Petals of Blood
Novel
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Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o
Petals of Blood key Facts
Key Facts:
Writer: Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o (1938–2025)
Full Title: Petals of Blood
Written Time: 1971–1976
First Published: 1977 (Heinemann Educational Books, London)
Genre: Postcolonial Novel / Political Allegory / Social Realist Fiction
Tone: Critical, Revolutionary, Reflective, Tragic
Structure: Three Parts – “Walking,” “Toward Bethlehem,” and “To Be Born”
Language: English (later tr...
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Petals of Blood Summary
Summary
Part One – “Walking”
The Opening Scene and the Arrests: The novel begins with three murders in Ilmorog. Three rich men, Kimeria, Chui, and Mzigo, are found dead. The town is shocked and afraid. Police arrest four people: Munira, Wanja, Karega, and Abdulla. They are all connected to the victims. Munira is a teacher at Ilmorog Primary School. Wanja runs a bar and lodging house. Karega is a...
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Petals of Blood Characters
Characterers
Major Characters
Munira: (Teacher / Weak Idealist / Religious Hypocrite)
Munira is a schoolteacher in Ilmorog. He comes from a middle-class background. He leaves his job at Siriana School after failure and guilt. He wants peace and respect in Ilmorog. At first, he seems honest and quiet. But he is jealous and weak inside. He hides behind religion and moral talks. He feels insecure ab...
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Petals of Blood Theme
Themes
Colonialism and Capitalism: The novel shows that capitalism replaces colonialism. Kenya gets freedom, but rich people act like new colonizers. The poor are still exploited through business and land. True freedom is lost in greed and money. Ngũgĩ shows that the system of power only changes hands, not hearts.
Education and Awareness: Education in Kenya is political, not neutral. It creates a...
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Notes
Explore 11 detailed notes related to Petals of Blood. Each note provides in-depth analysis, explanations, and critical insights.