The Adverse Effects of Capitalism in “Petals of Blood.”
Petals of Blood is a notable literary work by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Petals of Blood.
Answer
Describe the effect of Colonialism in “Petals of Blood.” [2021] ✪✪✪ Or, Comment on Ngugi Wa Thiong’o’s attitude toward colonialism in “Petals of Blood.” [2018] Or, How has the writer depicted the adverse effects of capitalism in “Petals of Blood?” [2017] ✪✪✪ Or, Write a note on Ngugi’s attitude to capitalism as found in “Petals of Blood.” [2016]
Colonialism is the practice of one country controlling and exploiting another land and its people for power and profit. In “Petals of Blood” (1977), colonialism is portrayed through economic control and social injustice in Kenya. Even after independence, foreign companies and local elites exploit the poor. Through the story of Ilmorog, Ngugi wa Thiong’o (1938-2025) exposes how colonial rule destroyed African life and values. By rewriting Kenya’s history, the writer expresses his anger at colonial exploitation and his hope for liberation.
Loss of Land and Identity: Ngugi shows that colonialism first stole the land of African people. The British took farms and used the natives as cheap labor. The people of Ilmorog once enjoyed unity, peace, and a stable land. After colonization, they lost all. Ngugi writes,
“For there are many questions about our history which remain unanswered.”
This line highlights how colonial rulers concealed the truth about African history. The colonized were made to forget their roots. Their culture and pride were replaced by European control and greed.
Religion as a Colonial Tool: The writer shows how religion helped the colonizers control the Africans. The missionaries taught obedience, not freedom. Churches preached patience instead of resistance. Ngugi’s narrator says,
“Christian, Commerce, Civilization: the Bible, the Coin, the Gun: Holy Trinity.”
This short line captures the method of colonial domination. The Bible came first to change the mind, the coin to buy the land, and the gun to force obedience. Religion was not a blessing but a mask for slavery.
Education and Mental Slavery: Ngugi also attacks the colonial education system. Schools like Siriana train students to serve the whiteBuy This Note to Unlock or Subscribe to Get Unlimited access.
