A critical analysis of social injustice in two selected east African plays

Abstract

This project, A Critical Analysis of Social Injustice in Two Selected East African Plays, critically analyzed the theme of social injustice as portrayed in The Floods by John Ruganda and Inheritance by David Mulwa. These plays were selected for their vivid depiction of social inequality, particularly issues of corruption, class struggles and oppression. The study explored how social injustice was represented in Inheritance and The Floods, identifying the social injustices portrayed in these works and examining how these representations shaped the central messages conveyed by the playwrights. The project focused on how the playwrights depicted corruption, class struggles, resistance and oppression, specifically analyzing how these injustices influenced character development and plot progression. Social Conflict Theory, particularly Marxist principles, served as the guiding framework for this analysis. This theoretical approach enabled the exploration of how class struggles, oppression, resistance and corruption were dramatized in both plays. Additionally, the study investigated how the playwrights critiqued social injustice through symbolic elements such as representations of leaders, the oppressed classes and institutions of power. By examining the conflict between the ruling elites and marginalized groups, the analysis revealed how these dynamics reflected broader struggles within East African societies. A qualitative approach was employed, focusing on detailed textual analysis, thematic coding and discourse analysis to identify recurring motifs of social injustice. The analysis highlighted how language and dialogue revealed underlying social justice dynamics, focusing on specific scenes, character arcs and literary techniques. The comparative analysis uncovered the distinct ways each playwright approached similar social issues, offering insight into their differing perspectives on social injustice. The findings contributed to a deeper understanding of how social injustice is portrayed and critiqued within East African plays, offering insights into the playwrights' commentary on social issues. This project engaged with broader discussions on social injustice in African literature, providing a comparative analysis of two seminal works and offering perspectives on the resonance of social inequality in contemporary East African society. The study also suggested directions for future research, particularly on the intersection of social justice and literature in East African contexts.