Style and Technique

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In "Song of a Goat," Clark-Bekederemo weaves a deeply evocative drama, intricately rooted in the principles of classical tragedy. At its core lies the affliction of impotence that plagues Zifa, a manifestation of a broader familial curse. This malady, while central, is merely a symptom of a more profound affliction that besets his lineage. Zifa's aunt, Orukorere, half-possessed and marginalized by her own society, embodies the curse's persistent shadow. Her father's heinous act of killing his clansmen and his subsequent disregard for his daughter's future amplifies the unresolved familial guilt. In a twist of dramatic irony, the sacrifice of the goat, typically a ritual of purification, becomes instead a profanation under Zifa's misguided attempts. His ritual, designed to mock the illicit affair between Ebiere and TonyĆ”, ends up angering the gods rather than appeasing them.

Clark-Bekederemo's linguistic prowess is evident through his adept use of metaphor and riddles, which imbue the dialogue with a poetic yet forceful quality. The masseur, a pivotal character, employs metaphoric expressions to address infertility, warning, "An empty house, my daughter, is a thing of danger. If men will not live in it, bats or grass will, and that is enough signal for worse things to come." These words not only illustrate the state of barrenness but also forewarn of impending misfortune. Further deepening the thematic layers of the play, the masseur poses a riddle to highlight Zifa's impotence: "you have allowed the piece of fertile ground made over to you to run fallow with elephant grass." Such linguistic devices enhance the narrative's tension and richness, inviting the audience to ponder the latent meanings within.

The drama unfolds across four movements, each advancing the overarching themes of impotence and prophecy. The sacrifice of the goat marks a pivotal moment, setting in motion TonyĆ”'s suicide and Zifa's ultimate quest for redemption. Throughout, the villagers serve as a choral presence, providing commentary and reflection on the unfolding events. Central to the narrative is the masseur, whose wisdom and symbolic presence as a sage underscore his vital role within the community. His reappearance in the alternate ending signifies resilience and the potential for renewal. Despite the tragedy that befalls Zifa's household, the villagers emerge more self-reliant and resilient, having quietly absorbed the lessons of their neighbor's downfall.

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