From Quest to Rebellion: A Comparison of George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four and Ngugi Wa Thiong’o ‘S Matigari

Abstract

This paper discusses George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four and Ngugi wa Thiongo’s Matigari. By having their main characters search for freedom and happiness in the oppressive social and political circumstances of their respective societies, the two authors manifest the same views against human oppression. A further analysis of Orwell and Ngugi’s backgrounds also indicates that these writers are committed humanists, who are concerned with the welfare of human society. Also, from a comparative perspective, the paper thus shows common themes between British literature and African literature.