The Wanderers: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Wanderers: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate lives of individuals navigating the socio-political landscape of apartheid South Africa and its aftermath. At the center is Timi Tabane, a sensitive and idealistic black South African journalist, who, after uncovering a story about the death of a fellow black citizen, becomes disillusioned with the slow progress of change in his country. He leaves South Africa in search of purpose, grappling with his identity and the loss of his son, Felang, who embodies a radical youthful spirit fighting against oppression.
Other significant characters include Karabo, Tabane's resilient wife, who remains steadfastly loyal while asserting her independence, and Steven Cartwright, a white editor who struggles with his racist heritage and seeks redemption through love and activism. Naledi Kubu, a young woman whose journey from a simple country girl to a strong figure reflects her quest for justice, ultimately marries Cartwright and pursues education abroad. The narrative also introduces figures like Rampa Kubu, Naledi’s husband and a victim of systemic racism, and Kofi Awoonor, Tabane's mentor, highlighting the diverse experiences and struggles faced by characters within the oppressive socio-political framework of their time. The character analysis in "The Wanderers" provides a poignant reflection on the complexities of identity, loyalty, and the fight for justice amidst adversity.
The Wanderers: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Ezekiel Mphahlele
First published: 1971
Genre: Social chronicle
Locale: South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya
Plot: Social realism
Time: From the late 1950's to the 1960's
Timi Tabane (TEE-mee tah-BAH-nay), a black South African journalist who becomes an exile. Tabane, sensitive and idealistic, lives in the slums of Tirong, a black township in South Africa, and writes for the magazine Bongo. In Tirong, he meets Naledi Kubu, a young woman who is convinced that her husband has been murdered at a slave farm labor camp. Risking arrest, Tabane travels with her to investigate the case. After publishing his exposé, Tabane, discouraged by the mild public response and disheartened by the prospects of progress in South Africa, leaves the country illegally. He accepts teaching positions in Iboyoru (Nigeria) and Lao-Kiku (Kenya), but he is deeply dissatisfied with the rootlessness of his existence and concerned by the rebelliousness of his eldest son, Felang. Ironically, Felang's death gives Tabane hope for the future, indicating to him that the younger generation may find a more assertive and effective path than he has.
Felang (FAY-lahng), Tabane's eldest son, who is killed with other African nationalist guerrillas by white farmers. Felang refuses to follow his parents' advice and runs away from home to join a rebel group that is fighting the South African government. He is murdered by white South African farmers along the border, and his body is thrown to the crocodiles. Felang shares his father's idealism but represents the new radicalism of African youth who are unwilling to wait for slow change.
Karabo (kah-RAH-boh), Tabane's wife. Beautiful, intelligent, and dignified, Karabo is unswervingly loyal to her husband, following him throughout his wandering exile, but she also demonstrates considerable independence. Her stamina, courage, and refusal to accept oppression or to allow it to beat her down make her an admirable complement to Tabane.
Steven Cartwright, the white editor of Bongo and a friend of Tabane. Cartwright is Tabane's white counterpart. Repelled by the racism of his country, Cartwright struggles to disengage himself from his racist heritage. His love for the black woman Naledi is a conscious rejection of the code he has been taught. Like Tabane, Cartwright becomes disenchanted with the prospect of progress in South Africa, chooses exile, and suffers from a sense of homelessness. Cartwright marries Naledi but is killed while covering the Biafran revolution in Nigeria.
Sheila Shulameth (SHEW-lah-mehth), a white novelist who has an affair with Steven Cartwright. Although sympathetic to the plight of black Africans, she is still tied to the racist heritage that Cartwright seeks to escape. She represents the materially comfortable life that he abandons.
Naledi Kubu (nah-LAY-dee KEW-bew), a young black woman whose husband dies after enforced farm labor. She eventually marries Cartwright. At first, Naledi is a simple country girl, but her struggle to discover the truth of her husband's fate, her cautious initial rejection of Cartwright's advances, and her eventual marriage and exile turn her into a strong, sophisticated woman. After Cartwright's death, Naledi decides to stay in London and pursue a degree in nutrition.
Rampa Kubu, Naledi's husband, who is forced into slave labor. Tabane and Naledi discover that Rampa has been shanghaied, beaten, and dismissed before dying. Rampa exemplifies victims of South African racism, victims so numerous that their individual stories cause little concern.
Kofi Awoonor (KOF-fee ah-woh-ohn-or), the famous African author and Tabane's mentor in Iboyoru. Awoonor is an example of Mphahlele's tendency to mix historical and fictional characters. Tabane looks to Awoonor for inspiration and guidance.
Emil, Tabane's Austrian friend in Iboyoru. Emil is a companion with whom Tabane can commiserate about the subtle torments of exile.