A strong household
is founded on strong family values. Making reference to Mark Sigu’s family in
Margaret Ogola’s The River and the Source,
write an essay to justify this statement.
In the River
and The Source, Mark Sigu meets, woos and marries Elizabeth Awiti in the traditionally expected way. They start and develop a strong family
that is founded on
Mark Sigu had the devoted love for his wife
and the affection for all his children. (Ogola 192). He did things for Elizabeth that would never
have even crossed the mind of a full blooded
African man. He knew she was overworked both at home and in school and
in spite of the House-help they had, he threw a helping hand round the house –
especially in taking the kids off the hands of his wife. (Ogol 173).This bond
of love helps the family to remain united in the face of many challenges.
In
Mark Sigus house, Members are loyal to each other. For instance when Mark Sigu
realizes that promiscuity would ruin his marriage he so forcefully dumps the
girl and asks for leave to go and bring back his family from Aluor. (Ogola 170). He tells his mother off when the latter feels
he is over protective to the wife. (Ogola 167).This clear demonstration of
loyalty helps the two to remain together right into their sunset days.
The Sigus have instilled a sense of hard
work in the family. Mark keeps on studying to get promotions so that he can
have his children live a decent life. (Ogola 166, 172). Mark felt very lucky about his hard working
children. Vera had seven unbeatable records in school, Becky was not doing so
badly, Aoro had maintained a continuous lead in school and Tony followed suit.
(Ogola 185, 186). Hard work defines the Sigus.
Children
in their growing up must be brought up with high level of discipline.
Mark and Elizabeth was firm on their children’s discipline and they never
spared them any time they misbehaved. When Tony and Aoro almost made their twin
drown they are heavily punished.
(Ogola 176-179). When Aoro is suspended from school, he is denied food
and asked to start fending for himself. (Ogola 187-191).This firm discipline
instills hard work in the children.
A
strong family is also built up on mutual respect. The parents extend a measure
of respect to the children and vice versa. This is seen on various instances:
on serious matters concerning the family, Mark and his wife consult before a
favorable decision is made.When Vera wants to go out with Tommy Muhambe she
requests for permission the father.(Ogola 206 – 208). This too builds a strong
family.
Conclusion
In
conclusion, looking at the Sigu family, one would say that the foundation of a
strong family guided by good ethics depends on the husband and the wife, how
close they are to their
Children and how they develop acceptable
values systems.
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