Theme of Resistance and Change: An Analysis of Sembene's Novel

Published in 1960, just before Senegal gained independence, Sembene's novel delves into the significant railroad strike of 1947-48, offering a lens into the late stages of French colonialism. The narrative not only vividly portrays the dramatic events of the strike but also serves as a platform for exploring economic, political, and cultural dimensions that underpin Senegal's resistance against French dominance and the labor movement's battle with management.

The Novel's Structure and Style

The novel, while seemingly lengthy, is an accessible and engaging read, employing a realist and didactic approach.

Sembene skillfully incorporates Western techniques, infusing a cinematic quality through visual imagery, setting, and action. The opening descriptions of Bamako and Niakoro set the tone for the narrative, utilizing a pan-like movement to capture the essence of the market place. While a multitude of characters and changing settings might pose challenges, the provided map aids in navigating the locations, emphasizing the story's scope across the entire country.

The Key Players

Central characters such as Fa Keita, Tiemoko, Maimouna, Ramatoulaye, Penda, Deune, N'Deye, DeJean, and Bakayoko drive the plot, with the fundamental conflict embodied in DeJean, the French manager, and Bakayoko, the soul of the strike.

Get quality help now

Sweet V

Verified writer

Proficient in: Free Essays

4.9 (984)

“ Ok, let me say I’m extremely satisfy with the result while it was a last minute thing. I really enjoy the effort put in. ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

However, Sembene also elevates the collective experience of the people, the places they inhabit, and the railroad as pivotal entities in the narrative.

Economic, Political, and Social Dynamics

The novel unfolds against a backdrop of societal upheaval, portraying economic, political, and social changes. The strike acts as a catalyst, intensifying these forces and underscoring their impact on the characters.

Sembene crafts a nuanced portrayal, moving beyond simplistic dichotomies and oppositions. The machine, symbolized by the railroad, becomes central, both a source of despair at its loss and a beacon of hope for a new life, transcending language and race.

Intersections of Race, Class, and Gender

Sembene intricately weaves the themes of race, class, and gender throughout the narrative. The characters grapple with the racial divide, with the French asserting superiority based on skin color. Traditional roles for African women are evident, yet the winds of change are felt, particularly through characters like Ramatoulaye, N'Deye, and Penda. The clash of class interests further complicates the intricate web of conditions portrayed in the novel.

Discourse and Language

Sembene elevates discourse and language to political and cultural battlegrounds. The French colonialists' dismissal of African languages and cultures is challenged by Bakayoko's strategic use of language, influencing crowds and dismantling assumptions of superiority. The power dynamics between labor and management also hinge on discourse, with the intelligent behavior of the strikers challenging preconceived notions of inferiority.

Form and Style: Challenging Western Norms

The novel adopts a familiar form, reminiscent of Western strike novels, yet Sembene subverts expectations by writing against Western colonialism and values. The hero, Bakayoko, defies the typical mold, and the descriptive technique, while familiar, serves a subversive purpose. The novel thus becomes a reinvention, challenging and transforming the conventional Western narrative.

Poetics of Politics

In both the novel and film, Sembene weaves a "poetics of politics," using the medium to promote and transform traditional culture. Sembene's commitment lies in establishing a dialectical relationship between Western and African cultures, rejecting uncritical nostalgia for precolonial purity. This approach adds depth to the narrative, transcending a simple dichotomy between cultures.

Exploring the Cultural Fabric

The novel not only captures the struggle for independence but also delves into the rich cultural tapestry of Senegal. Sembene masterfully intertwines cultural elements, offering readers a glimpse into the diverse heritage that shapes the characters' identities. From the vibrant marketplaces to the intricate relationships between characters, cultural nuances are woven seamlessly into the narrative, enriching the reader's experience.

The Impact of the Strike on Identity

As the strike unfolds, characters grapple with the shifting dynamics of identity. The traditional roles assigned by society are challenged, particularly through the evolving roles of women. Characters like Ramatoulaye, N'Deye, and Penda exemplify the changing consciousness among women, as they become aware of a forthcoming transformation in their societal roles. Sembene uses these character arcs to highlight not only the political but also the cultural dimensions of the struggle.

The Railroad as a Symbolic Landscape

Beyond being a mere setting, the railroad emerges as a powerful symbol throughout the novel. It represents not only a mode of transportation but also a metaphor for progress, unity, and the interconnectedness of the people. The characters' dependency on the railroad mirrors the broader societal dependence on the forces of change. Its loss becomes a poignant moment, symbolizing the death of the old ways and the necessity for embracing a new, interconnected world.

Challenges of Change

Sembene presents the challenges accompanying societal transformations. The characters, much like the nation itself, are forced to confront the realities of a changing world. The struggle for identity, the clash of cultures, and the redefinition of roles underscore the difficulties inherent in navigating a path towards independence. The novel becomes not just a historical account but a reflection on the human experience amidst profound societal shifts.

Language as a Weapon

One of the novel's striking aspects is the weaponization of language. Bakayoko's strategic use of language in the racecourse scene showcases the power of words as a tool for resistance. This linguistic prowess becomes a subversive force, challenging the French assumption of superiority. The clash between labor and management becomes, in essence, a battle of words, where the articulate demands of the strikers shatter preconceived notions and disrupt the established power dynamics.

The Failure of Language

While language becomes a potent tool for the strikers, it becomes a stumbling block for the French. The colonialists' inability to engage in meaningful discourse with the strikers highlights a deeper cultural and ideological divide. Dejean's frustration and anger, culminating in speechlessness, symbolize the failure of the French to adapt to the changing socio-political landscape. Sembene ingeniously uses language as a narrative device to emphasize the limitations of colonial discourse.

Reinventing the Western Narrative

Sembene's approach to form and style challenges Western norms, presenting a narrative that, while familiar, serves as a critique of Western colonialism. The hero, Bakayoko, deviates from the typical Western archetype, embodying a nuanced and multifaceted leader. The novel's reinvention lies not only in its thematic exploration but also in its narrative structure, offering readers a fresh perspective on the conventional Western strike novel.

A Dialectical Approach to Culture

Sembene's commitment to a dialectical relationship between Western and African cultures transcends the narrative itself. The novel becomes a platform for exploring the complexities of cultural exchange, rejecting a simplistic dichotomy. Sembene's vision extends beyond mere resistance; it encompasses a transformative process, where cultural elements from both worlds contribute to the creation of a new and dynamic cultural identity.

Conclusion: A Poetic Exploration of Change

In both the novel and film, Sembene masterfully crafts a poetic exploration of change. The intricate interplay of economic, political, and cultural dynamics unfolds against the backdrop of a nation in flux. The characters, the railroad, and the language become vehicles through which the narrative navigates the complexities of identity, resistance, and transformation. Sembene's work transcends the boundaries of a conventional strike novel, emerging as a testament to the enduring spirit of a people navigating the turbulent waters of change.