AFRICAN PROSE
ISIDORE OKPEWHO: The Last Duty
Discuss the horrors of war in the novel.
Explanation
The horrors of war in the novel are presented through the experiences of different characters in the story. The most obvious consequence of war is the general state of insecurity which it creates. This is seen for example in the persistent air raids reported in the novel. Many civilians lose their lives and property and those who survive are emotionally traumatized.
They are uneasy because aircraft guns boom everywhere. Major Ali is welcome as a commander who is around to ensure the safety of the people. His men use anti-aircraft guns to bring down rebel planes that are causing destruction and suffering on the people. Members of the Red Cross have to cope with the injured and displaced in the community.
Another example of the horrible consequences of war is the conscription of young men into the army. Young men who could have lived peacefully now find themselves being forced into fighting in the war.
Civilians find themselves at the mercy of soldiers who believe that they are all powerful and can do whatever they like. An illustration of this is seen in Private Sule who kills his girlfriend and rival in a fit of jealousy.
He is executed in public for his crime. It is the war which has created the situation in which Private Sule could have the guts to commit such a crime. It is the same war that permits a public execution for such a crime. The summary execution without due process shows that the war situation permits summary executions.
The atmosphere of insecurity in a war situation is accentuated by the detention of civilians on spurious charges. Oshevire's predicament offers a good example. He is detained unlawfully for three years during which period instances of brutality suffered by prisoners are highlighted.
Oshevire's wife and son are reduced to penury and consequently exposed to the whims and caprices of their supposed benefactor, Toje.