Blossoms of the Savannah | Self-interest

In Ole Kulet’s Novel, Blossoms of the Savannah, a character who only cares about themselves in the end doesn’t succeed. This is brought out clearly by characters such as Oloisudori ,Ole Kaelo and Olarinkoi.

Ole Kaelo is only concerned in becoming rich and happily engages in lucrative business deals with Edward Oloisudori in exchange for his daughter, Resian. He signs a contract with him even after he is warned by his friend and Mentor Ole Supeyo. Oloisudori is known for his corrupt means and blackmail which Ole Kaelo falls into. He demands to marry Resian and if not Ole Kaelo would lose everything. His betrayal to his own daughter makes him lose both Resian and Taiyo.

Olarinkoi takes advantage of Resian’s desperate situation to lure her to his home with the intention of marrying her. Resian had run from home because the father had forcefully sold her to Oloisudori. In frustration she walks to the Nasila River to clear her mind and Olarinkoi promises to take her to Emakererei. This does not happen as he takes her to his home where he tries to rape her. She fights by biting his Thumb almost amputating it. Due to shame Olarinkoi has to hide and eventually loses Resian after she escapes to Emakererei.

Oloisudori is greedy for power and wealth as he already has six wives and still wants to take Resian as a seventh wife. He is a jack of all trades and easily lures Ole Kaelo who wants to be rich and succeed in his business. Oloisudori threatens Ole Kaelo’s business in exchange of Resian and the father agrees due to his materialistic nature. In the end he loses Resian and his armored vehicles which are torched by labourers at Minik’s farm and he has to escape to save his dear life.

Mama Milanoi cares so much about the interest of her husband to retain her position as the wife and does not realize the pain and suffering she inflicts on her daughters. She does anything to please her husband even when he gets into a murky deals with Oloisudori to sell of her daughter. She is happy and sees the wealth that her future son-in-law is willing to give to her daughter. In the end her daughter Resian runs away from home, Taiyo is forcefully circumcised and also loses her. She ends up losing both of them.