Myths and rituals in the works of Francis D. Imbuga

Abstract

This study is a critical analysis of how myths and rituals function in the literary works of Francis D. Imbuga. The thesis combines both his drama texts and those of prose fiction. In total, the study focuses on eight books by the author. Chapter One of the thesis basically deals with statement of the problem of the study, the literature review and research methodology. The basis of the discussion in the subsequent chapters is laid out here. In Chapter Two, the study notes that the author of the texts is employing myths and rituals to deliberate on cultural woes experienced on the African continent. The discussion further points out in the third chapter that myths and rituals also enable Imbuga to deliberate, from a sacred point of view, on some of the social and political changes the continent is witnessing. In Chapter Four, the analysis on the two works of prose fiction by the author corroborates the views in the second one. The study concludes that myths and rituals are indeed a vital trope for a modem African writer in an endeavour to explain current issues in the society.