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Houseboy

            Through narrative text Oyono illustrates how colonialism deprived society the right to culturally develop with unity and with a sense of identity in Houseboy. The story is written in diary format through the eyes of the houseboy Toundi who has to both cope with adolescent struggles and understand who he is as an individual and member of society in his "new life." (24) Toundi even admits that he no longer knows what he can be classified as, which is clearly stated when he says "What are we black men who are called French?" (04) Since they cannot directly answer this question they feel "stupid" (04) and realize "what fools they are" (27)because they don't know who they are and what they can call themselves. .
             Although readers grasp the concept that Toundi feels neglected and out of place, Oyono never comes out and directly tells readers. Through subtle inclinations we come to the realization of how painful certain situations actually were. For example, when Madame and Toundi are talking about his place in life and how he gives the "impression that he is doing a houseboy's job while waiting for something better to come along." (55) Though it's never stated in the text readers feel like Toundi does in the sense that they "know their position in life" and "that nothing can be done about it." (56) As Toundi gives up his traditional identity and culture he is caught up in the trap of servitude which leads to his catastrophic fate. .
             Primarily, when Toundi is with Father Gilbert he feels "accepted" and "protected" (13) which is a sharp contrast to what his prior home life had been. In every interaction Toundi has with his father, he was "nearly dead with fear"(23), yet when he was living with Father Gilbert he felt as though he was "his boy." (15) After Father Gilbert's death, Toundi is given to the commandant who is nothing like his kindhearted father figure. .
             The harsh reality of death brings about a certain change in Toundi which forces him to view what he wants and needs from white society.


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