Quid Est Enim Tempus? Temporality, Causality, and Narrative Structure in Selected West Indian Self-Portrait Novels
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Date
2023
Authors
Odhiambo, Job
Mugubi, John
Chetambe, Mark
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AJOEI
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the plot structure of six selected
novels published in the mid-1950s onwards. The paper also seeks to understand the differences
that exist between autobiographical fiction that were published in the 20th century and that
published in the 21st century.
Research methodology: The paper is grounded on narrative theory and stylistics. The novels
under study are V. S. Naipaul’s Miguel Street and A House for Mr Biswas, George Lamming’s
in the Castle of my Skin, Jean Rhys’ Wide Sargasso Sea, Merle Hodge’s Crick Crack, Monkey
and Marcia Douglas’s The Marvellous Equation of the Dread: A Novel in Bass Riddim.
Findings of the study: The paper found that all of the novels share a similar type of narrative
structure, regardless of the date of publication. This structure is characterized by a linear
progression of events, with the narrator recounting their childhood and adolescence. The novels
also share a focus on the themes of identity, colonialism, and migration.
Conclusion: The paper concludes that the similarities in the narrative structure of these novels
suggest that they are part of a shared literary tradition. The paper also suggests that there are
differences in the novels, such as the points of view of the narrators, reflect the changing social
and cultural landscape of the West Indies.Recommendations: The paper recommends that further research be conducted on the narrative structure of autobiographical fiction from the West Indies. The paper also recommends that
scholars explore the ways in which these novels can be used to understand the experiences of
West Indian people.
Description
Article
Keywords
Causality, Narrative structure, Plot, Self-portrait, Temporality
Citation
How to Cite Odhiambo, J., Mugubi , J., & Chetambe, M. (2023). QUID EST ENIM TEMPUS? TEMPORALITY, CAUSALITY, AND NARRATIVE STRUCTURE IN SELECTED WEST INDIAN SELF-PORTRAIT NOVELS. African Journal of Emerging Issues, 5(12), 57 - 72. Retrieved from https://ajoeijournals.org/sys/index.php/ajoei/article/view/467