Uchunguzi Linganishi wa Dhamira Zinazowasilishwa Kupitia Wahusika wa Kiume Katika Riwaya Teule za Kiswahili

Abstract

Swahili

Makala hii inalinganisha dhamira zilizowasilishwa kupitia wahusika wa kiume katika riwaya teule za Kiswahili zilizoandikwa na wanawake wa Kenya na Tanzania. Riwaya hizo ni Tumaini (2006) ya Clara Momanyi, Dago wa Munje (2008) ya Sheila Ryanga, Kipimo cha Mizani (2004) ya Zainabu Burhani, na Hiba ya Wivu (1997) ya Zainabu Mwanga. Kuna dhamira za uchapakazi, ndoa, maadili, umuhimu wa elimu, malezi na migogoro ingawa makala hii imejikita katika dhamira mbili ambazo zinalinganishwa katika riwaya teule. Riwaya hizi nne zimeteuliwa kimakusudi kulingana na maudhui mazito yaliyomo katika riwaya hizo kuhusu wanaume. Makala hii imeonesha kuwa nadharia ya ujifunzaji wa kijamii (imejikita kwenye uana) na mwanaume mpya zimekuwa nadharia faafu katika makala hii. Nadharia ya ujifunzaji wa kijamii huona tabia kama kitendo ambacho mtu hujifunza kutoka katika mazingira ambayo ndiyo hupelekea umuhimu wa majukumu ya kiana. Mwisho, makala hii imetumia nadharia ya mwanaume mpya, nadharia inayojaribu kuelezea kwanini baadhi ya wanaume hukaa na wake zao kwa usawa bila tabia za mfumo dume ambazo huashiria kuwepo kwa taasubi ya kiume. Mbinu ya Fasihi Linganishi imetumika kulinganisha usawiri wa wahusika wa kiume katika riwaya teule kupitia dhamira wanazowasilisha. Data iliyotumika katika Makala hii ilitolewa maktabani kwa kusoma tasnifu, makala na vitabu vinavyohusiana na mada. Uwasilishaji wa matokeo umefanyika kwa njia ya maelezo. Matokeo yameonesha kuwa waandishi wa kike wamemsawiri mwanamume kwa mtazamo chanya zaidi kuliko hasi. Kwa hiyo, kulingana na waandishi wa kike wa Tanzania na Kenya wameonesha kuwa mwanamume ni mpya kulingana na mpito wa wakati ambapo mambo mbalimbali ya ugandamizaji wa kijinsia yametupiliwa mbali ili kuleta uwiano wa kiana.

English

This article compares the themes embodied by male characters in selected Swahili novels authored by women writers from Kenya and Tanzania. The works examined are Tumaini (2006) by Clara Momanyi, Dago wa Munje (2008) by Sheila Ryanga, Kipimo cha Mizani (2004) by Zainabu Burhani, and Hiba ya Wivu (1997) by Zainabu Mwanga. While these novels explore a range of themes, including diligence and hard work, marriage, moral values, the significance of education, child-rearing practices, and various conflictsthe present study deliberately concentrates on two central themes for detailed comparison across the texts. The four novels were purposefully selected because of the depth and complexity with which they portray male figures.The analysis draws on two complementary theoretical frameworks: social learning theory, with its particular emphasis on the construction of masculinity, and the concept of the “new man.” Social learning theory posits that behaviour is largely acquired through observation and interaction with one’s social environment, thereby highlighting the critical role played by culturally defined masculine responsibilities. Complementing this perspective, the “new man” theory attempts to account for why certain men increasingly relate to their wives as equals, deliberately distancing themselves from traditional patriarchal attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate male dominance and chauvinism.Employing the comparative literature approach, the study examines how male characters are constructed and presented in the chosen novels through the specific themes they enact. Data were collected through extensive library research, including relevant theses, journal articles, and books on the subject. Findings are presented in descriptive form. The results indicate that female authors in this corpus tend to depict male characters in a predominantly positive rather than negative light. Consequently, Kenyan and Tanzanian women writers collectively portray the contemporary man as a “new” figure one who has evolved with the times. In their narratives, various historically entrenched forms of gender-based oppression have been set aside, making way for greater equity and balance in gender roles and in the performance of masculine identities.

Keywords: Characters, comparison, masculinity, perspective, portrayal, and theme.