Question

How is Karl Marx's ideology applied in the play I Will Marry When I Want?

Accepted Answer

I Will Marry When I Want is reflective of Marxist ideology in its discussion of class struggle and religion. Marx argued that inequality led to class struggle. In the play, the Mau Mau revolutionary army realized that independence did not end class struggle and that they thus needed to continue to fight. Marx also argued that religion was a useless distraction for people, which is echoed in the characters’ views on religion in the play.

Answer

As a distinctly Marxist play, I Will Marry When I Want serves as a Marxist critique of postcolonial society. Set in Kenya, this play comments on the social problems and political corruption in the country after Kenyan independence from British control.
Consider how the play ends with the characters renewing their Mau Mau revolutionary army oaths. In rejoining this cause, they are recognizing the need for further class struggle. This is an inherently Marxist message, as Karl Marx argued that class struggle was a defining aspect of history. He theorized that under a system of class inequality, like capitalism, class struggle will always occur. This theory is reflected in the whole history of the play, as the Mau Mau revolution of the 1950s was a way to end the inequality under British control. But when inequality continued in the independent society, the lower class realized that they needed to continue to fight.
Another clear Marxist element of the play is evident when the characters discuss religion. For example, consider when Gĩcaamba says “Religion is the alcohol of the soul!” This line is a direct reference to Marx’s famous statement that “Religion is the opiate of the masses.” This reference shows how the play is reflective of Marxist religious ideologies. Marx believed that religion distracted people from the need for revolution and corrupted people’s priorities and values.

I Will Marry When I Want

How is Karl Marx's ideology applied in the play I Will Marry When I Want?

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