Notes on The Gentlemen of the Jungle

Introduction to the Story

• Title: The Gentlemen of the Jungle
• Author: Jomo Kenyatta
• Setting: A jungle with anthropomorphized animals and a human character.

Main Characters

• The Elephant: Represents those in positions of power and authority.
• The Man: Symbolizes the African populace.
• The Lion: The King of the Jungle, representing the ruling authority.
• Other Animals (e.g., Rhinoceros, Buffalo, Alligator, Fox, Leopard): Represent the European colonizers.

Summary of Events

• Initial Situation:

  • An elephant seeks refuge from a storm by asking the man if he can put his trunk inside his hut.
  • The man agrees with the hope of helping his friend.

• Conflict:

  • Once the elephant is inside, he pushes the man out, claiming the hut as his own, arguing that his skin is more delicate.

• The Lion's Intervention:

  • The Lion, as the King, intervenes and calls for a Commission of Enquiry to investigate the dispute.
  • The man is assured that he will have an opportunity to state his case.

• Commission Composition:

  • Elders appointed from the jungle include Mr Rhinoceros, Mr Buffalo, Mr Alligator, Mr Fox (Chairman), and Mr Leopard (Secretary).
  • The Commission dismisses the man’s request to have representation, stating his lack of education.

• Proceedings of the Commission:

  • The elephant presents his case, asserting he was protecting the man's interests.
  • The Commission hears evidence from several jungle animals, all supporting the elephant's position.

• Verdict of the Commission:

  • Declares that the elephant should continue occupying the hut and recommends the man find a new place.
  • The man, fearing backlash, follows this directive.

• Cycle of Displacement:

  • As the man tries to establish a new hut, each animal demands it as their own.
  • This repeats with each animal until he is left with nothing.

• Final Resolution:

  • The man devises a plan, builds a better hut, and when the animals come to it, they fight amongst themselves.
  • He sets the hut ablaze, eliminating the threat, and reflects on the cost of peace, concluding he can live happily thereafter.

Themes and Symbolism

• Colonialism:

  • The man symbolizes the African people under colonial rule, while the animals represent European colonizers.
  • Reflects the exploitation and displacement during colonial times.

• Perception of Justice:

  • The Commission's bias shows how institutions can favor those in power, marginalizing the needs of the weaker party.

• Cunning and Resourcefulness:

  • The man's cleverness and ultimate success reflect the resilience needed to overcome oppression.

Historical Context

• Colonial Kenya:
  • Kenya was under British colonial rule from 1895 to 1963, leading to significant struggle and eventual independence.
  • The story serves as a metaphor for the struggles faced by African nations during colonization, emphasizing issues of justice and equity.

Conclusion

• Through allegory, Kenyatta critiques colonialism and emphasizes the importance of agency, resilience, and the complexity of justice in the face of overpowering forces.