I only want to make a brief comment about being moved by Lawino's persistent, beautiful self-assurance. By embracing her culture and roots-- her people's songs, foods, names and customs-- just as Nadine said, Lawino maintains a level of confidence that is righteous and sexy in itself.
Evidence of this struck me particularly when, on page 62, the author writes, "He says/There is something in eggs/Which is good for the bones/ But my bones are strong,/ I can dance all night long/ Listen to the song/ They sang about me: The beautiful one/ Dances all night long.
Though the poem is not narrative in style, after this passage, I was able to see Lawino as a defined character. I was suddenly able to see a powerful image of Lawino dancing on a beaten path, and it struck me as uplifting.
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I agree with you on all your statements.
ReplyDeleteI also found that Lawino's ability to accept the ways of the Western world without changing her own ideals as inspiring. She is an understanding character throughout the entire text. The problems begin for her not when others have different customs, but when they try to plant their customs onto her.