3 Review(s)

The Eagle That Refused to Dance with Chickens is a metaphor that is traditionally narrated in two African languages,Kiswahili and Kikuyu. It is an Oral literature genre that communicates strength of self-determination in spite of gross failures. This story in particular, although has been modified to a great extent, is popular among the Kikuyu people who live in central part of Kenya where it is believed to have originated. The author has worked painstakingly to allow the same descriptive words and phrases in Kikuyu to be translated in English as verbatim as possible to fit in the story. Such endeavor is an attempt to bring the authentic texture of the story as much as possible to the Western world mind-set.Both the content and style of narration are aimed at addressing issues of late childhood and teen years, thus eight to fourteen years of age. It seems to fit such application because this is the time that children are intensely obsessed in searching self-independence and identity. Nevertheless, the story has been used as an allegory and adjusted to be applicable to all ages, depending on the purpose and circumstances. Quite often it is also presented as a drama or acted by children as one of the activities that would bring the meaning into the real life of the children.