Devil on the Cross

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, enslavement, depression, and suicide.

One of the most consistent aspects of Devil on the Cross is its exploration of colonialism and oppression, as well as its clear-eyed understanding of the motivations behind that exploitation. The most prominent representation of this theme is the Devil’s Feast, advertised as a gathering of thieves and robbers who compete to demonstrate their proficiency in exploitation. This event serves as a metaphor for capitalist practices, with the participants openly discussing their methods of accumulating wealth at the expense of others. The very nature of the competition, where success is measured by the amount stolen and the creativity of planning future robberies, illustrates how the novel portrays capitalism as a system that rewards theft and exploitation.

The character of Mwĩreri wa Mũkiraaĩ further expands on this theme. As an economist, he presents a theoretical justification for exploitation, arguing that modern thieves and robbers are the same people who determine wealth and investment, and who have historically contributed to the development of modern civilization. This perspective aligns capitalist success with theft, suggesting that the two are inseparable in the current economic system.