Conflicts Of Living In Two Worlds As Portrayed By Obi In No Longer At Ease And Farai In Chairman Of Fools

ABSTRACT

This thesis investigated the inner- and interpersonal conflicts caused by living in two different geographical worlds, as well as two different metaphysical worlds as manifested mainly by Obi in No longer at ease but also in Farai in Chairman of fools. The purpose of the study was to explore how African authors depict characters that are affected by these aforementioned conflicting worlds. In addition, the study aimed to examine the way in which two different African authors from two different countries, namely Chinua Achebe from Nigeria and Shimmer Chinodya from Zimbabwe, addressed a similar theme through literature. The two protagonists that were analysed namely, Obi and Farai experienced inner- and interpersonal conflicts when they returned to their native societies (countries respectively) after spending relatively long periods of time abroad. The study applied the hybridity theory and the theory of transnationalism. The purposive sampling method was used to select the two novels, based on similar themes, the inner and interpersonal conflicts experienced by the protagonists. Here, the researcher employed the qualitative content analysis method in order to explore the purpose of this study. The study revealed that the conflicts experienced by the two protagonists happen for different reasons. For Obi conflict mainly occurs because he choose to ignore traditional practices and to behave like a Nigerian during the four years he has been abroad; while Farai finds himself unable to adjust to the progressive transformations that have occurred in his society during his absence. The study further revealed that Obi’s various conflicts also stemmed from societal marital issues based on prejudices that prohibited him to marry the woman he loved. Farai’s conflicts are also religious-based, specifically the Pentecostal church that has been introduced and adopted by his family while he was away. The study further revealed that Obi and Farai’s conflicts were numerous and varied. The commonality regarding the protagonists’ conflict however stemmed from them being affected in many ways by these varied conflicts, leading them to experiencing psychological trauma. The study concluded that both characters did not adequately prepare themselves for any change they encounter based on their exposure to a different culture versus their native society when they returned from overseas. This, therefore, led to them experiencing many inner- and interpersonal conflicts.