Answer 3

The people remained conservative, loyal to the ways of the land.
(page 28)

Question 4

Tradition vs Colonialism

This quote reiterates the conflict between Joshua and Muthoni, each being a representation of imperialism and tradition respectively. Joshua was a staunch Christian who blindly followed the new knowledge but Muthoni stuck to the old beliefs of the tribe and thus, Joshua did not want to be associated with someone who was against his beliefs and wisdom in Christianity.

Answer 4

If she does not, then tell her that she ceases to be my daughter.
(page 36)

Question 5

Christians have a very different set of beliefs from the tribe. The Christians want to spread the western influence to try and abolish the cultural traditions of the tribe. However, the tribe wants to retain all the culture. The tribe views Christians as breakaway elements. Christians think that the tribe is deceived by the devil.

Answer 5

These Christians, they will never come to any good.

page 48

Question 6

Tradition vs Colonialism

Muthoni’s internal conflict between which religion to follow can be viewed as a symbol of the two opposing parties. Muthoni struggles to choose between the tribe and her loyalty to Joshua. This decision troubles her very much and eventually leads to her death. Muthoni’s death foreshadows that traditional beliefs and imperialism can never join and if they do, it will end badly.

Answer 6

I am still a Christian, see, a Christian in the tribe.

(page 53)

Question 7

Tradition vs Colonialism

The already existing conflict between the tribe and the Christians is worsened after Muthoni’s death. This event made the Christians view the tribes as a bigger threat and thus had greater motivation to eliminate them. However, even though this event of such significance took place, the tribe still wants to continue following their rituals.

Answer 7

The death of Muthoni for ever confirmed the barbarity of Gikuyu customs.
(Page 55)

Question 8

Tradition vs Colonialism

The Christians see the tribals as a threat while the tribals see the Christian as a threat. Due to this mindset, they both want to get rid of each other. However, they will never end up seeing eye to eye.

Answer 8

This new faith had contaminated the hills. (page 58)

Question 9

Tradition vs Colonialism

Kabonyi represents the more traditional mindset of the tribe while Waiyaki is more influenced by the Christians. Kabonyi hated to see Waiyaki so successful because he thought that he had contributed a lot more to the tribe than Waiyaki did and thus he felt that he should be the rightful leader of the tribe instead of Waiyaki

Answer 9

Kabonyi made sure he opposed Waiyaki’s suggestions on every possible occasion. (page 81)

Question 10

Tradition vs Colonialism

Waiyaki was also a symbol of joining the advantages of both the traditional system as well as the western upbringing. However, there was so much fire and anger between the two parties that no one was willing to listen and support this idea. The prejudice of the elders of the tribe eventually leads to the downfall of the tribe.

Answer 10

Waiyaki himself was more interested in teaching and handling the children than in the organisation and management of Kiama. (page 91)

Question 11

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

This is the start of Waiyaki’s inner conflict. He is already dispirited before officially joining the tribe. The “gnaw[ing] at his soul” could refer to his sense of emptiness. Joining the tribe did not give him the satisfaction he thought it would. This foreshadows his struggles of being the leader of the tribe later in the book.

Answer 11

Waiyaki wanted to be happy very happy.

But he felt dejected. Something he could not define seemed to gnaw at his soul, first crept through the flesh
page 11

Question 12

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

Waiyaki is mentally and physically not ready to take up the role as leader of the tribe. He is forced to take up this role as he was prophesied to be the saviour of the tribe and he came from a lineage of leaders. He conforms to his father’s desires and did not express his feelings of worry to his father. This is one of the reasons which led to his stress over the tribe and his downfall.

Answer 12

Arise. Heed the prophecy.

Instead he felt a heaviness making him a man. In body, he was still a boy.
page 21

Question 13

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

Religious conflict between Nyambura and Joshua occurs due to their clash in beliefs. Nyambura wanted to embrace the culture of the tribe, but Joshua’s strict Christian beliefs condones all the ways and practices of the tribe. Circumcision which was essential to the tribe’s heritage, was considered as a sin to Joshua. Muthoni does not conform to Joshua’s religious beliefs and opposed him, which led to her downfall. Hence, from this experience we can see that conforming to societal values is the only way to survive, and standing up for your opposing personal beliefs would just lead to downfall. This is also parallel to Waiyaki’s experience as a tribe leader.

Answer 13

I want to be a real girl, a real woman, knowing all the ways of the hills and the ridges.” (page 26)

Father has been teaching us what he has learnt in Siriana. And you know, the missionaries do not like the circumcision of girls. Father has been saying so. Besides Jesus told us it is wrong and sinful (page 25)

Question 14

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

Waiyaki hated himself for having second doubts about the tribe. Waiyaki does not truly enjoy being in the tribe, as most of the time he feels out of place or unsatisfied. The word “endure” also suggests that being in the tribe was stressful and he was just patiently waiting to learn the secrets of the hill. His inner conflict is a result of his personal beliefs going against the values of the tribe people.

Answer 14

Immediately he hated himself for holding such sentiments. He was of the tribe. He had to endure its ways and be inside the secrets of the hills. (page 46)

Question 15

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

Muthoni is a symbol of reconciliation. She died embracing both the tribe culture and Christianity. This suggests that there was hope for reconciliation between the tribals and Christians. If both parties were not so strict with their beliefs and compromised, like how Muthoni got circumcised and still believed in Christian values at the same time, reconciliation could be possible for them.

Answer 15

I see Jesus. And I am a woman, beautiful in the tribe. (page 53)

Question 16

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

Waiyaki did not want leadership and wanted to focus more on education. Once again, it feels more like a forced role onto Waiyaki by the tribal people as he does not show much interest in having a place in the Kiama. He is conflicted as he wanted to pursue the white man’s education, which the tribal people disapproved of. Although Waiyaki loves education he had to give it up for the sake of the tribe. This is the first of his many sacrifices to tribe (other sacrifices would be his love for Nyambura and his freedom)

Answer 16

Waiyaki feared they would give him a place in the leadership of this Kiama, which was meant to embrace all the ridges. He did not feel enthusiastic about it. He wanted to concentrate on education. (page 65)

Question 17

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

Waiyaki was not getting satisfaction from being in the tribe, as he thought he would before. “serve” suggests that Waiyaki made many sacrifices for the tribe and expected nothing in return. Although he wants freedom and love, he is unable to have it due to his loyalties to the tribe. As the tribe will never allow him to associate with or marry a Christian girl, Waiyaki is conflicted as he is unsure of which to sacrifice. We see Waiyaki dilemma as he contemplates if his own desires are more important than the desires of the tribe.

Answer 17

Waiyaki was made to serve the tribe, living day by day with no thoughts of self but always others.
Suddenly he knew what he wanted. Freedom.
His heart bled for her.
(page 73)

Question 18

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

Waiyaki is unsatisfied being the leader of the tribe. “Slave” suggests that he works very hard for the tribe without any appreciation. Waiyaki is conflicted with himself. Although he always wanted to be the leader of the tribe since young, now he regrets it as he could not have any freedom. He was forced to act according to the tribe’s ways although he wanted to pursue his own goals. Waiyaki had to give up his interests and conform to the tribe’s ways as he is the leader and is supposed to be a role model for the people.

Answer 18

He resented this and wondered if he too was becoming a slave to the tribe. His activities were being watched by everyone. His freedom was being curbed. Yet was this not what he wanted? service! service! service! Always standing by the tribe like his father and the ancestors before him. (page 81)

Question 19

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

Miriamu only “learnt and accepted” Christianity, suggesting that she did not believe wholeheartedly in it. For the sake of her husband, Joshua, she converted to Christianity although she truly believed in the ways of the Gikuyu. Muthoni conforms to Joshua’s beliefs and does not stand up for herself. There is a huge contrast between her and Muthoni as Muthoni was not afraid to stand up for her personal beliefs.

Answer 19

Her faith and belief in God were coupled with her fear of Joshua. But that was religion and it was the way things were ordered. However, one could still tell by her eyes that this was a religion learnt and accepted; inside the true Gikuyu woman was sleeping (page 34)

Question 20

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

Waiyaki was hesitant about the initiation. “He had to” suggests that Waiyaki had no choice but to go through initiation. He also did not want to “disappoint his father”. Although Waiyaki is not comfortable with the ways of the tribe, he knows that he has to go through it for the sake of his father, who is an important leader in the tribe. Waiyaki felt that as Chege’s son it was his duty to continue to lead the people and get them to look up to him. Waiyaki conforms to his father’s desires as he joins the tribe even though he was uncomfortable with their practices.

Answer 20

…he resisted it, he could not help gathering and absorbing notions that prevented him from responding spontaneously to these dances and celebrations. But he knew that he had to go through the initiation. And he did not like to disappoint his father (page 39)

Question 21

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

Although Chege was sick, he did not want to eat the white man’s medicine. As he was part of the tribe, he did not want to associate himself with the white man. Chege’s conflict with the white man leads to his downfall, as he was stubborn in his traditional ways and could not put aside his pride to use western medicine, which was the cause of his death.

Answer 21

Chege would never hear of eating the white man’s medicine. (page 60)

Question 22

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

The conflict between his personal beliefs and societal values which his father strongly upholds resulted in constant guilt and confusion within Waiyaki himself. As long as he had differing views or does something that will be considered as betraying the tribe, this guilt, an immediate result of conflict, will haunt him for the rest of his time.

Answer 22

Again Waiyaki felt guilty. Guilty of what? Perhaps of something to do with the light or something to do with being unfaithful to his father’s voice of long ago. (page 86)

If the elders saw him in church they would think that he was betraying them. Waiyaki thought that he would never forsake them. (page 87)

Question 23

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

Both are thus making a ‘compromise’ with their personal beliefs during that moment.

This also shows that Waiyaki does not let his personal conflict out to others so easily so that he can protect himself, prevent others from finding fault in him and continue his work of building education in the society without interruptions.

Answer 23

‘That girl.’
‘Which?’
‘Why, Nyambura. Didn’t you see her?’
‘Well, no I didn’t.’
Waiyaki cursed himself for telling a lie. (page 88)

She (Nyambura) immediately answered ‘No.’ She knew this was not true. (page 90) Why was Waiyaki/Nyambura lying?
He knew full well not to expose himself in front of Kamau, Kabonyi’s son. He also knew the great danger of societal values in Kameno, which prevents Nyambura and Waiyaki from being together. At the same time, Nyambura did not want her mother to know how much she cared or loved Waiyaki.

Question 24

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

Conflict between Waiyaki and Kabonyi:
The word ‘battle’ suggests a strong confrontation on Kabonyi’s part, thus creating a conflict. This conflict is a result of Kabonyi’s jealousy towards Waiyaki and was one-sided at the start because Waiyaki did not harbour any ill feelings towards Kabonyi.

As the story progresses, this conflict emerges and becomes a dangerous part of Waiyaki’s life as Kabonyi turns his career downhill by refuting and exposing everything he does.

Answer 24

He (Kabonyi) did not smile but looked defiantly around him. The battle was on. (page 95)

Were people going to be burdened with more building? With more teachers? And was the white man’s education really necessary? (page 95)

Was Kabonyi determined to destroy all that stood against him and the tribe? (page 113)

Question 25

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

Waiyaki’s character:
Even though Waiyaki is exposed to constant danger and conflict from his rivals, he bravely repels them by capitalising on his strength (riika), thus temporarily driving his problems that have risen in conflicts away.

Answer 25

When Waiyaki stood up again the old defiance came back. The courage that had made him famous among the boys of his riika was now with him. (page 96)

Question 26

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

This quote demonstrates Waiyaki’s personal belief apart from his love for Nyambura to unite both sides on the ridges. However, this was not possible as his 2 conflicts mix and disapproval from the people, especially the Kiama.

Answer 26

And he (Waiyaki) wanted to feel all would get this water. He even wanted Joshua and his followers to come and join hands with him. (page 98)

Question 27

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

Joshua turns away all his confusion in the face of God in Christianity, being very committed to his faith. This shows a contrast between him and Waiyaki, who could not seem to decide which way to go, his own beliefs or the tribal oath. Joshua’s steadfastness in God is prominent throughout the novel by dedicating his life to Him.

Answer 27

In fact he (Joshua) had always been puzzled by the fact that men of the Old Testament who used to walk with God and angels had more than one wife. But the man at the Mission had said this was a sin. And so a sin it had to be. (page 99)

Question 28

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

Another outcome of Waiyaki’s conflict - a confusion which links back to Muthoni’s incident. Muthoni did not want to betray her father, yet she still went for the circumcision ritual. failing her attempt of the reconciliation of two polar ends in the end. Her result was being disowned by her father and dying in the hospital. This foreshadows Waiyaki’s doom in the end as he continues his struggles by pushing his personal beliefs against the tribe’s culture and Kabonyi.

Answer 28

But he (Waiyaki) did not want to betray the tribe. Yet had he not actually betrayed it? He had wanted to bridge the gulf between Joshua and the others. (page 100)

Question 29

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

A religion of love and forgiveness stood between them. No! It could never be a religion of love. (page 134) Apart from Waiyaki, Nyambura also faced conflict between what she wants and her father’s instructions. Although she really wanted to be together with Waiyaki, she wanted to honour the father she has obeyed all her life. Through this, she experienced extreme confusion and frustration as a product of this conflict. By asking “God to forgive her”, it suggests how much she valued the importance of Christianity in her life.

Answer 29

Each day that she (Nyambura) spent in her father’s home seemed a greater weight added on to her. (page 102)

Sometimes she (Nyambura) cried and asked God to forgive her. She still wanted to remain true to her father. (page 103)

At other times she would fight her feelings for him and she would feel proud that she had stuck to her father. (page 114)

He (Joshua) was always there, at the back of her, a weight, a conscience that showed her only one way to follow. (page 114)

Question 30

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

This quote shows why Nyambura’s personal beliefs succeeded her father’s values ultimately. By using similar words to describe Jesus from the Bible in Christianity, she portrayed Waiyaki in the exact same way. This shows that Waiyaki has overtaken her father’s religion, which is further proven by the capitalising of the words ‘Saviour’ and ‘Messiah’. Even though Christianity is the religion that keeps her household together, Nyambura acknowledges that the importance of Christianity precedes that of Waiyaki.

Answer 30

Waiyaki then was her Saviour, her black Messiah, the promised one who would come and lead her into the light. (page 103)

Question 31

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

The tribe, especially the Kiama, was clearly in Waiyaki’s way, preventing him from openly declaring his love for Nyambura.

Why is it the greatest curse?
When the breath of the people turns against you, it means that you have betrayed the tribe. The people of the tribe greatly value the sense of being included as seen from Muthoni’s example - ‘“I want to be a woman made beautiful in the tribe”’. Muthoni’s yearning to be fully accepted in the tribe is prominent when she eventually decided to go through circumcision despite her father’s stern warnings. This shows how the sense of belonging matters to the people of the tribe.

Answer 31

The cry that started the new schools was again taken up. Keep the tribe pure. (page 109)

Be careful, Waiyaki. You know the people look up to you. You are the symbol of the tribe, born again with all its purity. They adore you. They worship you. (page 112)

This was no longer a personal battle, but a war between the tribe and Waiyaki. (page 133)

‘Fear the voice of the Kiama. It is the voice of the people. When the breath of the people turns against you, it is the greatest curse you can ever get.’ (page 123)

Question 32

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

Waiyaki’s 2 conflicts - one with Kabonyi and the other with Joshua has finally merged together, reducing him to being worthless and unaccepted in both sides. This creates an irony as his original plan was to unite Kameno and Makuyu as one to drive away the Whites, however, his plan fails ultimately and he gets rejected. (Linked to reconciliation)*

Answer 32

Teacher…Traitor…A heavy dejection came over Waiyaki. He knew now that he was not wanted by them in spite of all he had done for the hills. (page 135)

Question 33

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

Disownment by Joshua is the result of the conflict within Nyambura. However, it creates a sense of finality and calmness within her given that the conflict is over. The words ‘untimely end’ suggest that even though she may find happiness by escaping from her father’s words, she will experience doom when she least expects it.

Answer 33

She wept all the time, praying that God should kill her. (page 116)

‘You are not my daughter. Yet let me warn you…you will come to an untimely end. Go!’ (page 136)

Question 34

Personal Beliefs vs Conformity to Societal Values

His personal beliefs and an attempt of creating a resolution to both sides of the tribe caused him to be considered as an outcast on both sides as he failed to make a compromise. (Linked to reconciliation and the example of Muthoni and Chege)*

Answer 34

Waiyaki wondered if he himself fitted anywhere. (page 141)

Question 35

Role of Education

the words ‘spear’, ‘trap’ and ‘fight back’ suggest the intense vengeance the seer has had held on the “butterflies” (the white men).
This statement ultimately conveys that one has to “learn” the tricks and survival skills from the enemy so that they will be able to “fight back” efficiently.
This portrays the friction between the Gikuyu people and the white men

Answer 35

Mugo often said you could not cut the butterflies with a Panga. You could not spear them until you have learn their ways and movement

Then you could trap, you could fight back.

(page 20)

Question 36

Role of Education

White people are referred to as “wise”. They are all-learned/experienced/knowledgeable.

The education that Joshua acquired teaches him that the tribe was rather filled with “darkness”. This also makes him heed the words of the missionaries whom he thinks as the people who enlightened him, thus not permitting circumcision for girls. Therefore, education creates a conflict between Joshua and his daughters.
In Siriana he found a sanctuary and the white man’s power and magic. He learnt to read and write.

Answer 36

Go to the mission place. Learn all the wisdom and all the secrets of the white man. But do not follow his vices. Be true to your people and the ancient rites. (page 20) “mission place” - establishes a certain distance when he calls it “place” (does not say its legitimate name)
“learn all the secrets of the the white men” - same explanation as prev. row.
“vices” - sinful or immoral behaviour. Referring to christianity as a sinful and an immoral culture
This shows the tension between the Gikuyu people and colonial white men.
Now wise in the ways of the white people.

Father has been teaching us what he learnt at Siriana…missionaries do not like the circumcision of girls.

Besides, Jesus told us it is wrong and sinful.

(page 25)

Question 37

Role of Education

Education had a great impact on Joshua to the extent that he thought that his people from the tribe are not even living a proper life.

This shows the conflict between the christians (Joshua) and the indigenous people.

Answer 37

He realized the ignorance of his people. He felt the depth of darkness in which they lived. (page 29) “he learned to read and write” - suggests he was educated and literate.

It was after this that he sensed the “ignorance” of the people in his tribe, where ignorance simply means the lack of knowledge.

He feels that the Gikuyu culture submerges the people in “darkness” which suggests that it is merely filled with myths and false information and that the people are just mislead.

Question 38

Role of Education

corrupted - act dishonestly for personal gains. Indirectly accusing Siriana of manipulating the Gikuyu and making them convert for their personal gains.

“questioned the wisdom” - calling himself a fool for sending Wayaki to Siriana. Shows the degree of distrust Chege has got on the white men that they would brainwash his son for their own good.

“Punished like Joshua” - joshua’s punishment refers to Muthoni getting circumcised and displaying disloyalty to christianity. Thus if chege were to be “punished like Joshua” it would be when his son, betrays the Gikuyu community and be brainwashed by the white men to become a christian.
This shows the intense tension between Chege and christians

Answer 38

Would he be corrupted by Siriana?

He (Chege) questioned the wisdom of having sent his son to the mission place.

Would he, Chege, be punished like Joshua?

(page 54)

Question 39

Role of Education

Contamination - making something impure with the addition of a pollutant or poisonous substance.

Wayaki strived to make education available for the people of the Gikuyu community but now he is scared if it was a threat to the existence of the Gikuyu tribe.

He is very conscious not to spread the white men’s influence to the Gikuyu tribe in the form of education.

Education “originated” from the white men. Wayaki refers to it as “contamination”. This shows fear Wayaki has to ensure that the Gikuyu people would not be brainwashed into converting to christianity.

Answer 39

Was the education he was trying to spread not a contamination? (page 72)