Hello, Students!

In this lesson, we’ll explore selected works from both African and international authors. This will help us understand the unique contributions each has made to literature and the themes they discuss.

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African Literature

African literature is diverse and reflects the continent’s rich cultures and histories. Here are some important works:

1. Chinua Achebe – Things Fall Apart

• Overview: Published in 1958, this novel tells the story of Okonkwo, a leader in the Igbo community of Umuofia. It shows the impact of British colonialism and missionaries on his life and community.
• Themes: The novel explores tradition, change, and identity.

2. Wole Soyinka – Death and the King’s Horseman

• Overview: Written in 1975, this play is based on a historical event in Nigeria. It examines the clash between traditional African values and British colonial rule.
• Themes: The play deals with duty, cultural conflict, and societal expectations.

3. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o – The Devil on the Cross

• Overview: This 1980 novel critiques the political and economic systems in Kenya. It’s a strong commentary on neo-colonialism and corruption.
• Themes: It addresses issues of corruption, social injustice, and the struggles of the working class.

Non-African Literature

Non-African literature includes works from around the world, each offering different perspectives and styles:

1. William Shakespeare – Romeo and Juliet

• Overview: Written in the late 16th century, this play tells the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet, two young lovers from feuding families.
• Themes: The play explores love, fate, and family conflict.

2. George Orwell – 1984

• Overview: Published in 1949, this novel presents a dystopian future where totalitarianism and surveillance are rampant. It’s a powerful critique of oppressive regimes.
• Themes: Major themes include surveillance, censorship, and control.

3. Gabriel García Márquez – One Hundred Years of Solitude

• Overview: This 1967 novel is a key work of magical realism. It follows the Buendía family over several generations in the fictional town of Macondo.
• Themes: Themes include solitude, history, and the blending of the mythical with the real.

Comparative Analysis

When comparing African and non-African literature, consider:

1. Cultural Context

• African Literature: Reflects diverse African cultures and experiences, including the impact of colonialism.
• Non-African Literature: Shows various global cultures and perspectives on universal themes.

2. Themes

• African Literature: Often addresses colonialism, identity, and social justice.
• Non-African Literature: Covers a range of themes from personal struggles to political critiques.

3. Literary Style

• African Literature: Includes oral traditions and rich descriptive language.
• Non-African Literature: Varies widely in style, from realism to experimental forms.

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Practice Analysis

Let’s look at a passage from one of these works:

Excerpt from Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe:
“The ill-fated lad was called Ikemefuna. He was a fourteen-year-old boy who had been given to the village by a neighboring clan. He was to be kept in Umuofia for three years.”

1. Cultural Context: The passage shows traditional Igbo customs and integration practices.
2. Themes: Highlights themes of fate and community roles.
3. Literary Style: Achebe’s language and cultural details enrich the story.

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Homework:

1. Read Selected Works: Choose one African and one non-African literary work from the list. Read a portion or the entire work if possible.
2. Write a Comparative Essay: Compare the themes, cultural contexts, and styles of the two works. Discuss how each reflects its culture and universal themes.
3. Class Discussion: Share your insights and analysis with the class. We’ll discuss how different cultures influence literature.