Title:

Author:       I.O. Dike-Ugwu
Published:   January 2004
ISBN:           0-9541052-1-4
Pages:         151
Cover:         PaperBack
Price:          £7.99

CONTENT SUMMARY

Animal Politics took its root from folklore. It is based on what transpired between the squirrel and other animals when there was a famine in the animal kingdom. During the drought, the squirrel was the only animal properly fed, because his mother was alive and took good care of him. The majority of other animals lost their mothers to the famine, and then he became the centre of envy by other animals, particularly the tortoise. He did not see the reason why squirrel should be the only one to enjoy a mother's care and affection whilst others had lost theirs to the unfortunate depression. For that reason he nursed a personal hatred against him and wanted to get rid of him by any means possible.

This book is divided into episodes and each episode forms a self-contained story of its own. It is intended to give an imaginary overview of the animal kingdom in crisis as seen through the eyes of a human being. Also, there is a focus on their method of governance and power sharing. The struggle for power and the unfortunate drift from one natural extremity to another marks the beginning and the end of the story. Mostly the great disasters animals were capable of handling. There was no way they could have made the rains to fall or stop the floods when it rained. But in the end they were able to overcome their problems.

This can of story serves to entertain, inform and educate people through folklore. the importance of folklore in the development of human beings in rural societies cannot be underestimated. it is the foundation on which moral character and discipline are built. When stories are being told, children for instance maintain orderliness. These stories instill ancient wisdom in children which is often carried into adult years and become some of the norms of the wider society. During story telling sessions,any child found to be of antisocial behaviour is excluded.If the recalcitrant child wants to take part in future stories, he has to apologise to the leader and shows sincere regret to his misconduct before readmitted. This way, children learn how to comply with the rules and regulations governing, not only their immediate assembly but also their wider society.

In many parts of Africa,we use a variety of folklore; some are told in songs,some partly with song and others without songs.But they all serve the same purpose, namely to educate, entertain and inform listeners of the imaginary events which have taken place in the human or animal world. It may range from the bravery of their local warriors to the crises in the animal world in the past, as in the case of this book.

The main character in Animal Politics is Manshell, the Tortoise. The reader can liken Manshell to some of the African politicians(internal predators) who plunder their countries' wealth. But unlike the clever Tortoise, Manshell, these politicians deposit their stolen wealth in the bossoms of external predators. But like Manshell, they all eventually meet the same fate, dishonourable death.

Table Of Content

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• Acknowledgements 6
• Introduction 7
• Episode 1
• The Great Animal Famine 11
• Episode2
• The Formation of the Consultative Assembly 21
• Episode 3
• Election of Officers of the Consultative Assembly 31
• Episode 4
• The Code of Conduct of the Consultative Assembly 39
• Episode 5
• The Great Libation for Rainfall 51
• Episode 6
• The Dialogue between Lizard and RAT 57
• Episode 7
• The Consequences of Mercy Killing 67
• Episode 8
• Manshell in Coma 83
• Episode 9
• The Emergency Meeting 91
• Episode 10
• Manshell and Chum Chorri Face Impeachment 105
• Episode 11
• Manshell and Chum Chorri in Court 117
• Episode 12
• Manshell’s Funeral 141
• Episode 13
• Manshell’s Funeral Elegy 147
• Episode 14
• At the End of the Day 149

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