Essay Questions

What is the figurative meaning of the title ‘Shreds of Tenderness’?

The 'Shreds of Tenderness' play is set to reflect the political unrest and turmoil that took place in Uganda. The title categorically symbolizes the various facets depicted in the play, which are initiated with tenderness but end up shreds. For instance, Wak and his siblings' relationship ends up in shreds despite the initial love and concern of their father. The other examples are the treatment of refugees and the government's collapse that ends up oppressing its people instead of protecting them. The author shows that Uganda's living conditions during the political unrest favored the wealthy people and those who had strong connections with the authority, implying that tenderness was ripped off.

Why is the author depicting Wak as a traitor?

The play 'Shreds of Tenderness' focuses on three siblings, namely Stella, Wak, and Odie. The family's stability is interrupted during the unanticipated political turmoil. The father of the three siblings (a powerful minister) is killed, and the unrest worsens. After the death of their father, the three siblings are left under the care of Wak. However, Wak is self-centered, and he decides to flee Uganda and seek asylum elsewhere. When Wak leaves, he does not want to know how their ailing mother will take care of the two siblings. After Wak leaves, their mother dies. After many years, Wak comes home, but his brother is furious at him because he left them at the time, they needed him most. Consequently, Wak is a big traitor because he only thinks of his safety but not his entire family.

What is the central theme in the ‘Shreds of Tenderness’?

The play focuses on the realities of political instability in a country like Uganda. Uganda was mostly peaceful until the unexpected political turmoil started. Many people are killed during the unrest, and others flee to seek refugee asylum in other countries. The family of Wak, Odie, and Stella represents what many other families go through when political instability arises. Wak runs away and leaves the rest of his family behind. During the political unrest, people cannot access medical attention, which explains why Wak's mother dies shortly after leaving. Additionally, people fail to access other essential services such as food, shelter, and clothing. Therefore, this play's central theme is the realities of political instability, and he is educating the readers to promote peace because there is nothing as worse as political turmoil in a country.