MST-Department of Literature

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Absence-Presence Motif and Transgenerational Trauma in Selected West Indian Novels: A Panoramic Female Perspective
(Kenyatta University, 2024-03) Odhiambo Job
This study advances the position that parental absences result in trauma. It sought to establish the impact that these experiences and memories have on the psyche of the child character. It contended that these traumas were transferred unconsciously across generations. These transferrals are aggravated by the history of the West Indies – with one of the most significant events being the translocation of human beings from other continents into the archipelagos, and within the Americas. In both cases, this study maintains that these translocations resulted in the disintegration of the family unit for the slaves and their descendants. The ramification of this break down was the rise of the mother figure, or the matriarch; an idea that this region’s Literature captures as one of its recurrent motifs. This is also a study that sought to examine the presentation of trauma by studying literary works written and set in different time periods. The novels under study are Jean Rhys’ Wide Sargasso Sea, Merle Hodge’s Crick Crack, Monkey and Marcia Douglas’ The Marvellous Equation of the Dread: A Novel in Bass Riddim. There was purposive sampling of these texts. Additionally, this study used Psychoanalytic Theory, Trauma Theory and aspects of Formalism to understand the psyche of the child character. This is a qualitative research based on close reading of the aforementioned novels. It is expected that this study will help in the understanding of the impact that the abdication of the parental duties had on the psyche of the child character as she is growing up. This study established that trauma affects how traumatised characters perceive the passage of time. It recommends that further research be done on trauma and the perception of the flow of time, especially in texts where there is the recurrent use of the ‘returnee motif.’
The Aesthetics of Discontent and Dissidence in Lesego Rampolokeng’s Blackheart: Epilogue to Insanity (2004) And Whiteheart: Prologue to Hysteria (2005)
(2016-11) Wachira, Ibrahim Gichingiri
This study examines the motifs of discontent and dissidence in the two novels by the South African poet, playwright and novelist Lesego Rampolokeng. The study is based on the premise that black South African writers use literature as a vehicle for self-expression to communicate the traumatic pain of systemic racism of apartheid as a lived experience that still influences the way black South Africans relate with themselves and with others whose existence is shaped by the psychological affect of apartheid. The primary goal is to demonstrate fictionalized discontent and dissidence as social metaphors deployed by Rampolokeng to communicate the aberrations of apartheid and to show their connectivity to the existential realities of black subject especially at the linguistic and psychological levels. The study employs the psychoanalytic theory to analyze the two novels in order to unearth their fictionalized resistance and its significance at the level of themes. The theoretical framework will lean on the connection between language and psychoanalysis as posited by Jacques Lacan, Julia Kristeva and Melanie Klein. This study employs textual analysis as the methodology for collecting, organizing, interpreting and analyzing data on the social metaphors of discontent and dissidence from the two novels. Many studies have been carried out on Rampolokeng‘s poetry but little on his two novels which are the concern of this study. Consequently, the study widens the critical horizons by which Rampolokeng‘s literary works can be read and interpreted. By approaching the two novels under the aesthetics of discontent and dissidence to communicate the common themes, the study underscores the insistence, relevance and commitment to social justice of this South African writer making him an important voice in both literature and reality emanating out of South Africa. Key words: Rampolokeng, Protest literature, Psychoanalysis, Textual resistance, Apartheid.
The Aesthetics of Semantic Incongruities and Lexical Deviations in Ngugi Wa Thiong’o’s Murogi wa Kagogo
(Kenyatta University, 2015) Waiganjo, Charles Thiong'o
The study focused on aesthetics of semantic incongruities and lexical deviations in Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s text Mũrogi wa Kagogo. The study is premised on the knowledge that style is a vital element especially for the purpose of delivering the message of a literary writer. The study therefore sought to investigate the rationale behind Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s employment of semantic incongruities and lexical deviations in his text Mũrogi wa Kagogo. In an environment where scholars seem to dwell on texts written in foreign languages, few critical works have been done to texts written in vernacular. We endeavoured to critique the text Mũrogi wa Kagogo as a way of opening up the field for more studies. The study was motivated by the wide gap we saw in the African literary scene where researchers shun vernacular texts, and mostly focus on texts written in foreign languages. Our first objective was to identify and analyze examples of semantic incongruities and lexical deviations in the text. Secondly, we sought to establish the significance of using those elements as communicative tools. Finally, we attempted to establish the writer’s social vision.The study employed stylistics and post-colonial theory. Stylistics guided us by not only identifying semantic incongruities and lexical deviations in Mũrogi wa Kagogo, but also displaying the end to which they have been applied. Post-colonial theory helpedto analyze what Tyson refers to “the ideology forces that on one hand, pressed the colonized to internalize the colonisers’ values and, on the other hand, promoted the resistance of colonized peoples against their oppressors”.(Tyson 365). Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o is one of those who prefer their pre-colonial culture to that of colonialist’s system. He opted to write in his own mother tongue rather thanthe colonizer’s language. Postcolonial theory therefore guided the study by establishing how the author resiststhecolonialist system through negative portrayals of the colonized. We are able to establish the unfavorable effects of colonialism on the colonizedas depicted by the writer. The study adopted a qualitative approach. It utilized library research which involvedtextual analysis of primary text and use of secondary data. Purposive sampling was used to select the text Mũrogi wa Kagogowhich was seen to be rich in the above named aspects for analysis. The findings of the study show that Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has used both semantic incongruities and lexical deviations as powerful tools to both embellish his work and project his social vision.Criticism therefore must continue with its role of mediating between the reader and the writer by helping readers appreciate the manipulation of language as a means of enhancing social vision.
Allegory of derangement in postcolonial fiction: a study of selected novels from Africa
(Kenyatta University, 2017-01) Ngubia, Gladys W.
This study, „Allegory of Derangement in Postcolonial Fiction: A Study of Selected Novels from Africa‟ is based on analysis of four texts namely: The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born by Ayi Kwei Armah, The Cockroach Dance by Meja Mwangi, Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Ndangarembga, and Arrows of Rain by Okey Ndibe. It specifically examines how these writers explore political, social and cultural circumstances of society in relation to psychic processes. In this regard, the study is guided by three objectives. First, it looks at how writers depict different forms of derangement through characters. The second objective interrogates how the selected writers use literary language to represent emerging issues in the society applying derangement. The third objective focuses on how the writers create images of derangement in an attempt to put across their visions for the changing society. The study fills the gap in knowledge on the role of derangement in literary characters of selected African prose fiction. It argues that social, political and cultural settings affect the psychic states of the protagonist in the selected works as portrayed in the literary works. Other studies on postcolonial vision in Africa have given little attention on the role of derangement motif in analysing predisposing factors to derangement and how a writer crafts a vision of change through derangement. The study engages Homi Bhabha‟s split theory, Jameson‟s Rhetoric and Freud‟s psychoanalytic theory. In this light, Homi Bhabha‟s theory explores the relationship between postcolonial realism and the fictional world in the chosen works of study. Jameson‟s rhetoric theory describes the selected literary texts as allegories. Psychoanalytic theory is important in analysing the psychic dispositions of the characters. Since the study is mainly a textual analysis, a close reading of the selected texts was conducted to obtain primary data for analysis. As well, information was sourced from secondary sources like journals, relevant books, articles and the internet to augment primary data. The research established existence of various types of derangement in characters in the selected texts. It recommends an extensive study on specific gender experiences of derangement.
Analysing the literacy representation of women in South Korean films :The case of jewel in the palace and the heirs
(Kenyatta University, 2023-08) Ayuko, Amuti Mornicah; Oluoch Obura; John Mugubi
Analysing the Literary Representation of Women in South Korean Films: The Case of Jewel in the Palace and the Heirs.
(Kenyatta University, 2023) Amuti, Mornica Ayuko; John Mugubi; Oluoch Obura
ABSTRACT The study examines the roles assigned to female characters in Korean films and whether or not such roles are patriarchal. Specifically, the study analyzes the assigned roles of female characters and examines the images of female characters in Korean films. In addition, it sought to establish the connection between the roles of women as represented in Korean films and the social traditions of Korea. The study is limited to the films, “Jewel in the Palace,” directed by Lee Byung-Hoon and “The Heirs,” directed by Kang Shin-Hyo and Boo Sung-Chul. These two films were selected through purposive sampling since they share thematic boundaries. The study adopted a qualitative research design and used observation and examination of episodes drawn from the films to generate data. The study is based on the assumption that the images given to the female characters are stereotypical and that there are specific roles assigned to women in the films. The data was then analyzed in line with the specific objectives of the study. The tenets of Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem’s radical feminism aided in the analysis and interpretation of the selected films. The findings add to the debate revolving about the images portrayed of women in patriarchal societies. The findings establish that women have continuously been emasculated, and the roles assigned to them are always stereotypical to resonate with the underpinnings of a patriarchal society. In cases where women seemed to rise above patriarchal ideologies, women were portrayed as a power-hungry gender that uses evil means to acquire power. However, despite acquiring power, the study established that the complexities of patriarchy still transferred real power to men. Nevertheless, the study established that despite the supposed evil means that women use to acquire power, they are conscious of the oppressive nature of patriarchy, and they strive to challenge it.
An analysis of gender in selected dramatized songs of John De Mathew
(2012-06-28) Kangangi, Wanja E. M.; Mbugua wa Mungai; Wainaina, Michael
This study is an analysis of the description of gender in selected dramatized songs of John De Mathew. It involves an analysis of the artist's use of drama and language to depict gender perceptions in dramatized song. The linguistic aspects used are imagery in symbolism, proverb, allusion, oral tradition and religious motif while the dramatic aspects are; character, action, scenery and cinematic shifts of focus. The songs are recorded and presented through the audio visual discourse. The study was carried out through observation and selection based on random and systematic sampling. De Mathew's performed recordings were viewed and a third of the population of songs based on gender was selected for analysis. Transcription was done to cater for non Gikiiyii speakers and Gikiiyii words without a close English equivalent explained as footnotes. The artist has successively used dramatic and linguistic aspects to depict five gender perceptions that indicate a male artist's attempt to salvage patriarchal supremacy of men and subjugation of women. He is a male artist on a gender mission to counter the emerging female inclinations and male tolerance for gender balance in order to recapture and protect the threatened patriarchal status quo. His proposals are biased, deterministic and prejudicial on gender identities, roles and positioning.
An analysis of Kenyan children's responses to drama: a case study of five selected plays by adult playwrights
(2012-04-12) Obiero, Sapiensia philiper; Kisa Amateshe; Oluoch, O.; Kisa Amateshe
This study analyzes children's written plays in terms of plot, characterization, themes and style and how they are synthesized in specific texts to establish their suitability and impact on the child reader. The study is done with close reference to the plays: Champion, Bullfight, and Crocodile's Jaw written by D.Mulwa; TheWrong Path, The Living Wealth, co-authored by J.Ndwiga and E.N.Getanguthi. The main assumption was that children's responses to the literary wholeness in plays written for them by adults has not been given due attention. The approach used in this analysis is reader response theory. The literature review explores African children's literature especially children's drama in terms of plot, structure, language and style, character and characterization, and lessons that children learn from the plays they read. Through library research it was established that the child's enjoyment of a book gives it its strongest claim to be considered children's literature. The study is limited to literary works of art created by African playwrights for children of age set 11 to 15 to help them find satisfaction in child drama. Data for the study was obtained through the analysis of children's responses to the selected plays, oral interview, guided questionnaires and focus group discussions. The discussions are raised alongside the analysis for coherence purposes. From the responses, it is clear that there was a personal transaction between the selected plays and the respondents and that Kenyan local plays have an impact on young readers. It also emerged that children enjoy reading plays which give them pleasure and satisfy their curiosity, challenge them, and improve their vocabulary. They are also conscious of the educative elements of plays. It is therefore recommended that plays written by African writers be encouraged as class readers in Kenyan primary schools.
An Analysis of Semantic Oddities and Phonological Manipulation in Jason Kap-Kirwok’s poetry
(2013-08-13) Wambui, Kariuki Faith S.
This study focused on semantic oddities and manipulation of sound aspects in two of Kap-kirwok‘s poetry collections namely: Heartbeats of the Mind and Loud Monologues Silent Dialogues. The study was premised on the knowledge that style is an important element especially as far as delivering the message of a literary writer is concerned. The study thus sought to investigate the rationale behind Kap-kirwok‘s employment of the above mentioned devices in his poetry. In an environment where people only seem to enjoy listening to recited poetry and with very little critical work on the same, we endeavoured to critique these two collections as a way of opening up the field for more critical work. The study was motivated by the wide gap we saw in our Kenyan literary scene where researchers were seen to have shied away from poetry, only focusing on such areas as the novel and oral literature. Our first objective was to identify and analyze examples of semantic oddities and phonological manipulation in the poems. Secondly, we sought to establish the significance of using these features as communicative devices. Finally, we also attempted to establish the poet‘s social vision. The study employed the sociological literary theory as well as the stylistics theory. The sociological literary theory was found to be useful in unveiling the message of the writer to the society. The stylistics theory also helped us analyse the relationship between form and content. The study adopted a qualitative approach. It utilized library research, which involves textual analysis of primary texts and use of secondary data. Purposive sampling was used to select poems seen to be rich in the above named aspects for analysis. The findings of the study show that Kap-kirwok has used both semantic oddities and phonological gymnastics as powerful tools to both embellish his work and also communicate his message to the society.
An analysis of semantic oddities and phonological manipulation in Jason Kap-Kirwok's poetry
(2011-11-02) Kaiuki, Faith Wambui
This study focused on semantic oddities and manipulation of sound aspects in two of Kap-kirwok's poetry collections namely: Heartbeats of the Mind and Loud Monologues Silent Dialogues. The study was premised on the knowledge that style is an important element especially as far as delivering the message of a literary writer is concerned. The study thus sought to investigate the rationale behind Kap-kirwok's employment of the above mentioned devices in his poetry. In an environment where people only seem to enjoy listening to recited poetry and with very little critical work on the same, we endeavoured to critique these two collections as a way of opening up the field for more critical work. The study was motivated by the wide gap we saw in our Kenyan literary scene where researchers were seen to have shied away from poetry, only focusing on such areas as the novel and oral literature. Our first objective was to identify and analyze examples of semantic oddities and phonological manipulation in the poems. Secondly, we sought to establish the significance of using these features as communicative devices. Finally, we also attempted to establish the poet's social vision. The study employed the sociological literary theory as well as the stylistics theory. The sociological literary theory was found to be useful in unveiling the message of the writer to the society. The stylistics theory also helped us analyse the relationship between form and content. The study adopted a qualitative approach. It utilized library research, which involves textual analysis of primary texts and use of secondary data. Purposive sampling was used to select poems seen to be rich in the above named aspects for analysis. The findings of the study show that Kap-kirwok has used both semantic oddities and phonological gymnastics as powerful tools to both embellish his work and also communicate his message to the society.
An analysis of the aesthetic of Abagusii male initiation ritual drama: Okwaroka
(2012-04-13) Nyarang'o, Wycliff Omwansa
The Abagusii of Kenya initiate boys into adulthood through okwaroka, a ritual performed annually. This study focuses on the aesthetic aspects of the ritual in terms of its dramatic make-up. The focus involves an analysis of the performance of the ritual right from its preparation stage, through the seclusion period to the graduation rite, in order to unveil the aesthetic nature of okwaroka. The objectives are: one, to identify and analyse the aesthetic aspects of okwaroka; two, to examine the contribution of performance of the ritual in the realisation of its aesthetics; three, to critically evaluate okwaroka as a tool for communication of social values. The analysis of the data has been guided by the Afro centric perspective on aesthetics as advanced by Kariamu WelshAsante in the Nzuri model, Data has been obtained through participant observation and key informant interviews, and has been analysed according to the provisions of the conceptual model, which postulates certain aspects in African art. These aspects are: spirit, rhythm, creativity, mode, function, ethos, motif; meaning, methodltechnique and form. The study opens up the performance of okwaroka in terms of time and context, revealing the aesthetic nature of the ritual. Further, it emerges that the performance has a functional value to the performers and that literary messages are embedded in the expressive modes ofthe ritual. These expressive modes in okworoka; it was realised, communicate the ideals of the Abagusii community.
An analysis of the context and meaning of the poetry within the Babukusu Khuswala Kumuse funeral ritual
(2011-12-07) Musungu, Joseph Juma; Alembi, Ezekiel; Muigai Wa Gachanja
The theme of death and dying in Africa has attracted a lot of studies mainly from anthropology, sociology and religious studies. Such studies include: Abrahamson (1951), Goody (1962), Sangree (1966), Mbiti (1969), Adeyemo (1979) and Gehman (1999). These studies have mainly focused on the causes of death, the meaning of death and the destination of the souls of the dead. In literature, few studies have been made on this theme. These studies have been broad covering many communities in Africa. Also, they have been general in the sense that they lack a specific guiding theoretical framework. These studies include: Finnegan (1970), P'Bitek (1974), Nandwa (1976) and Akivaga and Odaga (1982). It is in the light of the foregoing that this study comes up to study the poetry performed within the Babukusu khuswala kumuse funeral ritual. The study employs the ethno poetic theory to locate the poetry within the ritual to the community's setting. This theory provides an opportunity for the researcher to have a closer interaction with the community under study through field work. Such an interaction is vital in analysing the given poetry. In field research the study used participation and observation, interviews as well as review of documents to collect data. Our research team attended and participated in four funerals from different parts of Bungoma District. The funerals attended were limited given that this ritual is restricted to a few elderly male members of the community. The people interviewed were selected through purposive and snow-balle sampling techniques. The exercise set off with interviewing ten opinion leaders who were identified by ritual performers. These leaders then identified ten more people. The sample encompassed people from different parts of Bungoma district. The documents reviewed included textbooks, dissertations, articles in journals, government reports and review commentaries. In this study, it is revealed that the poetry within the ritual of khuswala kumuse is disseminated during the funeral of elderly male members of the Babukusu community. It has also been established that the poetry performed within khuswala kumuse transcends the funeral context. This poetry educates the community on matters of life and death. In relation to these findings, the credibility of this study is established.
An analysis of the style and meaning of the poetry within the Tugen Soro wedding ritual
(2011-11-17) Keitany, Ambrose Rotich
This study focuses on and examines the wedding poetry of the Tugen community with a view to uncovering the function of the poetry and how it reflects the social and moral values of its people. It investigates the style, performance and meaning of the oral poetry within the soro ritual. Further, it seeks to reveal the significance of the poems to the lives of the Tugen and in particular the importance they attach to its performance. This study was undertaken through both library and field research. In field research, the study used observation, interviews as well as focus group discussion to collect data. Our focus was mainly on style and performance as it brings out and enriches the meaning of the poetry. Similarly, the study seeks to unveil the significant literary qualities of the Tugen wedding poetry especially its stylistic features. The research work is motivated by the fact that although a number of wedding songs have been collected on past researches, it has received little analysis from scholars. therefore, this study seeks to fill this gap in social knowledge. The study is guided by Ethnopoetics theoretical framework. Ethnopoetics examines oral art in reference to the society that creates and performs the art. This theory is relevant to interpreting wedding poetry as it explores the use of poetic imagery and cultural verbal symbols. This theory provides an opportunity for the researcher to have a closer interaction with the community and the study through fieldwork. Such an interaction is vital in analyzing the given poetry. In the final analysis, the investigation reveals the messages embedded in the wedding poetry and provide an understanding , of the Tugen worldviews.
An analysis of the style and social significance of the Abanyore children's oral poetry
(2012-05-18) Alembi, Ezekiel
This study focuses on the Abanyole children's oral poetry. Data used was derived from both children and adults. The study elucidates the context within which the poems are performed. It classifies the collected poems into two broad categories: lullabies and singing games; explores the stylistic components of the poems and synthesizes the social significance of the poems to both the Munyore child and the Abanyole community. The main contention of the study is that, firstly, the nature of the social milieu influences the content and form of the Abanyole children's oral poetry and hence such poetry is bound to be dynamic. Secondly, the older generation in the Abanyole community is central in the teaching and conceptualisation of the content and form of the children's oral poetry thereby endowing the poems with a pragmatic value. The poems analysed were collected through recording of performances on twenty-one primary schools while making relevant notes on the context of such performances. Children and adults were interviewed in order to assess the degree of involvement and the meaning of the poems to the children and for the children. In relation to the context of performance, the study has shown that: the poems are mainly sung during different games in a playful environment; the games are performed in a social context as expressed through various formations such as circles, lines and groups which are characterised by order and beauty; the poems are tools for cultural education as well as entertainment; and the poems are employed in work situations as a tool for motivation or emotional appeal. The analysis of style has revealed that these poems are rich in repetition, imagery, personification, sound of words, and that these words are carefully chosen to appeal to the emotions of the children. In terms of social significance, the study shows that the poems teach the children to face the realities of adult life. The study also shows that these poems act as tools for cultural identity and the style of its presentation. In view of these findings, the validity of the two contentions is established. Suggestions of avenues for follow up research as well as the literary significance of the children's oral poetry is outlined.
An analysis of tragicomic techniques in selected plays of David Mulwa
(2011-12-07) Karanja, Esther Wahu
This study focuses on three plays by Kenyan playwright, David Mulwa, critically analyzing and discussing them as tragicomedies. The aim is to identify and evaluate to what extent the application of tragicomic techniques has affected the aesthetic quality and effective communication in the selected plays. These plays, written and published in English are Redemption (1990), Clean hands (2000) and Glasshouses (2000). Using a modification of Northrop Frye's theory of tragicomedy known as the Ironic mode, we identify the combining element between tragic and comic material in the plays as irony. This theory helps in the analysis of the thematic concerns, artistic techniques, plot and characterization as features of tragicomedy found in each play. The theory also helps in the analysis of what features Mulwa borrows from either tragedy or comedy. The analysis establishes other techniques like flashbacks and Biblical allusions used to reinforce irony. The analysis also brings out how the protagonist of each play pursues a disappointing goal (he is a crossbreed between the tragic hero and the comic fool). Tragicomedy presents an unrealized tragedy using comic devices to reflect reality. The plays have only been analysed as dramatic texts to demonstrate that tragicomedy offers hope to humanity amidst life's problems. Mulwa in his plays articulates issues like parent-youth conflicts, change (in both the individual and society), women liberation and the devastating effects of the AIDS pandemic. The kind of reality reflected in the plays has been analysed by relating the social context inside the plays to the social context outside them. The social context outside the plays is taken to be what is happening in Kenya or in the world as a whole. All this has been achieved through extensive library research, Internet services and critical analysis of the plays.
An anlysis of selected plays presented at the kenya schools and colleges' drama festival
(2011-11-17) Shikuku, E. Tsikhungu
This study is a critical response to the need of having an in depth study of plays presented at the Kenya Schools and Colleges Drama Festival. This Festival, which was started in 1959, has received scanty scholarly attention yet it has provided an important avenue in educating and entertaining Kenyan people. Our study limited itself to the plays presented by the primary schools to the Festival. Primary schools have participated in this Festival from 1980. Using Theory of Children Literature and the Stylistic Approach as the axis of operation, this study was conceived to analyse some of the winning plays presented by the primary schools to the Festival. Five plays were selected and treated to an intensive reading and analysis. The selection was on the basis of availability; thus the first five winning plays we got from the schools were used. The analysis entailed a thorough examination of the plot, use of language, character and characterization as well as the thematic concerns raised in the scripts. While the Stylistic Approach guided the study in the overall stylistic and thematic appreciation of the works, the Theory of Children's Literature was used to create focus on the scripts as children's plays. During the analysis it was found that the selected plays stood the test of literariness. They were imaginatively created and embellished with stylistic devices worth literary attention. At the same time the playwrights tackled issues that affect the contemporary society. However the plays were not written from a child's standpoint as they ought to have been. They tackled issues from an adult's point of view. The language used was found to be too complex for a person whose mental capacity is not fully developed. This study therefore confirms the veracity of the concerns raised in the reports by the adjudicators and rapporteurs of the 2002 and 2003 editions of the Kenya National Schools and Colleges Drama Festivals. The study recommends serious critical appraisals of the plays presented at the Festival because it is a fertile ground from which plays can be published. Scholars of literature and the general reader interested in children's studies will find this study useful in their literary pursuits. Creative writers and publishers of children's literary works may also find the insights in this study useful in their work.
Aspects of alienation in "The price of living(1983)" "Water Under the Bridge(1991)" and "Eve of the Storm(2010)" by Yusuf K. Dawood
(Kenyatta University, 2014) Mwichuli, Maurice Simbili; Amateshe, K.; Mbithi, Esther K .
This study focuses on three of the novels by Yusuf Kudwavala Dawood: The Price of Living (1983), Water under the Bridge (1991) and Eye of the Storm (2010). The texts address issues in different historical, social and cultural contexts. This difference in settings provides a good backdrop in interrogating the different manifestations and the writer's commitment and vision in dealing with the mental and psychological aspects of alienation as pervades the society in transition. This is what we seek to address. This study is guided by the tenets of Freudian Psychoanalysis as proposed by Sigmund Freud (1856- 1939). It is a branch of psychoanalysis that seeks to explain behaviour basing on sexuality, early childhood experiences and unconscious motivations. We seek to understand the role of the unconscious and human relationships in the manifested behaviour of the characters in the selected texts in the light of alienation. This study was conducted through library study and textual analysis. The primary texts provided the primary material for this study while other texts and commentaries provided the secondary material.
Aspects of orature in selected Gikuyu pop songs
(Kenyatta University, 1998-10) Wainaina, Michael
This study is premised on the notion that Orature is dynamic and that it adapts to changing historical and social realities mediating that reality based on keen observation and interpretation of phenomena. By taking cognizance of this, we sought to investigate the relationship that exists between Orature and forms of contemporary verbal expression particularly the pop song. Our task was to investigate how, why and with what effect aspects of Gikuyu orature have been reappropriated in the Gikuyu popular song. Aspects of orature, delineated as texts, style, technique and function have been identified in twenty Gikuyu popular songs and discussed in terms of their artistic, aesthetic and communicative significance. The process of change on the Gikuyu orature forms and ways in which these traditional oral forms adapt themselves to the new modes of thought through the pop song are also discussed. The study demonstrates that, while operating in contemporary situations and committed to, though sometimes limited by, contemporary imperatives, popular music is firmly tethered to a recognisable body of artistic resources in orature which serves as its inspiration and guide. In showing the crucial role that orature occupies in the Gikuyu popular song, this study has in effect reaffirmed the dynamism of orature forms and thus refuted the popular notion that orature forms are disappearing. In addition, this study demonstrates that, popular song is neither a departure nor necessarily a corruption of the traditional folk forms; rather than corrupting orature, the popular song breathes new life into it so that orature becomes relevant and potent in the contemporary society.
Blackness in the novels of Toni Morrison
(2014-01-20) Lang'at - Mutahi, Judith
This study sets out to explore the distinctive features of Toni Morrison's writings. It employs a socio stylistic theoretical framework which allows us to view Morrison sociological material from a stylistic perspective as well. This theory conflates the central aspects of the African-American literary theory and feminists literary theory in order to explore the various perspectives and writing traditions which come together in Toni morrisons works to create distinctive style. The thesis begins by Looking at the general background to the work of Toni Morrison and the context in which depiction places the experiences of the black person in irrelevant context in which the past and the present serve to outline a future for the often uprooted black individual in America. In this respect , her choice of situation is totally African-American three, we explore this experience further to look specifically a t the African-American woman. We use the text of beloved to conceptualize that the African- American female experience encapsulates yet moves beyond the experiences of white and black males as well as white women. In Morrison's view the black woman's experiences should be seen as something beyond and different from all these experiences because black women experience life in America both as black people and as women - an experience which is unique in America and which has provided its own unique representation in African-American literature. To Morrison, the Black woman's experience is all this and more if one goes beyond the depiction of stereotypes. In chapter 4, we define 'blackness' as an art form and demonstrate this by examining the language used in the text of $qJ,9~" We show the 1ink that Morrison draws between language and the values of a people by identifying varieties of language use in the text of Sula and examining their sociological implications for Morrison's vision. Finally, in the concluding chapter we comment on Morrison's contribution to African-American Literature as viewed through her vision and perspective of the black experience and the language.
Caribbean Definition: Its effect on vision and form in George Lamming's novels
(2012-05-16) Odhiambo, C.J
This thesis explores Caribbean definition and its effects on vision and form in each of George Lamming's novels. It attempts to delineate the various ways in which Lamming characterizes and defines the Caribbean through the experiences of its people. Chapter one, the introduction discusses Lamming's perspective on the problematic definition of the Caribbean from the point of view of his different perception and conception of the region's history and experience. It also critically examines the various theories that have informed the study. Chapter two explores the nature of definition in The Castle of My Skin as informed by Lamming's conception of history and experience, showing how this has influenced vision and form in the novel. Chapter three examines The Emigrants and explores the theme of exile as a means for Caribbean definition. Chapter four delineates personal freedom and political freedom as possibilities for definition. It examines the role of the ceremony of souls and the "backward glance" in the process of self-definition and in addition explores how this delineation affects the author's vision and form in Of Age and Innocence and Season of Adventure. Chapter five examines Water with Berries and Natives of my Person as Lamming's attempt to reconstruct the relationships between coloniser and colonised from his re-reading and re-working of Shakespeare's Classic play, The Tempest. The chapter also explores how this delineation affects the vision form in two novels. Chapter six is a summary of the thesis findings and a general conclusion of the argument.

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