Economic realities as depicted in `KUUSAA GADOO`

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to show how Gadisa Biru who wrote the novel `Kuusaa Gadoo` represents the Oromo`s economic issues realistically in the life of characters and the major themes of the novel. The study is qualitative research, it involves textual analysis method together with relevant conceptual tools and frameworks and therefore it is analytical. Furthermore, the data used for the research is taken from a primary source which is `Kuusaa Gadoo`. From the novel, different extracts are taken based on the research questions. Extracts used as data were classified under each topic and analyzed using textual analysis methods and realism theory. Then, the analysis and discussion were undertaken by using the concept of scholars to make the research more visible and logical. As a philosophy of realism theory, realism portrays the world as it appears. Therefore, to evaluate the realistic representations of different agendas of the research, it is crucial to bring the idea in the text to the actual world. From the analysis and discussion made it is found that, in `Kuusaa Gadoo`, all events and episodes were realized in the novel without any fantasy and extraordinary overstatement. Oromos were not economically beneficial during the Derg; the economies of Oromo peoples were used by others i.e. by leaders and investors from other ethnic groups. The Oromo`s resources especially land is highly corrupted by leaders of the time. Oromo peasants had no legal protection for their economy. Hence, the novel `Kuusaa Gadoo` reflects the real-life situation of Oromo peoples during the Derg regime. The author critically observes the real economic picture of society and portrayed it logically.