Pessimism and Futility
The conclusion of "Xala" reflects Sembène’s deep-seated pessimism, encapsulating a cycle of humiliation and futility. In a dramatic culmination, El Hadji faces retribution at the hands of the beggar and his cohort. They exact their vengeance by degrading him, leaving him exposed and vulnerable, his body showered with spittle. This act of humiliation is profound, yet to El Hadji, it pales in comparison to the personal torment of the xala, a curse that has stripped him of his masculinity—his last vestige of pride and control.
However, this moment of supposed justice is tinged with irony, as the beggars’ triumph is fleeting. The narrative's grim outlook becomes apparent as it suggests the beggars, despite their temporary victory, face a deadly fate. The book’s closing words ominously hint that, as they exit El Hadji’s house, they will be met with violence. Thus, the cycle of powerlessness and despair persists, leaving both the oppressor and the oppressed ensnared in a web of futility. Sembène’s narrative does not shy away from illustrating a harsh reality where redemption and meaningful change seem perpetually out of reach, casting a shadow over the socio-political landscape it critiques.
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