The Themes in unexpected joy at dawn are the theme of Xenophobia, Pan-Africanism, Leadership failure,Religious intolerance /fundamentalism, Alianation, Separation, Insecurity, Identity Crisis, Re-union, Prejudice, Death, Hope, Care, Perseverance, Prostitution, Famine, Economic Depression, Political upheaval and the theme Love. Beleow are the analysis andexplanation of each themes

Unexpected joy at dawn Themes Analysis

Xenophobia

Analysis of Xenophobia Theme in Unexpected Joy at Dawn

The Theme of Xenophobia in Unexpected Joy at Dawn : Xenophobia is a strong inordinate fear and hatred for aliens. The author explores xenophobia theme by depicting the anguish and distress that the characters are subjected to as a result of this obnoxious policy. While in some countries xenophobia may end as an intolerable outburst of citizens against foreigners, in the case of Alex Agyei-Agyiri’s Ghana, xenophobia is a government policy that insists that foreigners shall leave the country. This policy is also re-enacted in Nigeria against the Ghanaians in Nigeria fifteen years later, bringing about the infamous ‘Ghana must go’ mantra. The horrible consequences of this policy are vividly portrayed in the lives of the two major characters, Mama Orojo and Moses Nii Tackie. In the first instance, Nii’s inability to relocate with his family to Nigeria makes him cringe with fear in Ghana, the country of his birth, where he was bred and now works. The fear remains palpable, the anxiety of being deported haunts him even in his sleep as his wife Massa observes, ‘You were talking about aliens the other day — in your sleep — and today you have done the same, adding “blackness” and “stripes”. What will you be doing next?’ (p. 37) Nii’s anxiety is heightened as the manager of the bank where he works keeps threatening ‘If I had my way, I’d sack ait aliens here’ (p. 19). With his Ghanaian upbringing, a Ghanaian name, his claitn to Ga tribe of Ghana as his origin, and his blackness, Nii remains a stranger in Ghana. It is perhaps fpr this reason that Nii decides to return to Nigeria immediately his wife, Massa, dies. Nii’s return to Nigeria coincides with the period xenophobia also becomes a government policy in Nigeria, with emphasis on Ghanaians in the country. Ironically, Nii is also seen as a stranger in his supposed country of origin. His inability to speak any of the Nigerian languages automatically makes him an alien, not even his Yoruba tribal mark can save him or bear him out. Until he meets his sister, he is subjected to all sorts of inhuman treatment, denied of his wages in a construction company, hunted and agonized simply because he is thought of as an alien. While he is lucky to survive, his closest ally and confidant, Aaron, dies during one of the mad pursuits of harassment of aliens. The condition of the aliens at the camp also paints a gory picture about the condition of the aliens. While some of them die as a result of hunger and anguish, many live in desperation and despair. Mama’s burning quest to get reconnected to a living relative explains the discontent and desolation that a family that is being separated by xenophobia is subjected to. Despite her close relationship wMi her church members, her yearning still lingers and this is why she travels to Ghana twice in search of Nii. Having lost her parents in a tortuous journey back to Nigeria as a result of the sudden evacuation of the aliens in Ghana, Mama only has Nii as her only living relative. It takes fifteen good years for the two of them to meet again in a very surprising circumstance. The title of the novel alludes to this unexpected happy reunion. The collapse of the Kantamanto market also reflects the negative outcome of xenophobia. The market is now in ruins as all the traders from different parts of the continent that converge to make the market flourish have all dispersed as a result of the xenophobic policy. This also brings about the economic downturn of the country, Ghana, at the time.

Pan-Africanism

Analysis of the Theme of Pan-Africanism in Unexpected Joy at Dawn

Theme of Pan-Africanism in Unexpected Joy at Dawn: Closely related to the issue of xenophobia in the novel is the principle of pan-Africanism. PanAfricanism is a global movement that aims at encouraging and strengthening the bond of solidarity among the people of African descent. Alex Agyei-Agyiri projects the philosophy of pan-Africanism in this story as the panacea to the mutual suspicion among many countries of Africa. It is the distrust and fear among African countries that fuel the xenophobic sentiment on the continent. The author, therefore, proposes a pan-Africanist mindset that will foster the unity of the continent, which will not only encourage Africans to live in any part of the continent they may choose but also ensure that Africans may be warmly accommodated in the spirit of African brotherhood. This philosophy is embodied in the character of Massa who was a member of the African Unity Club while in school. According to Massa, ‘We are Africans, ... and where one finds peace, there is one’s home also’ (p. 38). This is the author’s way of saying that Africa is home for all Africans, a position that resonates strongly with the pan-Afiican movement of the early twentieth century. This is why Nii refers to Massa as ‘a revived Marcus Garvey’ whom Nkrumah would have loved to have in his cabinet. It would be recalled that Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Marcus Garvey of Jamaica were the strong voices that championed pan-Africanism. It is the bonding force of pan-Africanism which made it possible for traders from different parts of the continent to sustain the high economic activities in Kantamanto market. The effect of these activities brings about a bourgeoning Ghanaian economy. This is short-lived as a new regime loses the track of pan-Afiican philosophy and sends the aliens away. The collapse of Kantamanto market and the degeneration of a once booming economy becomes the direct consequence of this action. The author, therefore, demonstrates the collaborative possibilities of different countries of Africa in the marriage proposal between Mama Orojo and Joe. It is a proposal for the strengthening of the pan-African spirit. Joe’s suggestion to Mama that ‘we can combine our resources, gold money and oil money’ (p. 182) is an obvious reference to Nigeria’s oil wealth and Ghana’s rich gold deposit. It is a way of promoting the interdependence of African countries and the need to pool resources together for a strong economic growth for the continent. Such proposition is an obvious call to rejuvenate the pan-African spirit.

Leadership failure

Leadership failure Theme Analysis

The Analysis of the Theme of Leadership failure in Unexpected Joy at Dawn: Another theme that is very central in this novel is the theme of state failure. The author portrays Ghana as a country in severe economic upheavals. This is as a result of insensitive political and economic policies by the revolutionary government. In its ambition to curb corruption and bring sanity to the system, the government engages in a lot of retrogressive policies including evacuation of aliens, killing perceived enemies of the government and confiscating their properties, militarization of the markets and the decision to withdraw ‘fifty-cedi denomination from circulation’ (p. 24), thereby withholding people's money. Marshak’s father, for instance, was shot for being ‘a reactionary and a saboteur’ (p. 154), after which his property was seized. Many traders, including Auntie Joe, lose their lives as a result of the political and economic crises. The result of this is a sharp decline in positive economic activities, excruciating poverty and mass exodus of traders, professionals, academics and, indeed, any one that can find their way out of the country to the neighbouring countries, especially Ivory Coast and Nigeria. While some of the women like Marshak and Akosua engage in prostitution, the men engage in menial jobs that can hardly put three square meals on their tables, while others languish in abject poverty. It is as a result of such massive population of Ghanaians in Nigeria that the Nigerian government is also encouraged to enact the ‘Ghana must go’ policy. As a result of the state failure of Agyei-Agyiri’s Ghana, illegality and fraud appear to be the only means of survival. While Joe and people of like mind become prosperous in the illegal mining of gold and diamonds, Nii, an assistant bank manager and Aaron, a PhD in Soil Science, languish in Nigeria.

Love

Love Theme Analysis

The Anlysis of the Theme of Love in Unexpected Joy at Dawn There is a notable exploration of the subject of love, which cuts across filial love, conjugal love and romantic love in the novel. The idea of love is also explored in terms of mutual love and unrequited love. Mama is depicted in the novel as driven by filial love in her search for Nii. She travels all the way from Lagos, Nigeria to Accra, Ghana to locate her brother. When she does not see her on the second occasion, she travels to Koforidua from Accra to trace the last link to her brother. Her mood and comments while the search lasts show how much affection she has for him. For instance, when she learns that Nii has gone to Nigeria at a time that coincides with Nigeria’s alien deportation order, she imagines the ordeal her brother could be going through. She cannot stop thinking and worrying; in feet, she cries and cries. Fortunately, the efforts that show Mama’s love for Nii do not go in vain, as both run into each other accidentally at a time of serious threat to Nii’s life. There is also conjugal love between Nii and Massa. The love between this couple is projected as the ideal. It is love faithful to the nuptial vow of‘for better for worse’. Through serious adversity the couple sticks together, displaying affection and understanding, remaining faithful and devoted to each other, while resisting temptations and fighting hard. But for the failure of Nii to take Massa from the mortuary and carry out the necessary burial rites, the love between the two could have been described as perfect With regard to romantic and mutual love, Mama and Joe’s relationship fits the profile. Both love each other deeply and genuinely. If genuine love is about sacrifice for the sake of the other, Mama and Joe’s love for each other provides a good example. Joe sacrifices his criminal but money-spinning business in order to get married to Mama. He also elects to follow her to resettle in Nigeria. Similarly, Mama, defies the council of Amen Kristi Church and insists on marrying an alien, rather than a member of her ethnic group. Both get married and live happily together. On the other hand, the romantic and genuine feeling of love by Marshak for Nii is spumed by the latter. This rejection makes her to commit suicide, which shows that Marshak was really in need of love, and had taken up prostitution as a survival strategy.

Religious intolerance /fundamentalism

Religious intolerance and fundamentalism Theme Analysis

Analysis of the Theme of Religious intolerance and fundamentalism in Unexpected Joy at Dawn To some extent, Unexpected Joy at Dawn also comments on the tendency of religious faithful, especially the zealots or so-called pious ones, to assume superior airs, see others as unrighteous and ungodly, and adopt a contemptuous attitude towards them. The first condemnation of this tendency is observed in Tom Monday’s remarks about his daughter and his son-in-law, the daughter’s husband, who is somewhat fanatical about his brand of Christianity. He believes he is the one who has brainwashed his wife to the point that she has become intolerant of other people’s religious views. Later on in die story, we witness a violent religious riot involving members of two religious groups, the Sahm Brotherhood and the Amen Kristi Church where several people, including Ibuk, were killed. Many also suffer serious injuries and property worth millions of naira destroyed.

Alianation

Analysis of Alianation Theme in Unexpected Joy at Dawn

The Theme of Alianation in Unexpected Joy at Dawn : Also rife in the novel is the theme of alienation. And it cuts across the both countries. Some fifteen years earlier, Ghanaian government introduced an alienation policy which eventually led to mass exodus of other countries’ nationals from Ghana; and the separation of families. This led to the separation of Mama Olu Orojo and her parents from her kid brother, Moses Nii Tackie. Some fifteen years after this incident, Nigeria introduces a similar policy which culminates into tensed atmosphere in both Nigeria and Ghana. While Ghanaian alienation policy separates Mama Orojo and Nii Tackie, the Nigerian alienation brings them together after fifteen years of separation.

Separation

Analysis of Separation Theme in Unexpected Joy at Dawn

The Theme of Separation in Unexpected Joy at Dawn : Unexpected Joy at Dawn is premised on the separation of two siblings and the efforts from both sides to reunite. Nii Tackie is separated from his family by the Ghanaian alienation policy at a very tender age. As a result, it takes fifteen years to re-unite with his sister, Mama Orojo, under the least expected circumstance Also, Nii Tackie and Massa are separated by Massa’s death.

Identity Crisis

Analysis of Identity Crisis Theme in Unexpected Joy at Dawn

The Theme of Identity Crisis in Unexpected Joy at Dawn : Identity crisis is one of the major themes in the novel. Moses Nii Tackie, though of Nigerian parentage, is born and bred in Ghana. He bears a Ghanaian name. He has lived all his life in Ghana. He has his education up to the university level there too. So, he qualifies as a Ghanaian citizen and is thus a citizen by birth. However, he is not accepted as a Ghanaian citizen on the account of his tribal marks. So, in Ghana, the place of his birth and Mama Orojo’s “second home”, he is as alien as every other Nigerian and foreigner. Nii Tackie migrates to Nigeria high with hope that he would be accepted in Nigeria While his tribal marks shows he is of Nigerian nationality, his mannerisms, accent and inability to speak any Nigerian indigenous language betray him for a Ghanaian. Rather than gain acceptability, he is treated like every other alien and put to modern slavery to save himself from being imprisoned. The twist in this is that Nii Tackie is not accepted as a citizen of either country. In Ghana, he is seen as a Nigerian. In Nigeria, he is seen as a Ghanaian. Under normal circumstances, he is a citizen of both countries; Ghanaian by birth and Nigerian by ancestry.

Insecurity

Analysis of Insecurity Theme in Unexpected Joy at Dawn

The Theme of Insecurity in Unexpected Joy at Dawn :There is insecurity in both countries. You will recount we’ve looked into the religious attack on Amen Kristi evangelical mission team which leads to the loss of several lives and properties. There is yet another pointer to insecurity in Nigeria. In Ijase community where Mama Orojo lives, there are incessant robbery cases. People are killed as they are robbed of their properties. In Chapter 15 (Part 2), the narrator hints us with the method the vigilantes devise in dealing with robbery “suspect”. They tie car tyres around suspects and set them ablaze. This in itself manifests lawlessness and violence. In the opening chapter of the novel, the narrator also depicts the theme of insecurity with bullets flying on Accra streets in probable clash between a gang of armed robbers fighting among themselves over some spoil, or the security agents rounding up some thugs. From Nii Tackie’s reaction to this incidence and the use of the word “again”, it is apparent that gang fights, police raids and insecurity in its entirety have become a commonplace in Ghana.

Death

Analysis of Death Theme in Unexpected Joy at Dawn

The Theme of Death in Unexpected Joy at Dawn : The death of Kantamanto Market which used to be a point of convergence for people of different ethnicities and nationalities signals the death of a Ghanaian society that welcomes foreigners with open arms. The decaying corpse at Korle Lagoon and the ailing Massa with aura of death over her also symbolise Ghana at its decay, an ailing country. There are multiple deaths in the text. To start with, we witness the death of Massa; the death of the fat woman at Makola market; the suicidal death of Marshak; the death of Ibuk and several others in Sahm-instigated religious violence; Tally O’s brutal murder in the mines; and the death of Aaron in the concluding part of the novel.

Prejudice

Analysis of Prejudice Theme in Unexpected Joy at Dawn

The Theme of Prejudice in Unexpected Joy at Dawn : The members of Corpus Kristi do not want Mama Orojo to marry Joe on the premise of flimsy ethnic prejudice. They would rather have her marry Tom Monday, a Nigerian, than to marry Joe, a Ghanaian. The chairman, speaking for the majority, hints on Mama Orojo’s removal from the Corpus Kristi and a probable excommunication from Amen Kristi if she marries Joe.

Re-union

Analysis of Re-union Theme in Unexpected Joy at Dawn

The Theme of Re-union in Unexpected Joy at Dawn : In the beginning of the text, Mama Orojo has been separated from her brother for about fifteen years when she was eighteen. Mama Orojo now in her thirties, successful and accomplished, seeks a re-union with her brother. As the plot unfolds, she travels to Ghana to look for her brother. In the process of doing so, she is introduced into the gold business and, she and Joe become lovers. With the help of Joe, she searches for Nii Tackie. But her search gets to a dead end when she is told Ni Tackie has gone to Nigeria. Mama Orojo returns to Nigeria all hope lost. After the death of Massa, Nii Tackie travels to Nigeria to seek out his sister. In Nigeria, he is caught in the web of the new immigration law and the enormous Lagos. However, fate reunites them against all odds at the break of dawn.

Language and Style

Language and Style of Unexpected Joy at Dawn

Modified third person or omniscient narrative technique in Unexpected Joy at Dawn

The novel makes use of modified third person narrative technique or omniscient point of view, whereby the story is presented mostly through the eye of a non-character narrator. The narrator provides information about events in the story, and sometimes information about the thoughts of the characters in the story. However, the narration departs slightly from the traditional third person approach or omniscient point of view in that there is room for characters to interact through dialogue. This style of narration is also called third person objective point of view because the narrator’s comments are usually limited, as the reader is given the opportunity to assess the characters based on their speeches and form his own opinion about them. This is where the idea of objectivity comes in. The use of this style affords the reader the opportunity not to rely entirely on the narrator’s subjective information.

Symbolism in Unexpected Joy at Dawn

Some characters and occurrences in the novel are used symbolically. The marriage of Massa and Nii, and that of Mama and Joe are used to represent the union of African tribes, the idea that pan-Africanism is all about. We see that, like Joe observes about his coming together with Mama, and pooling then-resources together, it is more profitable to recognize the need for interdependence and take its full advantage. The dispersal of aliens at the Katamanto market and the eventual destruction of the market is symbolic of the destruction of Ghana’s economy.

Irony

The use of Irony in Unexpected Joy at Dawn

The novel also makes use of irony in a number of instances. It is ironical that Nigeria considered home by Nii is where he is actually declared and treated as an alien. Even though some Ghanaians respond emotively to the news of the ill treatment of their fellow nationals in Nigeria in the newspapers, nobody actually discriminates or ill-treats Nii while in Ghana. It is also ironical that the man who swindles Mama aboard her first flight to Ghana is a member of the mining syndicate from whom Mama would later buy genuine gold. In fact, the man shares part of the proceeds of his fraud with the man who sells genuine gold to her, and would later become her husband. There is also a situational irony in the fact that Nii and Aaron are taking refuge from immigration officials’ harassment right in the house belonging to Mama they are actually in search of without realizing it. It is also ironical that Paleo who denies Nii his right as a Nigerian and invariably makes life miserable for him would have his own child saved by Mama, Nii’s sister.

Structure: Parallel plot, different circumstances

The story is built on two parallel plots. The first plot deals with the story of Nii in search of his family. He travels to Nigeria in search of the family after losing his wife to a protracted illness. He is both in economic adversity and psychological distress. Mama Orojo, the only surviving member of the family in Nigeria also leaves the country to go and look for his only brother in Ghana. Mama Orqjo is rich, well to do, single and in need of a husband. The setting of the story alternates between Ghana and Nigeria. Except in a few cases, the events and narration are presented in a manner that there is regular alternation: as Event A takes place in Nigeria, Event B takes place in Ghana. This also brings about the use of dual spatial settings at the macro level.

Use of journey/quest motif

The story makes use of journey or quest motif a lot. There are journeys at the local as well as the international levels, both in quest of reunion. Mama journeys from Lagos to Accra twice. On the second occasion, she goes further from Accra to Koforidua, from Koforidua to Sampa and then back to Accra, all with a view to reuniting with her brother. On his part, Nii crosses a number of international borders by road from Ghana to Nigeria, looking for his family, the Orojos. Within Nigeria, we see him move from Lagos to Illere and back to Lagos. Like all quests, after so much pain, loss and endurance, the object of the quest is attained. Brother and sister get reunited.