A 1961 Senegalese novel shows the enduring wealth of African literature

Originally published on Global Voices

Illustration courtesy of Giovana Fleck.

Born in 1928, Cheikh Hamidou Kane, the renowned Senegalese writer, has captivated readers and scholars alike with an enduring legacy spanning nearly six decades. Despite having published only two novels, namely “L'Aventure ambiguë” (The Ambiguous Adventure) (1961) and “Les Gardiens du temple” (The Guardians of the Temple) (1995), Kane’s literary contributions have achieved classic status, resonating with audiences worldwide. His novels — penetrating explorations of the deep-seated unease within Africa's intellectual class amid French colonization — have been translated into myriad languages and incorporated into academic curricula worldwide.

Kane’s birthplace, the small town of Matam, nestled along the banks of the majestic Senegal River, provides a backdrop for his in-depth exploration of Africa's tumultuous history, its identity dilemmas, and profound self-examination. In his seminal work, “L'Aventure ambiguë,” he weaves a poignant narrative centered around the life of Samba Diallo, a young man raised in the devout Quranic traditions of Diallobé, a fictitious nation modeled after Senegal's northern region, Fouta Toro. Diallo's life takes a dramatic twist as he enters the “school of the Whites” and confronts the notion of success without righteousness, an experience that profoundly impacts his identity.

This article offers a deep dive into Kane's “L'Aventure ambiguë,” focusing on its core themes: the complexity of identity, the search for purpose, and the clash of cultures. Utilizing Kane's profound insights and evocative quotations, my aim is to showcase the wealth of contemporary African literature. During my current anthropology fieldwork in Taiwan, I became intrigued by the idea of introducing African literature, which emphasizes immaterial, spiritual, and collectivist values, to counterbalance the materialism and individualism driven by technological progress. By sharing these perspectives, we might discover new insights for a more balanced and fulfilling existence. By appreciating these universal issues, we strive to promote a deeper comprehension and celebration of diverse cultural narratives, thereby encouraging cross-cultural dialogue and enriching our shared human experience.

The search for meaning and cultural identity

Cheikh Hamidou Kane. Cropped image by Serigne Diagne on Wikimedia Commons, Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

In “L'Aventure ambiguë,” Cheikh Hamidou Kane poignantly articulates the discomfort that comes with excessive materialism, stating:

Man has never been as unhappy as he is now when he accumulates so much.

This statement resonates deeply in our current society, where the relentless chase for material gain often results in an overwhelming feeling of hollowness and discontent. In today's hyper-connected world, people are continuously exposed to messages that equate material wealth with happiness, leading to an endless pursuit of possessions without real contentment.

Furthermore, Kane's wisdom shines through in his words:

When the hand is weak, the mind takes great risks as it is the hand that defends it … but the mind also takes great risks when the hand is too strong.

This quote underlines the fine balance required between the physical and spiritual realms of life. Amid the pressures of the modern world, people strive to find an equilibrium between their material accomplishments and inner peace. An excessive focus on material wealth, while neglecting emotional and spiritual aspects, can result in a deep imbalance and discomfort.

To highlight this, consider how our fast-paced, consumer-driven society often equates happiness with material wealth. Many people spend considerable time and energy collecting possessions, seeking approval and validation from others. However, as possessions pile up, the initial thrill fades, leading to the realization that genuine happiness isn't merely about material abundance. This revelation often sparks a renewed focus on finding purpose and meaning beyond material possessions.

In our societies where economic growth, competition, and material success are upheld as major goals, people may start to understand the necessity of balancing material pursuits with personal satisfaction. They may turn towards cultivating their inner selves, exploring spiritual activities, mindfulness, and introspection to restore harmony in their lives. By prioritizing experiences, relationships, and personal development over sheer material accumulation, they may aim to lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Identity and future generations

One of the key themes the novel grapples with is the delicate tension between maintaining one's integrity and making compromises. Kane recognizes that the path to a fulfilling life and sustaining one's true self involves navigating the intricate labyrinth of compromises. This understanding is captured in the striking phrase:

Whoever wants to live, whoever wants to remain true to oneself, must compromise.

This serves as a timely reminder that upholding one's identity often demands difficult decisions, striking a fine balance between personal ideals and the harsh realities of life.

Further, “L'Aventure ambiguë” underscores the critical role of children as future custodians of culture and heritage:

Our best seeds and our most precious fields are our children.

This sentiment underscores the importance attributed to the younger generation and their responsibilities in preserving and advancing cultural traditions. The novel delves into the tough choices made by parents who willingly surrender their children to the sway of Western education, wrestling with the potential dilution of traditional norms while envisioning a more prosperous future.

The relationship between education and societal transformation

“L'Aventure ambiguë” includes a compelling passage that vividly encapsulates the profound dilemma African elites faced in the 1960s:

In the school where I send our children, it will kill within them what we presently cherish and carefully preserve, rightfully so. Perhaps even our own memories will perish within them. When they return to us from school, there will be some who won't recognize us. What I propose is that we accept the idea of dying within our children and allow the strangers who have dismantled us to occupy the space we have willingly left behind.

In the troubled times of colonial rule that still cast a shadow over Africa, this moving quote reflects the worries and fears that people faced. It brings attention to the crucial role of La Grande Royale, who is Samba Diallo's mother in the story. Diallo is the main character of the book, and La Grande Royale's impact on his life and the book's overall message is profound. Although she disagrees with the foreign education system, she feels compelled to send her children there because she believes there are no better options for them.

I come to tell you this: I, Grande Royale, do not like the foreign school. I despise it. Yet, in my opinion, we must still send our children there.

Her words underscore the difficult decisions confronted by African elites, torn between resisting colonial dictates and acknowledging the practical necessity of education for their children's futures.

Additionally, Kane conveys that:

The cannon constrains bodies, the school captivates souls.

This statement underlines the transformative role of education in society. The modern world also acknowledges the influence of education in shaping the future. The importance attached to scholastic success and education affirms the belief in its potential to effect considerable societal shifts.

Today's society widely acknowledges education as a potent tool capable of molding the future and inciting significant societal changes. The quest for education is seen not just as a journey for gaining knowledge and skills but also as a driving force for social progress and personal growth.

This quote underlines that education is not solely about imparting academic knowledge. It transcends textbooks and classrooms, captivating the individuals’ very essence and molding their ideals, morals, and aspirations. Education provides a platform to cultivate empathy, tolerance, and respect for diversity, thus encouraging a more inclusive and harmonious society. By offering individuals the chance to overcome socioeconomic hurdles, it also plays a pivotal role in promoting social equality and reducing disparities.

In conclusion, African literature, exemplified by Cheikh Hamidou Kane's “L'Aventure ambiguë,” delves into universal themes of the human condition, cultural identity, and societal transformation. It juxtaposes African traditions against foreign influences, exploring moral dilemmas arising from this clash. Relating these themes to contemporary realities, we see how African literature transcends cultural borders, highlighting universal questions that provoke deep reflection, thereby enhancing our understanding and appreciation of its relevance.

Originally published in Global Voices.