Representation of children and childhood in East African drama: Critical analysis of The Burning of Rags and The Burdens

Abstract

This paper has critically analysed the representation of children and childhood in selected East African plays-Francis Imbuga’s The Burning of Rags and John Ruganda’s The Burdens. Semiotics Literary theory, which is the production and interpretation of meaning has been used. This research adopted descriptive and qualitative approaches based on textual analysis. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of the two writers and the two plays. The study was based on textual analysis and library research. Comprehensive literature review was carried out and the collected information synthesised in relation to a critical reading of the selected texts. The study utilised both primary and secondary data. Primary data consisted of the selected sample plays. The Study promotes the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals) aimed at ensuring peace and prosperity. It also instigates stakeholders to act on realising Vision 2030 economic, social and political pillars. Students and scholars of Literature will also benefit from the findings of the study particularly on approaches to reading East African drama and matters representation of children and childhood in Literature. The study concluded that the child becomes the catalyst in revealing the generation gap differences and the consequences of the same; and is part and parcel of the tribulations in society. Children understand societal problems, particularly socio-economic, and are affected by them.