Ecofeminist Aesthetics in Austin Bukenya’s A Hole in the Sky and Okiya Omtatah’s Voice of the People
Loading...
Date
2024-08
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study engaged in an ecofeminist reading of Austin Bukenya’s A Hole in the Sky and Okiya Omtatah’s Voice of the People. The study examined the link between women and nature as depicted in the selected plays. It investigated how the playwrights employed characterisation to illuminate acts of capitalist destruction of the environment. Finally, it examined how the playwrights have deliberately employed dramatic structure and dramatic action to demonstrate patriarchal exploitation of women and its implications on the environment. Grounded on the argument that women and nature are interrelated, the study analysed the perceived link from a literary perspective. Moreover, the study stems from the need to address issues of environmental destruction and the exploitation of women. The study adopted ecofeminist theory, specifically, theoretical tenets on the nature-women confluence and the relationship between capitalism, patriarchy and the exploitation of nature and women. Using these theoretical arguments, the study delved into a critical analysis and interpretation of the selected literary texts in a bid to arrive at an understanding of the depiction of aspects of ecofeminist aesthetics in the texts. The study engaged qualitative research methodology and the plays were purposively sampled in line with the stated objectives. Primary data was gathered from a close reading of the plays under study. Secondary data was obtained from a thorough selection, reading and critical analysis of relevant print and audio-visual scholarly materials. The study established that there is a correlation between women and nature in terms of their nurturing abilities, exploitation and liberation. Further, under various categories, characters articulate acts of environmental destruction. It also established that the plays’ structure and action reveal patriarchal exploitation which negatively impacts the environment. The study adds to the body of knowledge the scholarly representation of the interrelation between women and nature and the implication of patriarchal capitalism on the two in the drama genre, while also advocating for the emancipation of women and environmental conservation
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts of Kenyatta University, August 2024