Specks in Our Eyes is a drama of social protest that exposes hypocrisy, corruption, and
injustice in society—particularly in a country like Nigeria. The play draws its title from a
biblical metaphor, highlighting how people often focus on the faults of others while ignoring
their own, especially those in positions of authority.
The plot centre’s around characters who represent different sectors of Nigerian society—
political leaders, religious figures, and ordinary citizens. Through their interactions, the play
reveals the moral decay within institutions that are supposed to uphold justice and
righteousness. Leaders who publicly condemn wrongdoing are shown to be guilty of even greater
crimes, thus exposing their double standards.
The drama uses satire, irony, and dialogue to show how the powerful manipulate systems for
personal gain, while the poor and honest suffer. It reflects real-life challenges in Nigeria, such as
bribery, abuse of power, and social inequality.
Ultimately, Specks in Our Eyes is a call for self-examination, justice, and change. It urges
society—especially the leaders—to remove the "specks" from their own eyes before judging
others.
Title: "Specks in Our Eyes" as a Drama of Protest Against Injustice in Nigeria through
Satire, Irony, and Dialogue
Introduction
The drama Specks in Our Eyes is a bold literary protest against the widespread injustice,
corruption, and moral decay present in societies like Nigeria. The title is a direct reference to
the biblical metaphor of judging others while ignoring one's own flaws, capturing the central
theme of hypocrisy among those in power. The playwright employs powerful literary devices—
particularly satire, irony, and dialogue—to criticize the social and political realities of a nation
riddled with double standards, abuse of power, and systemic inequality. These tools transform
the play into more than just entertainment—it becomes a social mirror and a call to action.
1. Satire: Exposing Hypocrisy and Corruption through Humour and Mockery
Satire is one of the main tools used in Specks in Our Eyes to ridicule those in positions of power
—politicians, religious leaders, and judges—who pretend to be righteous but are deeply corrupt.
The play exaggerates their self-righteousness, empty speeches, and false morality, not to
amuse the audience alone, but to expose how dangerous their actions are.
For example, a pastor might preach about honesty and sin while being secretly involved
in bribery or adultery. This character becomes a satirical figure, representing religious
hypocrisy common in Nigeria, where some leaders use the church as a cover for personal
gain.
Similarly, a judge may loudly condemn a petty thief while accepting bribes to free
criminals in private.
Through satire, the play mocks these contradictions, pushing the audience to recognize the
moral failures of those who should be role models.
Function: The use of satire allows the playwright to criticize without being direct or offensive.
It creates laughter with a purpose, encouraging the audience to reflect on the absurdity of their
own reality.
2. Irony: Highlighting Contradictions in Justice and Leadership
Irony in the play deepens its protest by showing the clear gap between appearance and reality.
Irony is especially effective in showing how the same people who speak of justice, honesty, and
morality are actually the perpetrators of injustice.
Verbal irony occurs when characters say things that sound noble, but the audience
knows they mean the opposite. A leader might speak about "serving the people" while
making secret deals that harm the public.
Situational irony is used when the opposite of what is expected happens—for instance,
a poor character is jailed for stealing food to survive, while a wealthy politician who has
stolen millions walks free.
Dramatic irony lets the audience in on a truth that other characters don’t know, making
the hypocrisy and injustice more visible and painful.
Function: Irony helps the playwright show the injustice embedded in society's structures,
especially in legal and religious institutions. It forces the audience to confront uncomfortable
truths and recognize that justice is not always just in their society.
3. Dialogue: Giving Voice to the Marginalized and Exposing Truth
Dialogue in Specks in Our Eyes is a powerful tool for social critique. It is through the characters'
conversations, arguments, and emotional outbursts that the audience hears the real voices of the
oppressed, the justifications of the corrupt, and the frustrations of the few honest citizens.
The victims of injustice use dialogue to share their pain, challenge authority, and expose
corruption.
The elite characters, through their polished speeches and clever wordplay, reveal how
they manipulate language to justify wrongdoing and deflect responsibility.
Conflict-driven dialogue allows opposing views to clash on stage, creating moments
where truth is revealed, and the audience is encouraged to think critically.
In a country like Nigeria, where people often feel unheard, this kind of dialogue gives a platform
to the marginalized, making their struggles known and their anger valid.
Function: Dialogue personalizes the protest. It moves beyond abstract ideas and allows
characters to voice real-life concerns—poverty, injustice, corruption, and hopelessness. It
connects emotionally with the audience and calls for social transformation.
Conclusion
Through the deliberate use of satire, irony, and dialogue, Specks in Our Eyes emerges as a
powerful drama of protest against social injustice in Nigeria. The play does more than
entertain—it challenges hypocrisy, exposes corruption, and gives voice to the oppressed. In a
society where leaders often present themselves as morally upright while exploiting their power,
the play boldly urges both leaders and citizens to engage in self-examination and
accountability. It asks the fundamental question: How can we point out the speck in another’s
eye, while ignoring the log in our own?
