Unveiling Humanity: The layers of Love, Prejudice, and change in Bessie Head's 'Maru'

Cover image of Maru

By Daniel Okereke

There are books I have read that have left an enduring impression on me—impressions that have, to a large extent, forged the lenses through which I see the world. I must tell you, these books are not the regular jolly kind; they are not the surface narratives that easily throw at one the feel-good vibes. They are books so dipped in meaning that it would take so much collection and recollection to fully explore or even appreciate them. 

One such book is "Maru,” written by Bessie Head and published in 1971. The book is a testament to Bessie Head's profound understanding of human nature, cultural dynamics, and the complexities of love and identity in a changing society. 

I have taken the time to journey through my own experience reading the book and exploring the themes replete in the work. You might want to grab a chilled drink or perhaps a cup of whatever you like to drink as I take you through my favourite themes and the extent to which I have been able to explore them. 

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Intro:

 

In "Maru," Bessie Head takes us to a fictional village called Dilepe in Botswana. It's a place where everyone knows everyone, and traditions run deep. But when Margaret Cadmore, a Masarwa woman, arrives, things start to change. Her presence shakes up the village, challenging their beliefs and prejudices.

Exploring Themes of Prejudice and Identity:

In "Maru," Bessie Head skillfully navigates the complex terrain of prejudice and discrimination, shining a light on the insidious ways in which individuals can be marginalised and oppressed based on factors such as ethnicity, social status, and skin colour. Through the character of Margaret Cadmore, a Masarwa woman who arrives in the village of Dilepe, Head vividly illustrates the harsh realities faced by marginalised communities in post-colonial Africa.

Margaret's story serves as a powerful indictment of the pervasive nature of prejudice, revealing how deeply entrenched biases can shape individual identity and social relationships. From the moment she arrives in Dilepe, Margaret is met with suspicion and hostility, solely because of her Masarwa heritage. Despite her intelligence, kindness, and resilience, she is viewed as inferior and unworthy of acceptance by the predominantly Tswana community.

Through Margaret's experiences, Head exposes the hypocrisy and injustice of a society that claims to value equality and justice yet perpetuates discrimination against those deemed "other." The villagers' prejudiced attitudes towards Margaret reflect broader societal prejudices rooted in colonial legacies and cultural hierarchies. Despite living in a remote village, far removed from the urban centres of political power, the inhabitants of Dilepe are not immune to the corrosive effects of prejudice and bigotry.

By confronting the reader with the stark realities of prejudice and discrimination, Head challenges us to interrogate our own biases and assumptions. She compels us to recognize the humanity and dignity of individuals like Margaret, whose voices are often silenced and marginalized by systems of power and privilege. Through Margaret's story, Head underscores the importance of empathy, compassion, and solidarity in the fight against injustice.

Characterization and Moral Ambiguity:

In "Maru," Bessie Head crafts a cast of characters that resonate with the complexity and nuance of real-life individuals, each imbued with their own strengths, weaknesses, and moral ambiguities. At the forefront is Maru, the village chief's son, whose internal conflict and moral ambiguity serve as a microcosm of the broader societal tensions and contradictions at play.

Maru is portrayed as a multifaceted character, torn between his desire to uphold tradition and his yearning for personal freedom and autonomy. On the surface, he appears to be a benevolent and compassionate leader, respected and admired by the villagers for his integrity and wisdom. However, beneath this façade lies a man grappling with the weight of familial expectations and societal pressures, struggling to reconcile his personal desires with his obligations as a leader.

Throughout the novel, Maru's actions and decisions are driven by a complex interplay of motives and influences. While he genuinely cares for Margaret and seeks to protect her from the prejudices of the community, he is also constrained by the expectations placed upon him as the village chief's son. His ambivalence towards his own desires and responsibilities underscores the moral complexity of his character, challenging the reader to consider the inherent contradictions of human nature.

Similarly, Maru's friend Moleka undergoes a journey of personal growth and self-discovery, grappling with his own prejudices and biases. Initially, Moleka harbours deep-seated prejudices against the Masarwa people, viewing them as inferior and unworthy of respect. However, as the novel progresses, Moleka experiences a transformation, prompted by his interactions with Margaret and his growing awareness of the injustices perpetrated against the Masarwa community. Through Moleka's journey, Head highlights the transformative power of empathy and compassion, as well as the potential for individuals to overcome their own prejudices and embrace a more inclusive and empathetic worldview.

In "Maru," Bessie Head masterfully navigates the complexities of human nature, crafting characters that defy easy categorization and challenge conventional notions of morality. Through the moral ambiguity of characters like Maru and Moleka, Head invites readers to contemplate the complexities of right and wrong, good and evil, and the blurred lines that separate them. Ultimately, "Maru" serves as a compelling exploration of the human condition, offering a nuanced portrayal of characters grappling with the complexities of identity, morality, and societal expectations.

The Role of Tradition and Modernity:

In "Maru," Bessie Head presents a rich collection of themes, among them is the interplay between tradition and modernity. Set in the fictional village of Dilepe in Botswana, the novel serves as a microcosm of broader societal shifts and tensions, where the clash between tradition and modernity shapes the lives of its inhabitants.

Tradition holds a powerful sway over the villagers of Dilepe, permeating every aspect of their lives—from social relationships to cultural practices. For Maru, as the village chief's son, tradition is not just a matter of personal belief, but a duty and responsibility passed down through generations. He is expected to uphold the customs and values of his forebears, preserving the integrity of the village's cultural heritage.

However, as the winds of change sweep across Africa, the villagers find themselves grappling with the pressures of modernity. The encroachment of Western values and ideologies challenges the traditional way of life, forcing individuals like Maru to confront the tension between the old ways and the new.

Maru's struggle to balance tradition and modernity is emblematic of the broader societal shifts occurring throughout Africa during the post-colonial era. As the world rapidly changes, so too do the people of Dilepe, torn between the familiar comforts of tradition and the allure of progress and innovation. Maru's internal conflict reflects the broader clash between tradition and modernity in African society—a tension that resonates far beyond the borders of the village.

Through Maru's journey, Bessie Head invites readers to contemplate the complexities of cultural identity and the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing world. She highlights the tension between the desire to honour the past and the need to adapt to the realities of the present, urging individuals to embrace change while preserving the essence of their cultural heritage.

Ultimately, what we find here is an exploration of the collision between tradition and modernity, offering a nuanced portrayal of characters grappling with the complexities of cultural identity and societal change. It is a reminder that while tradition may provide a sense of stability and continuity, it is also necessary to embrace the opportunities and challenges of modernity to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

(Whispers “I am saving the last spot for the best part.”)

The Complexity of Love and Relationships:

The heart of "Maru" pulsates with a love story that defies societal norms and expectations, plunging readers into the depths of the complexities inherent in matters of the heart. At its core, the romance between Margaret and Maru transcends the boundaries of tradition, ethnicity, and social hierarchy, challenging the rigid confines of a conservative and patriarchal society.

Margaret's attraction to Maru, who is the village chief's son, sets the stage for a tumultuous journey fraught with obstacles and challenges. Their love blossoms against the backdrop of a community steeped in tradition and social hierarchy, where expectations and obligations loom large over individual desires and aspirations.

Theirs is a love born amidst adversity, a forbidden romance that defies the dictates of tradition and defies the expectations of their community. Margaret, a Masarwa woman marginalized by society, and Maru, a privileged Tswana man bound by familial obligations, find themselves caught in a web of social expectations and familial duties.

Their relationship is proof of the resilience of the human spirit, a defiance of societal norms and prejudices that seek to dictate the boundaries of love and identity. As they navigate the disapproval of their community and the weight of tradition, Margaret and Maru are forced to confront the harsh realities of their situation, grappling with questions of identity, belonging, and self-determination.

Yet, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, their love remains steadfast; a beacon of hope in a world marked by division and prejudice. It is a reminder that love is not always simple or straightforward—it can be messy, complicated, and fraught with challenges. But it is also worth fighting for, worth sacrificing for, worth defying societal expectations for.

Through Margaret and Maru's love story, Bessie Head invites readers to contemplate the transformative power of love—how it transcends barriers, bridges divides, and challenges the status quo. Theirs is a love that inspires, uplifts and speaks to the universal longing for connection, acceptance, and belonging.

In the end, "Maru" reminds us that love knows no bounds—that it is a force that defies logic, defies reason, and defies societal conventions. It is a celebration of the human capacity for resilience, for courage, and for hope in the face of adversity. And it is a testament to the enduring power of love to conquer all.

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Final thoughts: 

On turning the final pages of "Maru," one would naturally see that it is not just a book; it is a call to a journey of self-reflection and introspection. The book is a powerful narrative that serves as a wake-up call—a poignant reminder of the prejudices and biases that shape our perceptions and interactions with the world around us.

Through the trials and tribulations of Margaret, Maru, and the inhabitants of Dilepe, we are confronted with the harsh realities of prejudice and discrimination. We see how deeply ingrained biases can divide communities and perpetuate injustice, leaving marginalised individuals like Margaret to bear the brunt of society's ignorance and intolerance.

But "Maru" is also a testament to the power of empathy, compassion, and understanding. It challenges us to question our prejudices and biases and to confront how we contribute to systems of oppression and discrimination. It calls upon us to stand in solidarity with those who are marginalised and oppressed and to lend our voices to the fight for justice and equality.

"Maru" urges us to be agents of change—to be advocates for justice, champions of equality, and beacons of hope in a world too often marked by division and discord. It challenges us to imagine a future where prejudice and discrimination are relics of the past, replaced by a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and understanding.

I would also like to point out that when one closes the book, one is left with a sense of hope—a belief that change is possible, but it starts with us. We are reminded that, even in the face of adversity, love and understanding can prevail. It is a call to action—a call to examine our hearts and minds, to challenge the status quo, and to strive for a world where every individual is valued and respected, regardless of their background or identity.