Shona Religion Holistically Portrayed: Selected Solomon Mutswairo Novels

摘要: Introduction Despite receiving Western education which described anything that did not conform to European beliefs and values as abhorrent primitive, Zimbabwean novelist poet Solomon Mangwiro Mutswairo (1924-2005) emerges out of the school system learned, endeavours give a positive portrayal Shona religion. The time he spent in Canada United States America never changed his understanding attitude towards indigenous religion cultural practices. He does fall into trap stereotyping traditional barbaric, like some other writers who are professed Christians do. These criticise distort African only imbibed views tastes their teachers; they just received colonial without getting learned. from schools system, learned; having realised limitations prejudices school's system. thus project image. In novels examined this paper, Feso (1956) Mweya waNehanda (1988), demonstrates totally integrates with every aspect life is fulcrum around radiates. Even though there Christian images writings, do denigrate but help author illustrate serves its believers all spiritual needs even more ways than Christianity has done for followers. Mutswairo's efforts quite line those by Boaduo Gumbi (2010) lament negative influence colonialism had on victims. two scholars classification people coloniser, groups such black, tribe, coloureds native. classes were based speculations Europeans about these people, socially constructed perpetuated beliefs. Such was meant justify subordination people. It also strove present races superior others; hence fell short considered primitive uncivilised, including people's against background call intellectuals group together provide worldview grounded heritage religion, philosophy, science art. They stress need reach back wealthy past take along them works arts, philosophy rich customs, traditions culture portray positively rest world (2010: 47). furthermore Africans must focus what so can have duty push forefront aspects knowledge systems been ignored, misinterpreted misrepresented bring forth lot positives humanity. novel seems border recommendation digs dip past, unearthing layers benefit contemporary person. stressed essay marked pre-occupation religious matters during post-colonial settings indicates deep-rooted desire contribute development nationalism, culmination nationhood building new nation. With being focal point, indeed writer strives cultural, historical national identity newly born depicted highly inspirational plays number critical functions society as: unifying force, source vital believers' survival, promoter peace, inspiration, form entertainment above all, powerful real. …