Gikonyo and Karanja, two very different and contrasting individuals in Ngugi's novel "A Grain of Wheat," are pivotal characters in depicting for us both sides of the divided African community during Kenya's time of The State of Emergency. Both, share the respect gained from their fellow villages, however, possess opposing views regarding the oppression of the white man, which ultimately distinguishes their characteristics, and justifies how they are seen as antithesis to each other.

Gikonyo, a character that provides an insight into the soul of a man, solely represents the epitome of manhood in this novel. Molded by his time in detention, he is an individual that is much looked up to by the people for his sacrifice and commitment towards his work, "People in Thabai had known him even before the Emergency...