A Case for the Negotiation of Agency by Disenfranchised Subjects in Contemporary Nigerian Literature
Graduation Term
2023
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Department of English: English Studies
Committee Chair
Rebecca Saunders
Abstract
This thesis diverges from conventional narratives that predominantly focus on the challenges faced by women and children in Nigeria, particularly in the aftermath of colonial rule. While existing scholarship tends to underscore the myriad difficulties and constraints experienced by these individuals, this study takes a departure from such well-trodden paths. Instead, it endeavors to bring to the forefront the endeavors undertaken by these subjects to assert a measure of agency and autonomy, specifically during two tumultuous periods in Nigeria's history. Through a focused examination of Chimamanda Adichie's "Half of A Yellow Sun" and Adaobi Nwaubani's "Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree," it seeks to illuminate the intricate process of identity formation and self-realization among disenfranchised subjects, particularly in the face of adversity. In doing so, it aims to contribute a fresh and nuanced perspective to the discourse surrounding the experiences of these disenfranchized groups, offering a deeper understanding of their resilience, agency, and the complexities inherent in their pursuit of selfhood.
Access Type
Thesis-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Eneh, Chinelo, "A Case for the Negotiation of Agency by Disenfranchised Subjects in Contemporary Nigerian Literature" (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 1906.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/1906
DOI
https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2024.20240618063948895757.999972