Dehumanisation, Resistance and Hope in John Nkemngong Nkengasong’s Across the Mongolo (2004)

Abstract

This paper focuses on John Nkemngong Nkengsasong’s Across the Mongolo and aims at analyzing the dehumanizing tendencies, resistance dynamics as well as rekindling of hope in the novel. It argues that though the world of the text seems gloomy for the Anglophone Kamangolans as reflected in the protagonist’s life, with Ngwe’s resistance and steadfastness, all hope is not lost. The analysis benefits from the psycho-social theory of dehumanization that like the postcolonial theory, focuses on binarisms such as the in-group and out-group discrimination, centre/margin otherness, and inferiority/superiority complexes that account for the victim’s degradation, and hence hopelessness on the part of the dehumanised. Although Ngwe goes through pain and trauma that puts him in distress, his persistence raises hope not only for him but also for the dejected Anglophone Kamangolans. The study concludes that the full integration of all as full citizens without biases of cultural or ethnic background—the humanization of Anglophones will lead to a stable society which will definitely be enjoyed by all: Francophones and Anglophones alike.