Now, this is a broad generalization, but it gives rise to my own set of questions. First off, Mnthali gives special attention to the author Jane Austen. Having read exactly none of her works, my first question is what was the impact of her books, and why does this infuriate Mnthali so much? I'm assuming that it's mainly because the "problems" of her novels look like a scraped knee compared to the gaping wound of denied freedoms and opportunities that all Africans endure on a daily basis. And, after reading "Creating Space for a Hundred Flowers to Bloom," was this lack of African literature to study created by the British mandating that the brunt of African education be based on British ways? Or was it due to the sheer lack of African literature that existed at the time due to the fact that written African culture was still sort of in its infancy? Finally, is this still the case today? I can't imagine that in today's knowledge-driven world, a nation like England would enforce their old ideas and literature on Africa with no room to expand using their own language and culture as fertile ground.
Speaking professionally, this poem has little bearing or effect on my life. I'm currently going to school to get a degree in physical therapy, so unless I get into a deep philosophical debate with one of my patients about the power of language and its inherent ability to control the speaker unless specific steps are taken to control the language, it's a moot point for me. Academically, however, the poem raises a real concern, especially when considering the problem of getting true, grassroots African literature in a culture where written language hasn't been valued until the past century or two. All in all, I liked the emotion (see: rage) behind the poem and the general theme of burning everything down to build anew. I'd definitely like to see more work from Mnthali, especially if it holds the same fire that "The Stranglehold of English Lit." does.
PS: Sorry for the novel.
