Shifting Identities and Fragmented Subjectivities in Majok Tulba’s Beneath the Darkening Sky and Emmanuel Dongala’s Johnny Mad Dog

Millicent Jemutai Korir; Mark Chetambe; Justus Makokha

doi:10.37284/eajass.6.2.1399

Millicent Jemutai Korir Kenyatta University
Mark Chetambe, PhD Kenyatta University
Justus Makokha Kenyatta University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/eajass.6.2.1399

Keywords: Character Mutation, Identity, Fragmented Subjectivities

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Abstract

This paper examines the shifting identities of child characters and their fragmented subjectivities as represented in Majok Tulba’s Beneath the Darkening Sky and Emmanuel Dongala’s Johnny Mad Dog. The paper’s central premise is to examine how the two authors employ character mutation to construct shifting identities in the two texts. The paper employs the tenets of Carl Jung, which include the archetypes (shadow, animus, and persona) and forms of rebirth. Particularly subjective transformation (diminution of personality, identification with a group, and natural transformation). Sigmund Freud’s tripartite psyche (id, ego, and superego) is used to shed light on character mutation and the fragmented subjectivities of the child characters. This paper argues that civil war compels the child characters to behave barbarically, adapt to their new environment and automatically understand their roles while coping with war

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