In the context of "The Devil on the Cross" by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, the quote "she saw first the darkness to which it had inherited all the evils of the world" can be interpreted as highlighting the pervasive influence of colonialism and the social, political, and moral corruption that often follows in its wake.
Symbolism:
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Darkness: This symbolizes the oppressive and destructive forces that colonization has unleashed upon society. It's a representation of ignorance, suffering, and the loss of cultural identity, reflecting how colonial powers exploit both land and people.
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Inherited Evils: This notion points towards the generational impact of oppression. The "evils" suggest not only the immediate effects of colonial rule, such as poverty and violence, but also the long-term psychological and social trauma that affects future generations.
Metaphor:
The metaphor in this quote can be understood as the inherited legacy of colonialism. Just as darkness can be seen as a lack of light or knowledge, it represents the moral and spiritual decay that arises when communities are subjugated and their values undermined. This darkness is not simply an absence of goodness but a tangible presence that corrupts and distorts society.
Throughout "The Devil on the Cross," Ngũgĩ critiques the continued neocolonial practices that persist beyond the physical end of colonial rule, emphasizing how these legacies manifest in contemporary issues like corruption, exploitation, and the betrayal of communal values.
In summary, this quote encapsulates the novel's themes of colonial legacy, moral ambiguity, and the struggle for redemption against a backdrop of pervasive darkness inherited from the past. It serves as a reminder of the long-lasting impacts of colonialism and the importance of confronting these inherited evils in pursuit of healing and renewal.