What do you think Tayeb Salih’s story is ultimately saying about the relationship between tradition and modernity?
In my opinion, ultimately Tayeb Salih’s is trying to say that the relationship between tradition and modernity is that modernity means letting go of the doum tree which has played a very significant role in their tradition. “The doum tree of Wad Hamid; and just as no one remembers how it originated and grew…” signifying that the tree has always been there in the village and represents their tradition. However, there also seems to be a a generational gap as youngsters are going to school, hospital, cinemas and the importance of tradition seems to be fading away.
Sangey, What about the very last page of the story? What does it mean when, at the very end of the narrative, the old man says that the doum tree can coexist with the pump and the steamer? How does that fit with your suggestion that “modernity means letting go of the doum tree”? Is there any reason why one couldn’t accept technology and remain attached to whatever the doum tree represents?