"The Return"

"The Return" by Ngugi wa Thiong can be analyzed by archetypal critiscm. Kamau the main character of the story also known as the hero, returns home to find out that what he expects does not happen. Everything has changed in his community within five years in a negative way.
When Kamau returns home he is not greeted with happiness. His family reacts especially when "his father suddenly start and tremble like a leaf. He saw him stare with unbelieving eyes"(48).A traditional hero comes from his quest and expects to find pride and glory within his friends after succesfully completing his mission. But Kamau, the total opposite happens. His relatives think he was dead, and his wife and child taken by Karanja within the past five years where he "spent in detention camps"(44). In fact he expects a " 'hero's welcome'? He thought so. Had he not always been a favourite all along the Ridge? And had he not fought for the land? He wanted to run and shout:"Here I am. I have come back to you." But he desisted. He was a man."(45).
Whence Kamau the hero of the story has accomplished parts of his mission by coming back home but he needs to go further on in order to find happiness and pride for himself, Muthoni, and his son.