Group three.

1.Ruth Chumba BED-05-0065/2020

2.Ndanu Maureen Kaunda- BED-05-0059/2020

3. Margaret Wanyonyi -BED-05-0093/2020

4. Joshua Marigi BED-05-0200/2020

5.Deborah Mwongeli-BED-05-0044/2020

6.Bed-05-0185/2020 -felix langat

7.Billah Atieno-Bed-05-0174/202

8.NJERU DENIS. Bed-05-0342/2020

9. Mukire Peter

Bed-05-0149/2020

10. Florence Mugenge bed-05-0111/2020

11. Johnstone Mecha bed-05-0274/2020.

CHARACTERS

In "Red Sorghum," the main characters include:

 1. Jiu'er: The protagonist of the story, a young woman who becomes the leader of the

village and the owner of the distillery after her arranged marriage to a lûeprous

winery owner.

2. Yu: Jiu'er's childhood friend who returns to the village as a soldier during the war. He

develops a romantic relationship with Jiu'er.

3. Jiu'er's Grandfather: The owner of the distillery at the beginning of the story. His

death sets the events of the novel in motion.

4. Jiu'er's Father: A worker in the distillery who becomes the victim of a bandit attack.

5. Wan Qing: Jiu'er's mother, who dies when Jiu'er is very young.

6. Old Zhang: An elder in the village and a close friend of Jiu'er's grandfather. He serves

as a mentor and advisor to Jiu'er.

7. Third Uncle: Jiu'er's uncle, who is involved in the resistance against the Japanese

occupation.

8. The Japanese soldiers: The antagonists of the story, representing the occupying

forces and the source of conflict in the village.

These are some of the key characters in "Red Sorghum," each playing a significant role in the

narrative and contributing to the overall development of the story.

PLOT SUMMARY

"Red Sorghum" is a novel written by Mo Yan, published in 1986, and it was adapted into a

film in 1987 by director Zhang Yimou. The story is set in a small village in Shandong
Province, China, during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) and follows the life of a

young woman named Jiu'er. "Red Sorghum" received numerous awards and accolades, both

in China and internationally. It catapulted Mo Yan to literary fame and established him as

one of the leading contemporary Chinese authors. The novel was later adapted into a highly

acclaimed film by director Zhang Yimou, further popularizing its story and themes.

It takes place in a rural village in Shandong Province, where sorghum is the main crop

cultivated by the villagers. Sorghum is a type of grain used to make wine and other

products.

The story is narrated by an unnamed grandson, who recounts the history of his family and

the village. He tells the tale of his grandmother, Jiu'er, a strong and resilient woman who

takes charge of the distillery after her arranged marriage ends in tragedy. ( ROLE OF

WOMEN IN THE SOCIETY) Jiu'er becomes a symbol of strength and resistance as she leads

the villagers in their fight against the Japanese occupation. (MEKATILILI WA MENZA) The

novel begins with the death of Jiu'er's grandfather, the owner of a distillery that produces

sorghum wine. Jiu'er is forced into an arranged marriage with an older leprous winery

owner, who dies on their wedding day. After his death, Jiu'er takes control of the distillery

and becomes the leader of the village. (DISCUSSION ON WHETHER MODERN MARRIAGE IS

WAY BETTER THAN TRADITIONAL)

During the war, the village is occupied by Japanese forces, and the villagers, led by Jiu'er,

engage in acts of resistance and rebellion. They use their distillery as a cover to transport

weapons and supplies to Chinese guerrilla fighters. Jiu'er's determination and courage

inspire the villagers to fight against their oppressors.

Throughout the story, Jiu'er also develops a romantic relationship with a childhood friend

named Yu, who returns to the village as a soldier. Their love grows amidst the chaos of war,

and they find solace in each other's company. However, their relationship is tested by the

violence and hardships they face.

The narrative of "Red Sorghum" explores the themes of love, sacrifice, resilience, and the

indomitable ( incapable of being subdued) spirit of the Chinese people during a hard period

in their history. It vividly portrays the horrors of war, the strength of community, and the

unyielding determination of individuals to protect their homeland. Mo Yan's writing style in

"Red Sorghum" is known for its rich imagery, poetic language, and a blending of historical events

with elements of magical realism. He weaves together folklore, mythology, and local legends to

create a tapestry of storytelling that captures the essence of Chinese culture and identity.

The story concludes with a bittersweet ending, as Jiu'er and Yu's relationship faces a tragic

twist. Their relationship faces a tragic turn when Yu is captured and killed by Japanese soldiers.

This event brings a heartbreaking end to their love story and leaves Jiu'er devastated. It

symbolizes the harsh realities of war and the sacrifices made by individuals caught in its

midst. Despite their love and resilience, the tragedy reminds readers of the unpredictable

and brutal nature of conflict.

Nevertheless, their legacy lives on in the village, symbolizing the enduring spirit and

resilience of the Chinese people in the face of adversity.

THEMES

1. Resilience and Survival: The characters in the novel, particularly the peasants
and the Red Army soldiers, demonstrate remarkable resilience and
 determination to survive in the face of adversity, including war, famine, and
oppressive social conditions.
2. Tradition and Culture: The novel delves into the rich cultural heritage of rural
China, highlighting traditional customs, rituals, and beliefs associated with
sorghum cultivation and winemaking. It portrays the importance of preserving
and honoring cultural traditions amidst changing times.
3. Love and Sacrifice: Love and sacrifice are central themes in the novel.
Characters make sacrifices for the sake of their loved ones and their
community, often enduring personal hardships for the greater good.
4. History and Memory: "Red Sorghum" explores the interplay between history
and memory, intertwining personal narratives with significant historical events
such as the Sino-Japanese War and the Cultural Revolution. It reflects on how
individuals and communities remember, interpret, and recount their
experiences in the context of larger historical forces.
5. Power and Oppression: The novel examines power dynamics and the
oppressive nature of authority. It portrays the struggles of individuals and
communities against oppressive forces, including the Japanese invaders,
bandits, and corrupt officials.

STYLISTIC DEVICES

1. Imagery: The novel is rich in vivid and evocative imagery, painting detailed
pictures of the rural landscape, sorghum fields, and wartime scenes. The use
of sensory details helps create a vivid and immersive reading experience.
2. Symbolism: "Red Sorghum" utilizes symbolism to convey deeper meanings
and themes. For example, sorghum is used as a symbol of resilience, cultural
heritage, and the cycle of life. Other symbols, such as the color red, blood, and
the sorghum wine, are employed to represent passion, sacrifice, and the
indomitable spirit of the characters.
3. Metaphors: Metaphorical language is used throughout the novel to convey
emotions, experiences, and ideas. Metaphors such as "blood ties" and "roots"
are employed to depict the strong bonds of family and community, while "sea
of sorghum" represents the vastness and continuity of rural life.
4. Similes: Similes are used to create vivid comparisons and enhance
descriptions. For instance, the author compares the sound of cannons to "a
thousand thunderstorms," effectively conveying the intensity and violence of
war.
5. Alliteration: Alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, is employed at
times to create rhythmic and memorable phrases. This device helps emphasize
certain words or concepts, adding to the overall impact of the narrative.
6. Repetition: The author employs repetition of certain phrases or motifs for
emphasis or to create a rhythmic effect. This technique adds to the musicality
of the prose and reinforces key themes or ideas.
7. Irony: Irony is used to create contrast and highlight contradictions. The novel
often juxtaposes moments of humor or irony with dark and tragic events,
adding complexity and depth to the storytelling.