Autocracy and power abuse through characters in inheritance by David Mulwa and an Enemy of The People by Henrik Ibsen

Abstract

Autocracy and power abuse have become recurring themes in the narratives of post-colonial leadership across numerous countries, often leaving an indelible mark on society. This phenomenon finds resonance in literature, where authors artfully mirror such societal ills by crafting imaginary leadership scenarios using fictional characters. This way, they create vivid images that resonate deeply with readers, offering understanding of the oppressive regimes and their impact on individuals and communities. The current paper undertook a thorough examination of two seminal texts, Inheritance by David Mulwa and An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen, to uncover how these works harness the power of character portrayal to its fullest extent, deftly conveying their intended messages about autocracy and power abuse. The Marxist theory by Karl Marx informed the study, with descriptive research design being used to analyse the qualitative data obtained through textual analysis. Through thematic analysis, the study finds that through contrasting characterizations and interactions, authors demonstrate the consequences of unchecked power and the complexities of navigating systems of oppression. Additionally, characters confront autocracy and the misuse of power through their unwavering commitment to truth and justice, underscoring the importance of individual agency and moral courage in effecting positive change within society. By portraying characters who struggle against oppressive structures and highlighting the consequences of poor leadership, the texts underscore the urgent need for accountability and ethical governance.