ABSTRACT
The Concept of Class struggle describes the constant conflict among the existing strata in every society. The purpose of this academic research is to explore the meaning and important of class struggle in the context of the selected texts. The theoretical framework for this research is the Marxist-Leninist theory, which could be simply summarized as the reaction of the exploited to get rid of exploitation and the exploiters. Various styles used by the duo of Iyayi and Falls is described. In the light of which class struggle is perceived as a necessity to relieve social strains of inequality and injustice.
TABLE OF CONTENT
TITLE PAGEI
APPROVAL PAGEII
DEDICATIONIII
ACKNOWLEDGMENTIV
ABSTRACTV
TABLE OF CONTENTVI
CHAPTER ONE
1.1Introduction
1.2Background
1.3Aim of study
1.4Scope of study
1.5Justification of study
1.6Research Methodology
1.7Research questions
1.8Definition of terms
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Overview
2.2Class and its determinants
2.3 Relevant historic instances of class struggle
2.4 Contemporary instances of class struggle
2.5 Causes of class struggle
CHAPTER THREE
ANALYSIS OF FESTUS IYAYI’S VIOLENCE
3.1 Brief Biography of Festus Iyayi
3.2 Analysis of Major characters
3.3 Survey of class struggle in Violence
3.4 Class struggle as revelation of other themes in Violence
3.5 Literary techniques used in Festus Iyayi’s Violence
CHAPTER FOUR
ANALYSIS OF ANIMATA SOW FALL’S THE BEGGARS’ STRIKE
4.1 Brief Biography of Animata Sow Fall
4.2 Analysis of Major characters
4.3 Survey of class struggle in The Beggars’ strike
4.4 Literary techniques used in Animata Sow Fall’s The Beggars’ strike
CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Conclusions and Recommendation
INTRODUCTION
The concept of class struggle describes a constant conflict among the existing strata in the society. In the Selected texts, Animata Sow Fall’s The Beggars’ strike and Festus iyayi’s Violence, themes pertaining to class struggle were described, Class struggle becomes a necessity in any society with a wide gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’. This academic project examines the extent to which the duo of Animata and Iyayi utilized the theme – Class struggle, in their novels, The beggars’ strike and Violence respectively.
BACKGROUND
Karl Marx wrote to Friedrich Engels in 1882: “you know very well where we found our idea of class struggle; we found it in the work of the French historians who talked about the race struggle”. Class struggle predates Karl Marx; one may boldly say that it describes the history of all existing human civilizations.
Social classes are often described as either upper, middle or lower based on income, wealth or estate. However, Marxist notion of class in a capitalist setting is based on the control of means of production. Karl Marx describes two main classes:
Proletariat (Labour)
Bourgeoisie (Capitalist)
The Proletariat (labour) makes a living directly from their labour whereas the Bourgeoisie controls the means of production, exploiting the proletariat, living off the surplus value on cheap labour. This may be perceived as a form of neocolonialism, labour is exploited to create economic and socio-political dominance. A most shameful version of Apartheid in post colonial Africa, perpetrated by Africans on fellow Africans. Burdened by extreme poverty and hunger, the masses inevitably revolt against oppression. The ensuing struggle, though often violent, non-violent struggle is not uncommon.
In the selected texts, forms of class struggle includes: industrial strike actions, protests, rallies, pilferage, sabotage etc Class struggle in Africa is inextricably linked to corruption and injustice. In an unjust society where wealth is unevenly distributed and the rule of law biased, class struggle is seen as a necessity. It becomes the only available option for the masses to fight for economic and social relevance. Class struggle is a brave attempt at reshaping capitalism into a more equitable system of governance and giving birth to a truly egalitarian, economically viable and politically stable Nation. Class struggle is a bold step towards achieving a true utopian society, which is the ultimate Marxist phantom.