The Swamp Dwellers
The Swamp Dwellers (1958) by Wole Soyinka Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, distinguishing him as the first African to receive that honor. His political activism during and after the Nigerian independence struggles informs much of his writing, including his first major drama, The Swamp Dwellers, which debuted in 1958. A short play that stages one day in the life of an impoverished Nigerian family, The Swamp Dwellers concerns the fallen fortunes of young Igwezu. Critics have read Igwezu’s failure as a cautionary message regarding Nigerians expectations of prosperity following their impending liberation from British rule.
- They came in hordes, and squatted on the land. It only took an hour or two, and the village returned to normal.
- Beggar
- And when the Kadiye blessed my marriage, and tied the heaven-made knot, did he not promise a long life? Did he not promise children? Did he not promise happiness?
- Igwezu
- Only the children and the old stay here, bondsman. Only the innocent and the dotards.
- Igwezu