PIONEER INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

UNIT: EAST AFRICAN PROSE

UNIT CODE: ELIT 2113

LECTURER'S NAME : MADAM ROSELYNE

GROUP MEMBERS

1. ELIZABETH MWANGI .......BEDA/0975/2021

2. MONICAH MAINA................BEDA/0752/2021

3. PETER KARANJA...............BEDA/0961/2021

4. DEBORAH CHEBET............BEDA/0725/2021

5. HILDA CHEPKORIR..............BEDA/0886/2021

6. JANET KYALO.........................BEDA/0919/2021

7. VALENTINE KATHAMBI......BEDA/0689/2021

8. CHARITY KAWIRA.................BEDA/0726/2021

9. KELVIN MAINA........................BEDA/0620/2021

10. LUDPHINE KAMENE............BEDA/0913/2021

TASK;

Analyse the short story Butterfly dreams and other stories by Beatrice Lamwaka.

ANSWERS;
Synopsis of "Butterfly Dreams" by Beatrice Lamwaka:

"Butterfly Dreams" by Beatrice Lamwaka is a haunting and poignant short story that delves into
the life of a young girl named Akello, who navigates the aftermath of conflict and loss in a war-
torn setting. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a community grappling with the scars
of war, where remnants of violence and trauma linger in the landscape.

Akello, a child marked by the weight of tragedy and displacement, finds solace in her dreams
and imagination, where she escapes the harsh realities of her surroundings. As she navigates the
challenges of her daily life – from scarcity and uncertainty to the distant echoes of past battles –
Akello clings to the hope symbolized by a butterfly, a delicate yet resilient creature that
embodies her aspirations for a brighter future.

Through Akello's eyes, readers witness the juxtaposition of innocence and adversity, resilience
and vulnerability. The story captures the essence of childhood resilience in the face of adversity,
portraying Akello's inner strength and imagination as mechanisms of coping and survival in a
world marked by conflict and loss.

As Akello's narrative unfolds, themes of memory, longing, and the enduring power of hope
emerge, painting a vivid portrait of a young girl's journey towards self-discovery and healing.
The butterfly, a recurring motif throughout the story, serves as a poignant symbol of
transformation, beauty, and the ephemeral nature of dreams in a landscape marred by destruction
and despair.

Through Lamwaka's evocative prose and vivid imagery, "Butterfly Dreams" invites readers to
embark on a poignant and introspective exploration of resilience, memory, and the enduring
human spirit in the aftermath of trauma. The story captures the fragile yet profound resilience of
the human heart, symbolized by Akello's unwavering resolve to hold onto her dreams amidst the
turbulent currents of loss and uncertainty.

As "Butterfly Dreams" unfolds, readers are drawn into Akello's world, where the beauty of
dreams and the fragility of hope intertwine, illuminating the transformative power of imagination
and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Lamwaka's narrative weaves a
tapestry of loss, longing, and love, inviting readers to witness the poignant journey of a young
girl as she navigates the complexities of her past and the possibilities of her future, guided by the
delicate wings of a butterfly.

In the end, "Butterfly Dreams" stands as a testament to the enduring power of hope, the
resilience of the human heart, and the transformative journey of self-discovery amidst the
shadows of conflict and the echoes of memory. Through Akello's story, Lamwaka captures the
universal yearning for lightness, beauty, and the freedom to dream in a world shaped by darkness
and despair.

Themes in "Butterfly Dreams" by Beatrice Lamwaka:

1. Resilience:

- Example: The theme of resilience is central in Akello's narrative as she navigates the
challenges of post-conflict life, depicting the ability to endure and persevere amidst adversity.

2. Hope:

- Example: The theme of hope is portrayed through Akello's dreams and aspirations,
symbolized by the butterfly, reflecting the enduring optimism and desire for a better future.

3. Loss and Trauma:

- Example: The theme of loss and trauma is explored through Akello's experiences of
displacement and the lingering wounds of conflict, highlighting the impact of violence on
individuals and communities.

4. Imagination and Escape:

- Example: The theme of imagination and escape is depicted through Akello's dream world,
offering her a sanctuary from the harsh realities of her surroundings and a space for creativity
and solace.
5. Memory and Nostalgia:

- Example: The theme of memory and nostalgia emerges as Akello grapples with the past,
recalling moments of peace and happiness before conflict disrupted her life, reflecting on the
bittersweet nature of remembrance.

6. Innocence and Vulnerability:

- Example: The theme of innocence and vulnerability is portrayed through Akello's character,
highlighting the fragile nature of childhood in a world marked by violence and uncertainty.

7. Dreams and Aspirations:

- Example: The theme of dreams and aspirations is central to Akello's story, illustrating the
power of imagination and ambition to transcend limitations and envision a brighter tomorrow.

8. Identity and Belonging:

- Example: The theme of identity and belonging surfaces as Akello grapples with questions of
self-identity, cultural heritage, and the search for a sense of place and community amidst
displacement.

9. Nature and Symbolism:

- Example: The theme of nature and symbolism is evident in the recurring motif of the
butterfly, representing themes of transformation, beauty, and the cyclical nature of life amidst
turmoil.

10. Healing and Renewal:

- Example: The theme of healing and renewal is illustrated through Akello's journey of self-
discovery and resilience, portraying the capacity for growth, transformation, and the renewal of
spirit in the face of trauma and adversity.
In "Butterfly Dreams," Beatrice Lamwaka deftly weaves together these themes to craft a
narrative that delves into the human experience, offering poignant insights into resilience, hope,
trauma, and the profound complexities of navigating life in the aftermath of conflict and loss.

Styles:

1. Symbolism and Imagery:

- Example: The butterfly in "Butterfly Dreams" symbolizes transformation, fragility, and the
fleeting nature of hope and dreams in a post-conflict setting.

2. Sparse Prose:

- Example: Lamwaka's use of minimalist prose in the story conveys the starkness and
emotional weight of the character's experiences, leaving room for readers to interpret underlying
themes.

3. Narrative Ambiguity:
 - Example: The narrative ambiguity in the story challenges readers to piece together the
character's past and present, reflecting the fragmented nature of memory and trauma.

4. Introspective Tone:

- Example: The introspective tone of the narrative delves into the protagonist's inner thoughts
and emotions, revealing a complex internal landscape defined by loss and longing.

5. Dual Timeline:

- Example: Lamwaka employs a dual timeline structure, oscillating between past memories and
present realities, to explore the character's journey of reconciliation and self-discovery.

6. Epistolary Elements:

- Example: Incorporating letters or diary entries within the narrative adds depth to the
character's reflections, offering insight into their hopes, fears, and aspirations.

7. Cultural References:

- Example: Cultural references in the story, such as traditional rituals or folk tales, provide a
rich tapestry of cultural context and enrich the narrative with layers of meaning.

8. Narrative Elegance:

- Example: The narrative elegance in "Butterfly Dreams" lies in the delicate balance between
lyrical prose and raw emotion, creating a poignant and impactful reading experience.

9. Interplay of Light and Darkness:

- Example: The interplay of light and darkness in the story's imagery symbolizes themes of
hope amidst despair, resilience in the face of adversity, and the duality of human experience.

10. Emotional Resonance:

 - Example: Through evocative language and subtle emotional cues, the story evokes a deep
emotional resonance, inviting readers to empathize with the protagonist's struggles and
aspirations.

Characterization:

1. Akello:

- Characterization: Akello is portrayed as a survivor haunted by memories of loss and

displacement, embodying themes of resilience and the enduring impact of conflict.
2. Ojok:

- Characterization: Ojok represents a figure of hope and transformation, navigating a journey

of self-discovery and healing amidst personal and societal challenges.

3. Nakato:

- Characterization: Nakato's character reflects the innocence and vulnerability of youth,

navigating a world shaped by conflict with a spirit of curiosity and resilience.

4. Adong:

- Characterization: Adong's character embodies the weight of generational trauma and the
burden of memory, grappling with a legacy of loss and resilience in the face of adversity.

5. Auma:

- Characterization: Auma symbolizes the fragile beauty of dreams and aspirations, navigating a
landscape marred by conflict with a spirit of hope and determination.

6. Okello:

- Characterization: Okello's character represents the complexities of survivor guilt and the
search for redemption, confronting inner demons and seeking a path towards healing.

7. Latim:

- Characterization: Latim's journey epitomizes the fragility of hope and the resilience of the
human spirit, navigating a world of uncertainty with grace and strength.

8. Nabirye:

- Characterization: Nabirye's character explores themes of sacrifice and love, embodying the
enduring power of maternal bonds amidst adversity and loss.
9. Ochen:

- Characterization: Ochen's story delves into themes of isolation and connection, navigating a
world marked by division and seeking moments of understanding and empathy.

10. Sarah:

- Characterization: Sarah's narrative resonates with themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and

survival, embodying the strength and vulnerability of human relationships in a world shaped by
conflict.