The Rain of my blood:Act 3, Scene 5 Analysis

The setting is a Rhodesian courtroom. Chamunorwa was captured in the previous scene and is taken to court, presided over by a white judge. The whole scene puts the Rhodesian judicial system under spotlight. It will reveal that the justice system is biased in favour of whites and against the blacks or Africans. Africans are crammed (crowded)on rough wooden benches in the courtroom whiles whites are seated comfortably on cushioned and expensive chairs. This scene already shows whites have an upper hand over the blacks. Chamunorwa is brought in, fettered on both hands and legs, a violation of his rights and to show that he is already guilty before trial. The mood or Atmosphere is very tense. Africans smile in solidarity towards Chamunorwa and Chamunorwa smiles back. He roars Pamberi neChimurenga with a clenched fist. He is in a very defiant mood which sets a defiant tone. Meanwhile, whites are pointing accusatory fingers at Chamunorwa. Bertha attempts to maul (tear into) Chamunorwa but she is restrained. She wants to mete out instant justice on Chamunorwa. She wants Chamunorwa to be shot or murdered without trial. As a sign of bias, the judge assures her that he will deliver a judgement in her favour. Chamunorwa is charged with terrorism, murder and spreading discontent (confusion)among peaceful citizens. Chamunorwa denies being a murderer but says he is fighting for justice of his fellow blacks. He is stone faced as a sign of defiance. Chamunorwa agrees he led a group of freedom fighters into Zimbabwe. He asserts that his were freedom fighters not terrorists. ‘Terrorists’ is a derogatory term meant to present the freedom fighters in bad light. Chamunorwa argues that he wanted to free people from the evil clutches of the unjust colonial system. He continues with his contempt of the court. He defiantly tells the court that he and his colleagues will fight up to the last man. He spits in the courtroom. He unashamedly and fearlessly tells the judge that they will continue fighting to dismantle or destroy the oppressive colonial system- Capitalism designed to enrich the whites at the expense of the blacks. He calls the system unfair and oppressive and geared to take away black pple’s rights and enslave them. Chamunorwa tells the Court is unfair and that he is already guilty before trial.

Whites speak in a chorus urging the judge to declare Chamunorwa a murderer and deserving of death. Chamunorwa agrees that he led a group of freedom fighters who murdered Jeffries Sanderson. He is remorseless and does not regret having committed the murder. The whites in the courtroom protest and spit in Chamunorwa’s direction to show utter contempt. The judge sentences Chamunorwa to death. Chamunorwa responds by laughing loudly. He is unmoved and he addresses the court and defiantly tells the people that the whites will not be able to stop the storm of freedom by the blacks. He chants Pamberi neChimurenga and the Africans shout in support. Africans erupt into song. Lights fade gradually to symbolize Chamunorwa’s disappearance. He is taken away.