Flashbacks

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o uses flashbacks to reveal past events that shape the characters' present actions and emotions. This technique helps readers understand character motivations, personal struggles, and historical context.

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What is a Flashback?

• It helps explain a character's behaviour and emotional state.
• Often used to build suspense or provide deeper insight into the story.

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Example: Mugo's Unhappy Childhood

Mugo's flashbacks in Chapter 1:

• He remembers his difficult childhood, where he felt mocked and humiliated.
• His memories show why he isolates himself and struggles with trust and belonging.

"She had a way of getting at him, a question maybe, about his clothes, his face, or hands that made all his pride tumble down. He pretended to ignore her opinions, but how could he shut his eyes to her oblique smiles and looks?"

• This flashback helps explain Mugo's loneliness and emotional distance.

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✅ Key Takeaways

• Flashbacks reveal past events that influence a character's present behaviour.
• They help develop characters by showing their personal histories.
• Mugo's flashbacks in Chapter 1 highlight his childhood struggles and isolation.