UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI CENTRE FOR DISTANCE LEARNING

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1 UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI CENTRE FOR DISTANCE LEARNING ENG 116: Introduction to Nigerian Literature (3 Units) Course Facilitator: DR. ABUBUKAR OTHMAN

2 STUDY GUIDE Course Code/ Title: Credit Units: Timing: Total hours of Study per each course material should be twenty Six hours (26hrs) at two hours per week within a given semester. You should plan your time table for study on the basis of two hours per course throughout the week. This will apply to all course materials you have. This implies that each course material will be studied for two hours in a week. Similarly, each study session should be timed at one hour including all the activities under it. Do not rush on your time, utilize them adequately. All activities should be timed from five minutes (5minutes) to ten minutes (10minutes). Observe the time you spent for each activity, whether you may need to add or subtract more minutes for the activity. You should also take note of your speed of completing an activity for the purpose of adjustment. Meanwhile, you should observe the one hour allocated to a study session. Find out whether this time is adequate or not. You may need to add or subtract some minutes depending on your speed. You may also need to allocate separate time for your self-assessment questions out of the remaining minutes from the one hour or the one hour which was not used out of the two hours that can be utilized for your SAQ. You must be careful in

3 utilizing your time. Your success depends on good utilization of the time given; because time is money, do not waste it. Reading: When you start reading the study session, you must not read it like a novel. You should start by having a pen and paper for writing the main points in the study session. You must also have dictionary for checking terms and concepts that are not properly explained in the glossary. Before writing the main points you must use pencil to underline those main points in the text. Make the underlining neat and clear so that the book is not spoiled for further usage. Similarly, you should underline any term that you do not understand its meaning and check for their meaning in the glossary. If those meanings in the glossary are not enough for you, you can use your dictionary for further explanations. When you reach the box for activity, read the question(s) twice so that you are sure of what the question ask you to do then you go back to the in-text to locate the answers to the question. You must be brief in answering those activities except when the question requires you to be detailed. In the same way you read the in-text question and in-text answer carefully, making sure you understand them and locate them in the main text. Furthermore before

4 you attempt answering the (SAQ) be sure of what the question wants you to do, then locate the answers in your in-text carefully before you provide the answer. Generally, the reading required you to be very careful, paying attention to what you are reading, noting the major points and terms and concepts. But when you are tired, worried and weak do not go into reading, wait until you are relaxed and strong enough before you engage in reading activities. Bold Terms: These are terms that are very important towards comprehending/understanding the in-text read by you. The terms are bolded or made darker in the sentence for you to identify them. When you come across such terms check for the meaning at the back of your book; under the heading glossary. If the meaning is not clear to you, you can use your dictionary to get more clarifications about the term/concept. Do not neglect any of the bold term in your reading because they are essential tools for your understanding of the in-text. Practice Exercises a. Activity: Activity is provided in all the study sessions. Each activity is to remind you of the immediate facts, points and major informations you read in the in-text. In every study session there is one or more activities provided for you to answer them. You must be very careful in answering these activities because they provide you with major facts of the text. You can

5 have a separate note book for the activities which can serve as summary of the texts. Do not forget to timed yourself for each activity you answered. b. In-text Questions and Answers: In-text questions and answers are provided for you to remind you of major points or facts. To every question, there is answer. So please note all the questions and their answers, they will help you towards remembering the major points in your reading. c. Self Assessment Question: This part is one of the most essential components of your study. It is meant to test your understanding of what you studied so you must give adequate attention in answering them. The remaining time from the two hours allocated for this study session can be used in answering the self- assessment question. Before you start writing answers to any questions under SAQ, you are expected to write down the major points related to the particular question to be answered. Check those points you have written in the in-text to ascertain that they are correct, after that you can start explaining each point as your answer to the question. When you have completed the explanation of each question, you can now check at the back of your book, compare your answer to the solutions provided by your course writer. Then try to grade your effort sincerely and honestly to see your level of performance. This procedure should be applied

6 to all SAQ activities. Make sure you are not in a hurry to finish but careful to do the right thing. e-tutors: The etutors are dedicated online teachers that provide services to students in all their programme of studies. They are expected to be twenty- four hours online to receive and attend to students Academic and Administrative questions which are vital to student s processes of their studies. For each programme, there will be two or more e-tutors for effective attention to student s enquiries. Therefore, you are expected as a student to always contact your e-tutors through their addresses or phone numbers which are there in your student hand book. Do not hesitate or waste time in contacting your e-tutors when in doubt about your learning. You must learn how to operate , because ing will give you opportunity for getting better explanation at no cost. In addition to your e-tutors, you can also contact your course facilitators through their phone numbers and s which are also in your handbook for use. Your course facilitators can also resolve your academic problems. Please utilize them effectively for your studies.

7 Continuous assessment The continuous assessment exercise is limited to 30% of the total marks. The medium of conducting continuous assessment may be through online testing, Tutor Marked test or assignment. You may be required to submit your test or assignment through your . The continuous assessment may be conducted more than once. You must make sure you participate in all C.A processes for without doing your C.A you may not pass your examination, so take note and be up to date. Examination All examinations shall be conducted at the University of Maiduguri Centre for Distance Learning. Therefore all students must come to the Centre for a period of one week for their examinations. Your preparation for examination may require you to look for course mates so that you form a group studies. The grouping or Networking studies will facilitate your better understanding of what you studied. Group studies can be formed in villages and township as long as you have partners offering the same programme. Grouping and Social Networking are better approaches to effective studies. Please find your group. You must prepare very well before the examination week. You must engage in comprehensive studies. Revising your previous studies, making brief summaries of all materials you read or from your first summary on activities, in-text questions and answers, as well as on self assessment questions that you provided solutions at

8 first stage of studies. When the examination week commences you can also go through your brief summarizes each day for various the courses to remind you of main points. When coming to examination hall, there are certain materials that are prohibited for you to carry ( i.e Bags, Cell phone, and any paper etc). You will be checked before you are allowed to enter the hall. You must also be well behaved throughout your examination period.

9 UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA CENTRE FOR DISTANCE LEARNING ARTS ENG.116: INTRODUCTION TO NIGERIAN LITERATURE, UNITS:3 COURSE FACILITATOR: DR. ABUBUKAR OTHMAN

10 INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE In this course it is assumed that the students already knows what literature is by definition, and, therefore, is now keen to learn about Nigerian literature as an expression of the political, social and cultural life of the various nationalities that define the country. Hence, the course is systematically arranged to narrate and illustrate the historical to origin, political development and cultural content of Nigerian literature. Samples of writings by Nigerian authors will be discussed in the course.

11 SESSION ONE TABLE OF CONTENT 1.0:DEFINITION OF LITERATURE AND ITS ORIGIN :INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVES DEFINETIONS OF LITERATURE GENRES OF LITERATURE LEARNING OUTCOME SUMMARY ITQ ITA SELF AS SESSMENT EXCERCISES REFERENCES

12 1.0 STUDY SESSION ONE: DEFINITIONS OF LITERATURE AND ITS GENRES INTRODUCTION You are welcome to this study session where you will be introduced to literature and its genre. From the onset, it is important for the students to know the definition of literature and familiarize themselves with the genres of literature. 1.1 OBJECT1VES At the end of t he session you should be able to i. define Literature ii. iii. describe the genres of literature define literature and write short notes on the genres of literature 1.2 DEFINITIONS OF LITERATURE The word literature has a long and interesting history behind it. The term originated from a Latin word Lucia meaning letter and from this word that words like Literate and llliterate came into use. Longman dictionry of contemporary English defines literature as books, plays, poems etc. that people think have value.( P.832.) Mood (1 97 1: 1) sees literature as a branch of human activity distinct from Agriculture or Science he further says we talk of literature as something associated with, and characteristic of a particular nation, or people or groups of people. It is against this backgrounds, that we have American Literature, Commonwealth literature, Arabic literature, Indian Literature and so on(p.i). For the purpose of this course, we shall use literature to mean written materials that are either in verse form, prose form or drama that have aesthetic values and appeal to our senses that could entertain and educate us. Literature therefore is a creative imagination which reflects the activities of the Society. In other words, it is a vehicle that reflects our activities aimed at educating and entertaining us about the values of the society.

13 1.3 DEFINITIONS OF GENRES Literature is broadly divided into three genres: prose, drama and poetry. Prose mainly deals with narration of activities. It is referred to as a novel. it lends itself to individual, private reading providing educational experience of unique value. This form of literature can develop considerable enthusiasm and devotion in us and can easily lead us on to extensive personal reading. Drama is a genre of literature, which is basically designed for performance. In other words, it is a play which is not just a description or discussion of events from the real life but it is a re-creation of real life. According to Aristotle, it is the imitation of an action. Drama obviously makes use of language and includes such things as movement, position, gesture, facial expression and the use of costumes. Like other genres of literature, drama educates and entertains the public. Abah (1999: 138) says drama is certainly the most public of all the literary genres. To him, The poet and the novelist communicate with isolated or individual readers in an essentially private enterprise. Though we sometimes read play scripts as literary texts, the playwright writes with public performance in mind ( p 1 38.) pose, on the other hand deals with narration of and activities. It involves individual reading. Poetry is a genre of literature that has been accorded a place of honor in every culture. Moody (1971 :29) says poetry is a language which has been chosen and organized with great care and skill; in some ways it represents language at its most perfect, its most meaningful. In conclusion, drama, prose and poetry are genres of literature aimed at entertaining and educating the readers. Drama is a performative piece. prose is a narrative and poetry deals with language that expresses emotional overflow of feelings. 1.4: LEARNING OUTCOME In this session we are able to define and explain what literature generally means; we are now familiar with the terms genres as different types of literature. 1.5 SUMMARY In this lecture, literature has been defined as a creative imagination that contains aesthetic values. it educates and entertains us. the different genres of

14 literature are drama, prose and poetry. Drama is basically pertformed, prose is a narration of events and poetry is the use of language to express emotional feelings. 1.6 ITQ In this session you have been introduced to literature and their various types. What then do you understand by the term literary genres? 1.7 ITA literary genres refers to the three major divisions of literature namely: prose, poetry and drama SELFASSESSMENT EXERCISES 1. Define Literature. 2. What are the functions of literature? 3.Write short notes on the following: A. Drama B. Prose C. Poetry 1.9 ANSWERS TO SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES 1. Literature ore is defined in Longman Dictionary 0f Contemporary English as book, plays, poems, etc. that people think have value( P.532). To Moods (1971: 1) Literature is seen as a branch of human activity distinct from Agriculture or Science. We shall, however, in this course use literature to mean any written material in verse, prose or drama that has aesthetic value and appeals to our senses. 2. Literature is a reflection of the activities of the society aimed at entertaining and educating the populace. It is like a mirror that reflects our activities, and a vehicle that conscientizes the audience about the things happening in the society.

15 3. Drama is one of the genres of literature which is basically designed to he performed. In other words, it is a re-creation of real life According to Aristotle drama is the initiation of an action It involves language in form of dialogue. b. Prose basically deals with narration of events and activities. It involves individual private reading providing educational experience of unique value. c. Poetry is an emotional over flow of feelings collected in tranquility. It is a genre of literature that has been accorded a place of honour in every society REFERENCE 1. Abah, O.J. Drema as an instrument of human Resources development in M.O.Attah,Ed. 2. Achebe, Chinua,(1995), Morning Yet On Creation Day, London: Heinemann.

16 STUDY SESSION TWO TABLE OF CONTENTS 2.0: ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN NIGERIAN LITERATURE INTRODUCTION OBEJECTIVES ORGINSANDDEVELOPMENT OF MODERN NIGERIAN LITERATURE 2.3 LEARNING OUTCOME SUMARRY SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE ITQ ANSWERS TO SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES ITA REFERENCESS

17 2.0 STUDY SEESION TWO: ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN NIGERIAN LITERATURE IN ENGLISH INTRODUCTION It is believed that literature, as expression of people s consciousness is as old as man himself. Its source is from oral tradition of a people with a long historical background. Modern Nigeria Literature in English can be traced to the colonial era that ushered in Christian missionaries as well as Islamic religion. 2.1 OBJECTIVES At the end of the session, student would be able to define Modern Nigerian Literature in English and discuss its origin and development. 2.2 ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN NIGERIAN LITERATURE IN ENGLISH The term Literature can be defined as the cultural expression of a peoples civilization and every society has its tradition of literature. On Nigeria Literature. Darah (1988 : I ) says all the nationalities that make up contemporary Nigeria had a thriving tradition of literature before they came in contact with Arabic and European influences.

18 The term Nigerian Literature in English can be traced tos the colonial era, which ushered the Christian missionaries and Islamic religion. This led to the emergence of elites who were credited with the inauguration of written form of literature focusing on colonialist criticism. Modern Nigerian literature in English therefore refers to the accomplished literary works of Nigerians either prose, poetry or drama with thematic concern about Nigerians. As earlier mentioned, two factors played prominent roles in the development of modern Nigerian Literature. These are the activities of the Christian Missionaries and the Uthman Dan Fodio Jihad. The Uthman Dan Fodio Jihad during the 19 th century was a major event that took place in the North which led to the emergence of elites. The Jihad was both a po1itical, religious and intellectual movement. Which greatly influenced literary development. Although some literary activities existed before the Jihad, especially the imaginative writing in Arabic by those who were versed in Arabic literature, the focus was mainly on the Islamic religion dependent on the teaching of the qur an and stories about Arabia. It was after the Jihad that real literary works began in the North. There was an attempt to indigenize the Arabic script resulting into a fusion of Arabic and

19 Hausa known as Ajami. This literary tradition was essentially Islamic with models drawn from classical Arabic prototypes. In the South, literary development was greatly influenced by the Christian Missionary activities. The Christian missionaries used churches and schools to educate the people, teaching them how to read and write. They also encouraged the establishment of indigenous newspapers with literary articles. Examples of such newspapers are: The Anglo-African, The Lagos Observer, Lagos Standard and Lagos Weekly Record. Darah (1988 :2). To further encourage literary activities, the missionaries promoted social clubs which gave liberal patronage to arts in general and drama in particular. (Ibid). This gave rise to talented actors stick as Yemi Lijadu, Segun Olusola, Funlayo Asekun and Fracesea Fereira among others. In I 960, the M bari club was found at Ibadan with Soryinka, Turuola. Faguwa, Yetunde Esan, Francis Ademola and Mabel lmoukhuede as founding members. J. P. Clark and Damas Nwoko later joined the club. Nigerian literature therefore has many roots including tribal poetry and legend and traditional drama. Colonialism and Christian missionary activities as well as Islamic religion greatly influenced the development of modern Nigeria literature. The first printed works of literature begun in the 1950s with.amos

20 Tutuola s The Palmwine Drinkard published in 1952 followed by Cyprian Ekwensi people of the city (1954). 2.3: LEARNING OUTCOME This session has taught as the definition of modern Nigerian literare in English, as well as its origin and development. We are now familiar with the activities of Dan Fodio s Jihod, missionary crusade and colonialism in Nigeria as they affect our literature and culture. 2.4 SUMMARY In this session, you have learnt that the origin of Nigerian literature is from oral tradition. Its development is greatly influenced by the activities of the Uthman Dan Fadio Jihad in the North and the Christian missionary activities in the South. Those activities gave rise to elites who start to write literary works about their own culture SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE 1. Define the term, modern Nigerian literature in English 2. Describe the origin and development of Nigerian literature in English.

21 2.6 ITQ In this session you have been taught the origin and development of modern Nigerian literature. What then are the main factors responsible for the development of modern Nigerian? 2.7 ITA The factor are (1) Uthman Dan Fodio s Jihad in the North, Missionary activities in the south and colonialism. 1.8 ANSWERS TO SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES Modern Nigerian Literature in English can he defined as the accomplished literary work of Nigerians in the form of pose, poetry or drama with a diverse thematic concern about the Nigeria society. Nigerian Literature in English has its origin from oral tradition. Its development could be traced to the era of colonialism which brought the Christian missionaries and the Islamic religion. Colonialism and Islamic religion led to the emergence of elites who were credited with inauguration of the written form of literature focusing mainly on colonialist criticism. In the North, the Uthman Dan Fodio Jihad was one of t lie major cultural events that took please in the 19th Century. This greatly influence literacy development

22 especially the inaugurate writings in Arabic after the Jihad an attempt was made to indigenize the Arabic script which resulted in a form of Arabic and Hausa known as "Ajami". in the south, the activities of the christian Missionaries greatly influence literacry development. the missionaries used churches and established schools in order to educated their converts. 2.9 REFERENCES 1.Emenyonu, E.N. (1987) critical theory and African literature Ibadan: Heinemann.

23 STUDY SESSION THREE TABLE OF CONTENTS 3.0: NIGERIAN LITERATURE IN PRE INDEPENDENCE PRERIOD -1 INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVES ORIGIN OF NIGERIAN LITERATURE IN PRE INDEPENDENCE PERIOD LEARNING OUTCOME SUMMARRY ITQ ITA SELF ASSESSMENT EXERASE ANSWERS TO SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES REFERENCESS

24 3.0 STUDY SESSION THREE: NIGERIAN LITERATURE TN THE PRE- INDEPENDENCE PERIOD INTRODUCTION Modern Nigerian literature in English has witnessed changes in its themes and styles based on social realities. Before independence, the focus of writers was on promotion of our cultural values and norms but in the post- independence period the focus shifted to cultural conflict and colonialism. 3.1 OBJECTJVES At the end of the session you should be able to i. Describe the thematic pre-occupation of Nigerian literature during the pre-independence Period. 3.2 ORIGIN OF NIGERIAN LITERATURE IN THE PRE INDEPENDENCE PERIOD Modern Nigerian Literature in English took a new dimension with the advent of colonialism. Prior to the colonial era, the people were noted for their homogeneity and were guided by traditional beliefs, norms and values of the society. Members of the society were closely bound together and the primacy of

25 the community over individualism was emphasized. Literature of that time was reflection of the rural life characterized by its claustrophobic physical environment as well as the close intimate social relationship that existed among the people. These later witnessed changes when the colonial masters came to Nigeria. When the colonialists came, they introduced their culture and the people now deunded their native culture and way of life. This led to a systematic denigration of the people s culture, their identity and Africanity. Ogu (1 986). Most literature of the pre-independence period therefore focus on the effects of colonialism and this became a rich literary material from which creative writers continue to draw their themes. Colonialism resulted in making the people to become aware of themselves as an entity. Thus they now become a unified force and exerted pressure on the colonial powers especially after 1945, they exerted more pressure to gain independence. Writers such as Dennis Osadebey, Nnamdi Azikwe, Christopher Okigbo, Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and J. P. Clark started to write demanding for freedom. The thematic pre-occupation of the Pre-independence era is a sharp reaction to colonialism which tried to subjugate and possibly eliminate the rich African culture. ( Amadi. 1987). Writes of this period, therefore, tried to point out that Africa has a rich culture and rich life comparable to anywhere in the world. They

26 are now fed up with historical distortions by colonial education and find it necessary to re-write our history and correct the distortion. These writers see themselves as agents of culture with a responsibility of promoting our cultural values (Amadi. I 987). Works of literature such as Chinua Achebe s Things Fall Apart and, Arrow of God, Onuora Nzekwa s Wand of Noble wood, Flora Nwapa s Efuru and Elechi Amadi s The Concubine have themes that promote cultural matters. These writers try to revive our rich cultural heritage through re-writing our history. 3.3 LEARNING OUTCOME In this session we have been able to learn the themes and style of Nigerian literature before independence. We are now familiar with the writings of pioneers such as Dennis Osadebay, Nnamdi Azilawe, christoher Okigbo, wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and J.P. Clark among others. 3.4 SUMMARY Modern Nigerian Literature in English has witnessed many changes in its themes and styles. Colonialism ushered in alien culture which resulted in conflict of culture between traditional and Western. It is against this background that Nigerian writers find it necessary to re-write our history and promote our cultural

27 heritage. Cultural conflict and the demand for freedom therefore become the major focus of Nigerian writers in the pre-colonial era. 3.5 ITQ: what was the major pre-occupation of Nigerian writers during colonralisan 3.6 ITA: Nigerian winters such as Chinua Achebe and Wole Syinka we preoccupied and of culture to show the colonialists that Africa had culture before the Whiteman came to Africa. 3.7 SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISES 1. What are the themes of Nigerian literature in English during the independence era? 2. Discuss the effects of colonialism on the African people. 3.8ANSWERS TO SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES 1. The major themes of Nigerian literature in English during the preindependence era were basically the promotion of cultural norms and values. During this period, writers point out that Africans have a rich cultural value before the colonial masters came.

28 2. It is noted that colonialism distorted Africa s rich cultural norms and values. Prior to colonialism, the members of community were noted for their homogeneity and were guided by traditional belief norms and values of the society but when the colonial masters came they introduced their culture which defiled Africans cultures, their indentify and their africanity. This resulted in making the people to become aware of the need to uphold their own culture, there by resulting in culture conflict. West African writers of that time focused on this issue in their works. A good example is Achebe s Thing Fall Apart. 3.9 REFERENCES Chinua Achebe, (1958) Things Falls Apart, London: Heinemann ogunbiyi, Yemi (1988), Perspectives On Nigerian Literature Lagos: Guardian press.

29 STUDY SESSION FOUR TABLE OF CONTENTS 4.0 NIGERIA LITERATURE- RESPONSE TO COLONIALISM - 1 INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVES THINGS FALL APART LEARNING OUTCOME SUMMARY SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTION ANSWERS TO SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES REFERENCE

30 4.0 SESSION FOUR: NIGERIAN UTERATURE IN THE PREINDEPENDENCE PERIOD: RESPONSE TO COLONIALISM I: CH1NUA ACHEBES THINGS FALL APART (1958) INTRODUCTION: According to Achebe, a writer s fundamental theme must be to show that African people did not hear of culture for the first time from Europeans. Thing Fall Apart is therefore his way of demonstrates the dignity and importance of Igbo culture that existed well before the coming of the Whiteman to Africa 4.1 OBJECTIVES At the end of the session you should. Be able to i. Explain the themes of thing Fall Apart CHIHUA ACHEBE S THINGS FALL APART Achebe s ability to recreate his peoples past is overwhelming as clearly demonstrated in Thing Fall past. His major task is to educate his people about the ugly side of colonialism and the imposition of alien values on his people. Thing fall Apart is a novel that depicts with convincing reality the nature of lgbo society before the advent of the Whiteman. As pointed out by many critics,

31 the novel is conceived as a reaction to the Eurocentric view that Africans had no culture before the advent of the colonial masters. Achebe therefore wants to prove to the Eurocentric critics that Africans had a rich cultural norms and values before the coming of the white man. The story tells of the people in an Ibo village during the 1890s at the period of the first confrontation between the tribal organization and the British colonialism introduced by the missionaries and the civil and military administration. One can therefore say that Achebe records the customs of traditional tribal ritual. One can equally say that the novel has die-hard upholders of tradition like Okonkwo on the one side, and the agents of change like Captain Winter- bottom on the other. Winter-bottom with the new administration seeks to replace the whole cultural, moral, and social. Economic and religious arrangements in the Igbo society with alien ones. This prepares a battle ground for people like Okonkwo who strongly believes in tradition and are prepared to sacrifice everything to keep it intact. In the novel, we witness the rising tempers as the people react to the intrusion of the Whiteman. In most circumstances, the Whiteman has used

32 Aggression, like the case of Abame where he nearly swept off a whole community to retaliate the death of one Whiteman. Things Fall apart in a clear demonstration of the dignity and validity of Igbo culture Achebe skillfully portrays the traditional life of the Igbo showing that African s have a rich culture before the coming of the whiteman. He uses Igbo proverbs and Songs to show the whiteman that we have a rich culture. At he end of the novel, however, Okonkwo s inglorious death represents the total collapse of the Community which is unable to defend itself against alien forces. 4.3 LEARNING OUT COMING In this session you have been able to know the form and content of Chinua Achebe s novel, Things Fall Apart, and to understand it as an example of Nigerian literature on the theme of culture 4.4 SUMMARY Achebe s Things Fall Apart demonstrates the effect of Colonialism on the Igbo Society. The rich Igbo traditional values are vividly portrayed in the novel. With deprived with the advent of colonialism, things have now started to fall apart. 4.5 SELFASSESSMENT EXERCISES 1. Discuss the main themes of Achebe s Things Fall Apart.

33 2. List two things in Okonkwo that helped to develop the plot of the novel. 4.6 ANSWERS TO SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISESS 1. Achebe s thing fall apart published in 1958 focused on the nature of the Igbos before the coming of the colonial master, Achebe s major concern is to educate the people about the effects of colonialism on the African with particular reference to the Igbos. Things Fall Apart is basically concerned with cultural conflict. In other words, it is a conflict between Western and African traditions respectively. Povey (1974:79) says the story tells of the people in an Ibo village during the 1890s at period of the confrontation between tribal organization and British colonialism introduced by the missionaries and the civil and military administration, Achebe, therefore, tries to record customs of traditional tribal ritual. One can also say the novel has Okonkwo die hard upholders of tradition in the person of Okonkwo and writer bottom both representing African values and Western values respectively as earlier mentioned, 2. The two things in Okonkwo s character that helped in the development of the plot of Thing fall Apart are the conflict within himself and his ambition to become greater, and his rejection of Western traditional values.

34 4.7 REFERENCES: 1. Chinua Achebe, (1958), Things Falls Apart, London; Heinemann Chnua Achebe, (1975), Morning Yet On Creating Day London: Heinemann.

35 STUDY SESSION FIVE TABLE OF CONTENTS 5.0 NIGERIA LITERATURE- RESPONSE TO COLONIALISM II - -1 INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVES ARROW OF GOD LEARNING OUTCOME SUMMARY SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTION ANSWERS TO SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISESS REFERENCE

36 5.0 STUDY SESSING FIVE: NIGERIAN LITERATURE IN THE PRE- INDEPENDENCE PERIOD: RESPONSE TO COLONIALISM II: INTRODUCTION In the early 20 th century, many African writes were motivated by the colonial experiences. They felt that colonial writers portray Africans barbaric. A good example is Joyce carry s mister Johnson. Achebe s Arrow of God portrays the effect of the British policy of indirect rule on Africa specifically the Igbo traditional society in Nigeria. 5.1 OBJECTIVES At the end of the topic you should be able to i. Explain the themes of Arrow of God and point out the effects of colonialism on the African. 5.2 ACHEBE S ARROW OF GOD Chinua Achebe s Arrow of God (1964) records the history colonial introduction in a typical African society. The novel contrasts a strong individual, Ezeulu the chief pries of Ulu, with a confused, pliant community. The British government imprisoned him for not accepting the appointment as a warrant Chief. Ezeulu

37 blames the village for their lack of support. For this, he refuses to celebrate the new yam festival, the celebration which is very necessary before crops can be harvested. This brings untold famine on the villagers and the conversion of the less demanding Christian God Bruce King (1980:73). Achebe clearly presents a picture of Igbo society before the colonial era, and uses the Igbo society of Nigeria to Portray African condition in general. In the novel, Achebe demonstrates the beauty of validity of traditional life and its destruction by alien civilization. The first half of the novel portrays the Igbo society and the second half shows the forces which bring about the collapse of that society. One of the things portrayed in respect of the Igbo society before the ear of colonialism n in Arrow of God is religion. The religious system in the Igbo society includes deities ranging from personal god chi through the ancestral spirits and clan deities to major national gods. Another thing Portrayed in the Igbo society before the advent of the imperialists is administration. The Igbo society has a good system of administration which ensures decency, justice and stability. Disputes were

38 Settled amicably. It is only when peace moves fails that the Igbo society goes to war. Emissaries are sent to enemies to plead for a peaceful settlement. The Igbo society is also noted for art particularly impressive is the care and devotion which individual artist bestows on his work. Edogo for example is a great sculptor. He carves masks for various ceremonial Occasions and wooden doors. There is Obiozo Ezikolo, who despite his advance in age, is a master of all drums. He gets his ozo title from his drumming. Traditional African healing in Igbo society is also shown in the novel. When Qgbuefi Amalu is sick a man from Umuofia named Nwodika is called to prepare some medicine for him. Nwodika is a herbalist of great reputation. The way the Africans talk is also depicted in the novel. We communicate in very rich language. We use proverbs, riddles, stories, songs and dances. According to Achebe, proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten p.6. Arrow of God is a portrayal of the various atrocities committed by the imperialists. The brutality and disruption of the traditional order perpetuated by the colonial masters are unforgettable. Achehe brings out the humiliation and the degradation to which the Igbo society is subjected and the contempt that the white man shows for traditional ways and traditional dignity. The first and foremost of

39 the negative effect of colonization is the destruction of the native culture. As a result of colonialism, the younger Africans no long respect their elders and cultural norms and values. 5.3 LEARNING OUTCOME In this session you have learnt the major theme of Chinua Achebe s Arrow of God and you have understood the effects of colonialism on African communities. 5.4 SUMMARY Achebe s Arrow of God demonstrates the atrocities of the imperialists. It portrays the destruction and disruption of the traditional order perpetuated by the colonialists and their agents. 5.5 SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE 1 Discuss briefly the major theme of Achebe s Arrow of God 5.6 ANSWERS TO SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISESS 1. The major theme of Achebe s Arrow of God is the effect of the British policy of indirect rule in Nigeria with the Igbo society as a microcosm. Achebe portrays the interference of the British policy in African ways with

40 the hope of strengthening African self-rule which resulted in conflict between the two traditions. Achebe clearly depicts a picture of the Igbo society before the advent of the colonial master. He points out to us the beauty and validity of Africans traditional values and its destruction by the colonialist The factors are: (a) His belief in his gods to pest the villages (b)he sees himself as god scourging the clan (c) His rigidity (d)his excessive will and courage (e) His refusal to accept the appointment as a warrant officer (f) His refusal so celebrate the new yam festival. 3. The effect of colonialism in Arrow of God could be seen in the areas of administration, religion and social arrangement, Achebe demonstrates the various atrocities committed by the idealist H point out so us the brutality and description of the traditional order perpetuated by the colonialist; the new administration with the policy of indirect rule. 4. Achebe brings out the humiliation and degradation to which the Igbo society is subjected and the contempt that the white man show for traditional ways and dignity. The new administration induces Nigerian to reject and laugh at

41 their cultures and many people were converted into Christianity. Their converts start to kill and eat the sacred ram and this is seen as a disregard to their culture. It became clear that the younger African coverts no longer respect their elders. 5.7 REFERENCES 1. Chinua Achebe, (1964), Arrow Of God, London: Heinemann. 2. O.R Darthone (1974), African Literature In The Twentieth Century, London: Heinemann.

42 STUDY SESSION SIX TABLE OF CONTENT 6.0: NIGERIAN LITERATURE RESPONSE TO COLONIALISM III 1 INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVES THE TTEME OLA ROTIMIS OVONRAMWEM NOGBAISI LEARNING OUTCOME SUMMARY SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES ANSWER TO EXERACISES REFERENCES

43 6.0 NIGERIA LITERATURE IN THE PRE-INDEPENDECE PERIOD, RESPONSE TO COLONILISM III, OLA ROTIMI S OVONRAMWEN NOGBAISI INTRODUCTION In the early 20 th century, many writers were motivated by the colonial experiences. The thematic preoccupation of writers during the period was the depiction of the.activities of the colonial master. Ovonramwen Nogbaisi is a play about the Oba of Benin who surrendered to the British forces of occupation In order to understand the crucial moment in the being people s history, we need to analyze the structure of this historical play. 6.1 OBIECTIVES At the end of this topic you should be able i. Identify the themes of the play. ii. iii. Explain the historical background of the play. Illustrate the role of chiefs under Oba which led to the collapse of the Kingdom THE THEME OF OLA ROTIMI S PLAY, OVONRAMWEN NOGBAISI. The action of the play as portrayed between the prologue and the epilogue shows Ovonramwen attempting to consolidate his hold upon his empire. He is warned through divination of a disaster to come. He is also disobeyed by his warlords who massacre some British. For this, the Consul- General passed a death sentence on seven of the Oba s Chief s for death of the Seven British in this manner: Well now, that your chiefs have killed serve white men. And you know that those white men were my representatives your chiefs. According to your custom, therefore, seven of your chiefs must now die. That is fair, isn t (p.60) We can visualize the ranshacklement of a king who suffers total defeat and humiliation at the hands of the British.

44 The white man did not feel a sense of guilt in conquering the Benin Empire. She feels proud as she has put down the heathen. Sadistic blacks. The white men justify their imperial mission and Christian zeal as an extension of Christian civilization to areas of darkness. From the brief background which is the preface of the text, Rotimi claims to defend Ovonramwen from the basis of colonial history, and that he was in actuality a man more sinned against that he never sinned. The nest meaning of the play is therefore Ovonramwen is a victim of colonization. 6.3 LEARNING OUTCOME In this session we have learnt about the cultural and political contents of the play, as well as its historical background. We also learnt about the activities of traditional rulers in the rise and fall of strong African kingdoms and empires. 6.4 SUMMARY Ola Rotimi s Ovonramwen treated the being empire sencounter with British colonial master in which the white man brutally defeated the kingdom the play portrays the Blackman s encounter with the Whiteman who uses superior weapon to defeat the colonized territory. 6.5 SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES 1. Discuss the theme of Rotmi s Ovonramwen. Nobaisi 2. Mention the factor that contributed to the easy defeat of the benin empire. 6.6 ANSWER TO EXERACISES 1. The theme of Ovonramwen Nogbaisi is political domination and economic exploitation. This theme can be seen from a dual point, from the angle of the Benin Empire and the British. The desire of the Oba is to exert his political powers as the opening scene where he tries to control a growing religion within his kingdom. The play chronicles accurately the cause of the dust of rivalry with the kingdom on one hand and the British on the other. 2. The factors are: a) The internal rivalry between the tow house holds b) Lack of co-operation among the people.

45 6.7 REFERENCES 1. Michael Etherton (1982), The Development Of African Drama London: Heinemann. 2. Ola Rotimi (1984), Ovoraanwan Nogbaisi, Ibandon: Oxford 0university Press.

46 STUDY SESSION SEVEN TABLE OF CONTENT 7.0 NIGERIAN LITERATURE IN POST INDEPENDENCE PERIOD INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVES POST INDEPENDENCE LITERATURE IN NIGERIA LEARNING OUTCOME SUMMARY SELF ASSESMENT EXERCISES ANSWER TO EXERACISES REFERENCES

47 7.0 STUDY SESSION SEVEN NIGERIAN LITERATURE IN THE POST- INDEPENDENCE PERIOD INTRODUCTION With the attainment of independence, colonialism now gave way to neocolonialism. The thematic preoccupation of Nigeria writers is now on the disillusionment with independence. Literature of the period is therefore focusing on socio-economic and political predicaments. The subject matter of Nigeria literature is exploitation, corruption and bribery, unemployment and poverty. 7.1 OBJECTIVES At the end lecture, the students could be able to i. Describe the thematic pre-occupations of Nigeria literature in the postindependence period. 7.2 NIGERIAN LITERATURE IN THE POST INDEPENDENCE PERIOD The main focus of Nigerian literature in the post-independence period is disillusionment with independence, which was characterized by exploitation, unemployment, corruption and bribery and leadership crisis in general. These resulted to coups and counter coups which gave way to series of leadership and the ruling class neglect of the masses. It is against this background that literature of the post-independence period now shifted from themes of cultural conflict and colonialism to socio-economic and political predicaments. Egbarevba (1987:26) rightly says The euphoria of independence gives way to the frustration of the people due to the perpetuation of exploitation of the masses by the priviledged class. This focus shifts from cultural assertion to question of economic survival. To the post-independence literary artist, Nigerian independence is a failure. Failure in the sense that their hopes for a better society is not realized. Works include: chinua Achebe s a man of the people, festus Iyayi s violence and the contract, J.P Clark s All for Oil, Femi osofisan s Kolera Koleg, Bode Sowande s our man the president, Ben Okri s The landscape Within.

48 According to Nnolim (1989:58), these writers have de finitely moved away from mental nationalism and cult of reconstruction of our history to concentrating, with varying emphasis, on social art that is propagandist in the main, to preoletariarian concerns, and whose basic theme is organizing the death of the indigenous oppressor. The post-independence writer depicts the exploiter and the exploited share nothing in common. Literature for them is a weapon for social change through the reflection of the present exploitative economic structure. 7.3 LEARNING OUTCOME You have learnt in this session that post independence literature in Nigeria is preoccupied with the theme of disillusionment with independence. To post independence Nigerian heifers independence is a failure. These writers in clued: chinue Achebe ( A man of the people), festus lyaye ( violence), J.P Clark (All For Oil) and bode sowande ( out man the president) 7.4 SUMMARY In this lecture, the various themes of post-independence Nigerian literature have been outlined. The thematic preoccupation of that time was disillusionment with independence characterized by exploitation, corruption, mismanagement, and leadership crisis. Writers of that period therefore explore these themes and point out the abject condition of the downtrodden. Example of such writers are: Femi Osofisan, Bode Sowande, Festus Iyayi, Chinua Achebe and Ben Okri among others. 7.5 SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE 1. State what is post-independence literature? 2. List some of the themes of post-independence literature 7.6 ANSWER TO EXERCISES 1. Post independence literature refers to literary works after independence. In words, all literary works done after the year 1960 when Nigeria gained independence. 2. Some of the themes of post independence literature are: disillusionment with independence, corruption and bribery, exploitation, employment and leadership crisis in general.

49 7.6 REFERENCES 1. Festus Lyaye, (1979), Violence, London:Longman. 2. Lewis Nkosi, (1998), Tasks And Masks, London: Longman 3. Nnolim Charles, (1986) The Critic Of African Literature: The Challenges Of The SOS In E.N Emenyonu (ed) Literature And Society: Calabar Studies In African Literature, Ibadan: Heinemann.

50 STUDY SESSION EIGHT TABLE OF CONTENTS 8.0 THEMES OF POST INDEPENDENCE LITERATURE - -1 INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVE NIGERIAN LITERATURE IN THE POST INDEPENDENCE PERIOD: DISILLUSIONMENT: CHINUA ACHEBE S A MAN OF THE PEOPLE (1966) LEARNING OUTCOME SUMMARY SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE ANSWER TO EXERCISES REFERENCES

51 8.0 NIGERIAN LITERATURE IN THE POST INDEPENDENCE PERIOD: DISILLUSIONMENT: CHINUA ACHEBE S A MAN OF THE PEOPLE (1966) INTRODUCTION In A man of the people we notice that morality has degenerated to its lowest level. Corruption is the order of the day. This is vividly shown in the character of Chief Nanga, who uses his position to display his corrupt activities without thinking twice. This lecture is mainly about Achebe s A man of the people, portrays the conflict between Odili, and Chief Nanga. 8.1 OBJECTIVE By the end of this session you should be able to: i. identify the theme of a man of thee people. ii. Mention who are the protagonist and antagonist in the novel NIGERAIN LITERATURE IN THE POST INDEPENDENCE PERIOD: DISILLUSIONMENT: ACHEBE S A MAN OF THE PEOPLE Chinua Achebe s A Man of the People (1966) depicts the theme of corruption very vigorously. Achebe deals with Nigerian that has emerged from colonial rule. The attempt to marry the old ways with the new ones proves an uphill task. The attempt paves way for political intolerance, corruption, social irregularities, rigged election, thuggery and poverty. The novel is about corrupt leadership of an ignorant and sympathetic citizenry. Although Chief Nanga, a major character in this socio-political satire, is a symbol of corruption, viciousness and vulgarity, he is generous and educated. Chief Nanga is one of the corrupt politicians who through maladministration are responsible for the high cost of living in the country and for making the poor people poorer. But Odili, Nanga s former pupils is an idealist and superficial. 8.3 LEARNING OUTCOME In this session you learnt that post independence problem in Nigeria is purely caused by bad leadership.