Kisses in the Nederends

Across many of the texts that we have encountered in Postcolonial Literature there has been an underlying theme of gender and male/female relationships. Not only does examining relationships help readers to understand characters themselves, but it also allows readers to gain insight to cultural and societal standards and aspects of homelands. Kisses in the Nederends by Epeli Hau’ofa is a prime example of how romantic relationships help shape cultural stigmas, stereotypes and definitions. 
            Within the different novels we have looked at there has been different types of romantic relationships in which the power dynamics between male and female shift. In the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe we see a male dominated society. In Sons for the Return Home by Albert Wendt we experience a shift within the male and female roles embracing power and heritage, where a male from a marginalized race and privileged female shift in hierarchy relating to society and their personal relationship. Kisses in the Nederends however, seems to be the first novel we have studied where the is complete equality between male and female; Oilei and Makarita. 
            There is evidence to support the gender equality as the author often uses humorous dialogue and emotional instances in which the two characters connect. Focusing solely in the private sphere, readers can see Makarita and Oilei as equals. The author alludes to this within the first few pages of the text illustrating the humorous interaction between the two. As Oilei cripples over in pain Rita simply laughs and pushes his groans off as exaggerations. The playful dialogue between the two uses derogatory words like, “you silly bitch” (2) and sarcastic language like, “come on, poofpoof” (3). The two go back and forth for some time alluding to the fact that they are equal and match with their playful sparring. This type of language is how their relationship thrives and the slight light weight insults and jokes can be an expression of their joyous love. It is evident that the characters share a love for each other because Oilei relies so heavily on Rita for help and Rita stands to be the caretaker and rock during Oilei’s time of instability. This respect for Rita that Oilei holds seems to be existent throughout their entire relationship, being that he asked for her hand in marriage. On page 55, the author states, “Oilei confronted the father, a complete stranger, and asked for permission to marry his daughter.” In most cultures, asking permission to marry one’s daughter is an act of respect and courtship that a man shows a woman. It means that Oilei does not view her as property, but has the grace to see her value and ask permission to work for her hand in marriage. 
            As the novel continues, we see a continuation of this devoted love. Rita’s mother alludes often to the status that Oilei holds in society but Rita tends to dismiss it and think of him solely as her husband and not a breadwinner. This can show the difference between how their private relationship may not be the norm in their society. Rita’s mother’s concerns and regards to Oilei as a “meal ticket” may or may not be a reflection on the rest of society. That is to say it is up to interpretation if their relationship is an exception or the rule of the society around them. 
            

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