AFRICAN PROSE
ISIDORE OKPEWHO: The Last Duty
Discuss the view that Aku is a tragic character.
Explanation
Aku's position in The Last Duty is pathetic. Reduced to penury by Oshevire's detention, she finds herself confronted with the proposals of Chief Toje, Oshevire's rival and accuser. Her tragedy in the novel is that in spite of her effort to preserve her dignity, she finds herself slipping down the abyss into sexual infidelity and disgrace.
Aku's situation is indeed a difficult one. Her deprived condition clearly illustrates the disastrous consequences of the war on individuals. It is this deprivation which makes her easy prey for Toje's unscrupulous exploitation. Right from the start she is aware of her disadvantaged condition and acknowledges it quite readily. Despite her expressed fears. she resigns herself to her fate. She admits that even though deprived of food and comfort, she has in fact realized what Toje is after. Whenever she goes on her tryst with him, she is full of guilt.
Paradoxically, it is her sexual, not economic, deprivation which leads to her loss of integrity. After Toje's impotent attempt to make love to her, she is sexually aroused and craves satisfaction. She thus turns her attention to Odibo whose vibrant sexuality she has only just become aware of. Aku's attempt to justify her behaviour carries with it a certain element of pathos. Tortured, tormented, driven almost to the limits of human endurance, she finds herself wishing that Toje could make love to her, repugnant though the thought is. The reality of sin would at least be better than the fantasy which Toje is dragging her through. This prepares the way for Odibo's subsequent love-making with her.
In Aku, we see the result of a war which unjustly deprives a family of its breadwinner, and a woman the right to love and enjoy sex with her husband. Her predicament also demonstrates the insecurity, both physical and emotional, consequent upon a civil' war. Her relationship with her husband cannot remain in the same state after the scandal. Oshevire is released from prison in time to face the disgrace after the fight between Toje and Odibo over his wife.
The tragic end of Oshevire's life results directly from his attempt to leave the scene of his disgrace occasioned by the infidelity of his wife. This serves to further deepen Aku's tragedy.