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Dawuni's Dream - Complete Study Notes

Dawuni's Dream is a drama exploring the conflict between morality and corruption in leadership through the story of two brothers, Dawuni and Anzansi, who represent goodness and deceit, respectively. The play emphasizes that true leadership requires character, wisdom, and community values, while also highlighting the influence of gossip and tradition in shaping public perception. Central themes include the moral responsibilities of leaders and the dangers of personal weaknesses and corruption.

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1K views2 pages

Dawuni's Dream - Complete Study Notes

Dawuni's Dream is a drama exploring the conflict between morality and corruption in leadership through the story of two brothers, Dawuni and Anzansi, who represent goodness and deceit, respectively. The play emphasizes that true leadership requires character, wisdom, and community values, while also highlighting the influence of gossip and tradition in shaping public perception. Central themes include the moral responsibilities of leaders and the dangers of personal weaknesses and corruption.

Uploaded by

Kwakunakah Godfred
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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DAWUNI’S DREAM – COMPLETE STUDY

NOTES

1. Commentary
Dawuni’s Dream is a drama that reflects the struggle between morality and corruption in
leadership. The play presents two brothers—Dawuni, kind but weakened by drunkenness, and
Anzansi, intelligent but deceitful—who both desire the throne. Their conflict mirrors the real-life
challenges societies face when choosing leaders: should one value intelligence without morals,
or goodness clouded by weakness?

The Chorus and Gossipers remind us that leadership is not only about ability but also about
public perception and communal judgment. The King Makers represent the voice of tradition
and cultural authority, showing the African belief that leadership is a responsibility entrusted by
the community, not just personal ambition.

At its heart, the drama teaches that true leadership requires character, wisdom, and service to
others—not just education or cunning. It warns against corruption, highlights the dangers of
personal weakness, and stresses the role of communal values in guiding leadership.

2. Characters
● Dawuni – Elder brother, kind but a drunkard; symbolizes goodness with weakness.
● Anzansi – Younger brother, cunning and intelligent but deceitful; symbolizes corruption.
● Alheri – Educated girlfriend of Dawuni, determined to reform him; symbolizes wisdom
and hope.
● Anfani – Kind woman who shelters Dawuni and Alheri; symbolizes kindness.
● Chorus – Narrates, comments, and provides background.
● Male & Female Gossip – Spread rumours and shape public opinion.
● King Makers (1–4) – Elders who decide who becomes king; symbolize tradition and
authority.

3. Themes
1. Leadership and Power – True leadership is about character, not just education.
2. Morality vs. Corruption – Dawuni’s weakness vs. Anzansi’s deceit.
3. Education and Wisdom – Education is important, but without morals it is dangerous.
4. Rumour and Public Opinion – Gossip influences leadership choices.
5. Tradition and Authority – Elders guide decisions in society.
6. Change and Transformation – Alheri’s effort to reform Dawuni shows hope for change.
Central Theme: Leadership requires wisdom, morality, and responsibility, not just intelligence
or power.

4. Literary Devices
● Chorus – Provides narration and foreshadowing.
● Imagery – e.g., “a mind clouded by drink.”
● Symbolism – Characters represent virtues/flaws (e.g., Dawuni = weak goodness).
● Irony – Anzansi is educated but corrupt.
● Foreshadowing – Chorus hints at the throne conflict.
● Repetition – Emphasis, e.g., “The battle for the throne has begun.”
● Dialogue – Reveals motives and conflict.
● Personification – e.g., drink “clouding the mind.”
● Contrast (Juxtaposition) – Dawuni vs. Anzansi.
● Proverbial/Poetic Language – Traditional, rhythmic lines from the Chorus.

5. Morals / Lessons
● Good leadership is about integrity, not only intelligence.
● Education without morals leads to destruction.
● Weaknesses (like drunkenness) can hinder destiny.
● Gossip and rumours can destroy reputations.
● Tradition and wisdom of elders play an important role in governance.
● People can change if they are guided and supported.

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