BY KFLEEYESUS ABEBE
Ethiopian literary works in the past were mere reflection of day today life. They were conservative in nature: appreciating or promoting Christian or religious themes, describing nature or bowing to authority and communal practices. Pointing out flaws that are holding the country and its people back from progress or a better life was rare or timidly touched. On the course of the time, though, authors began increasing pressure critiquing backwardness, harmful practices, corruption, dictatorship and other similar sociopolitical issues.
In an effort of emphasizing on their themes, authors have explored various kinds of literary techniques. Literary devices like allegory, satire, irony and others start to be used vigoroulsy by authors in order to achieve their goal of delivering message, changing views and ways and demanding system change. Daniachew Worku in his acclaimed book “Adefres” went far with style and message to challenge people who enslaved themselves for old ways. In the story, the character, a modernist is surrounded by people who are very conservative and blindfloded loyal to old practices. Yet, he maintained his views untill they stoned him. Abe Gubegna by his book “Aleweledim”/ I won’t be born presented the extremities of life challenges in Ethiopia. Abe in his unborn character exposed the system for its premitiveness and corrupted nature. If not exceeding, Wondimu Geda’s Aleph Bete will be a significant book in Ethiopian literature for its courageous deviation, rich language and analytical content.
The story is about a mad man without even a proper name. He goes by funny nicknames “ Gelbicho” or “Denibicho”. He travels from Arat Kilo area to Merkato and many places through his imagination. Like any mad man, “Gelbicho” or “Denibicho” doesn’t reserve his thoughts to himself. He rather lets everything out. He talks about females and feminism, religion and the religious, leadership and leaders, history and people, language and lingustics, love and lovers, sex and sexuality and other things that affect people particularly Ethiopians. The author attempted to exploit the insanity of his character to mirror and challenge Ethiopian norms and views on faith, power and love. He questioned almost everything. The character is a moral figure trying to escape from hypocrisy, theft, stupidity and ego through his madness.
In his character portral, the writer made “Gelbicho” or “Denibicho” speak hard and old words. The words in some cases are taboo words, magic words or even words from Geez language. When you proceed your reading you will know they are intended and have purpose. The diction is rare, and in some instances the narration has poetic taste. For instance on page 142 he wrote this: abet yeterswa seder, wuy yedalewa asegager egziao yeaynwa mamar/ the way her teeth striaghten, hips are stretched oh the beauty of her eyes.
Gelbicho” or “Denibicho is a very complaining person. He does prefer his loneliness and wants to die than living with immoral people. He doesn’t even want to get burried alongside such people. This must have a higher level of irony.
Gelbicho” or “Denibicho ideas on some points are clear, powerful and well thought and in other times it is trivial, bizarre and fragmented. Random characters with unusual name appear and ask him about various issues. Gelbicho” or “Denibicho responds from his observation and knowledge though he consistently doubts himself and always presents alternative perspectives alongside his views. He is uncertain about his ideas and how others recieve it. The author tests readers’ ability of analyzing things while he asks, describes, compares and constrasts many things even the things we take for guarantee.
Ultimaltely, the author showcases lack of knowledge or basic reasoning ability is to be among leading problems of Ethiopian society in this time. The Ethiopian people as he puts in some places in the book have too much pride or self-conceit. On page 138, a tendecy for group thinking than using ones critical mind in Ethiopian society is presented as this: Be’ ewket yetesenede yeraseh yehiwot memeriya seleleleh setelah tetelagnaleh satefa tatefaleh/ “Because you don’t have knowledge principles, you hated me when I hated you, and you got transgressed when I made a mistake.”
The author insists people to be courageous and get rid of ignornace. So, they can find freedom and enjoy fruits of change. And, on page 141 he wrote about fear that restrained people from their dreams.“They think they will make change by terrifying others. They fear love (I was thinking where I snatched this. Oh, it is laureate Tsegaye Gebremedhin scarying me saying “We fear”. They may have scared him off too. Those who scare him must have been afraid for themselves. While I am being scared, let me say “ The world is created by fear.” Bertrand Russell must have been sacred much to say: “To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.” They insist me to adapt my fear. I don’t know whether they want me to remain fearful. Oh poor us.”
On the otherside, many things are being done by the fear of others’ opinion. He doesn’t spare anyone from criticism as he said the following on page 68 about politicians.
“For them not to say that I have no ideas, or being worryed that something happen before I said anything, I said; “ We should just see these days politicians but not believeing or doubting them. If they escape from everything, they won’t escape from imposing self will. Political science talent and political science knowlege, heartfelt integrity and political commitment doesn’t come easy.”
The solution as the author is law and basic knowledge. He puts this on page 58 as this: meftehew heg ena leb nw/ “Our jobs is paving the way. The solution is on the law and heart.”
Among other things, the author criticised our obsession for groupping and conflict. What he wrote on Page 38 is strong and timely. “When I am spared from cruficixon, one of the crucifers asked me: “From Queen Farah, Aba Gedas, Emperor Menelik, King Kawo Tona, Empeor Yohannes, Sultan Hanfere, Ali Mirah… which one are you proud of.
“ I told him there is no one I am ashamed of other than me. I am not given pride. Their eyes tell that it is their question too. Many of them weren’t happy. They didn’t believe me. Because they lie, I don’t think they know there are people who tell truth.”
Wondimu Geda was a university professor lecturing literature at the unversity of Gondar. His debut book Aleph Bete is published on September 2022 exhibited his extensive reading, talent and his vast knowledge on techniques of literature. The book has two parts: “Kewel”/ Shouting man and Yeterefwa Negest/ Queen of the firmament. It is just a 150 pages volume book but its philosophical depth may take sometime.
Futher critics and study into this unique book are expected from fellow authors, critics and other professionals. By doing so, they can show up the level where Amharic literature has reached.
