REFLECTING THE TIMES: A JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY IN SEFI ATTA’S EVERYTHING GOOD WILL COME

ABSTRACT

This research work presents A Journey of Self-Discovery reflecting the times of Sefi Atta’s novel Everything Good Will Come. It has examined the growing up of a child from adolescence to adulthood. This research is subjected to textual analysis, using post-colonial paradigm as the framework with a view to highlighting the enduring need for female self-discovery and individuality in neocolonial Nigeria.

This research work also examines the socio-economic and political landscape of Nigeria and how it affects the psychology of the woman. The research work submits that the woman cannot continue in the space defined for her by the society, she must fight for her space both in the home and in the larger society.

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1       BACKGROUND

Literature as a creative activity projects those deeply ingrained and relatively enduring patterns of thought, feeling and behavior of the society from which it is drawn. Apparently, literature captures the diverse forms of interaction    between various parts    of a society          and its people. MaryKolawole (2005:9) corroborates this assertion, as       she suggests         that literature is not only an imitation of life, but also a concept which derives from certain sustainable principles. The varying emphasis on social art, therefore, make literature of great Importance, as it transcend mere entertainment to expose the significant moral and social views of the writer and  of  his  environment  which  form  the  nexus  for  his  art.  Alberto  in Demeterio (2001) also suggests that:

Literature is a social institution: it is created by the writer, who is a member of the society. Its medium is language, which is a social reality. It is addressed to men who form a social body. It is centrally conditioned by social and other forces and in turn, exerts social influence (p.11).

African literature constantly reflect an attempt at narrating the African experience, the struggles associated with imperialism and its relies of denigration and oppression which seem to remain visible features of post-independence Africa. This accounts for the African writer’s attempt at foregrounding the tension that exists within the shores of Africa, with the aim of asserting the African nation above all forms and conventions of imperialism and neo-colonialism. As it were, the African continent seems to stand at the cross road as it negotiates self- redefinition against subtle forms of imperialism while grappling with new forms of subjugation perpetuated within the nation of Africans. Regrettably, the attainment of independence has not automatically portended the realization of the cherished dreams of freedom, responsibility of self-government, socio-political and economic satisfaction. Kehinde and Mbipom (2011:62).