RE-WRITING THE PAST AND THE DILEMMA OF SOCIAL RELEVANCE IN TOYIN ABIODUN’S THE TRIALS OF AFONJA AND THE MARRIAGE OF ARIKE

This is a research on Toyin Abiodun's drama texts "The Marriage of Arike" and "The Trials of Afonja" describing it as books on history and African culture using the theory "New Historicism".

ABSTRACT

Many writers resort borrowing and incorporating elements of culture in their works other to preserve from extinction. The writers in this time are aware of the historicity of the people as well as the culture and aesthetics which he intends to capture. The intention here is to educate,entertain, as well as address social issues as can be seen in Abiodun’s The Trials of Afonja and The Marriage of Arike. This research shows the importance of the past in the present and howhistory can be used in addressing the ills of the society in both texts using Stephen Greenblatt’s theory of new historicism with history, culture,  society,  and power as  its major  tenets. The research concludes that history goes a long way in addressing social ills of the present society while also serving the purpose of educating people about their past in relation to their present.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tittle page

Certification

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Abstract

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0 Background1

1.1 Statement of the Problem6

1.2 Purpose of Study6

1.3 Justification7

1.4 Scope of Study7

1.5 Methodology8

1.6 Organization of Chapters8

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Preamble9

2.1 Re-writing African Oral Tradition10

2.2 Historical Transition of Drama and its Social Relevance11

2.3 The Artist and the Dilemma of relevance16

2.4 Scholarly Criticism of the Texts18

2.5 Theoretical Framework20

2.5.0 The Tenets of New Historicism21

2.5.1 Society22

2.5.2 Culture22

2.5.3 Power23

2.6 Criticism of New Historicism 24

CHAPTER THREE: EXPLORATION OF ORAL FORMS AND CULTURAL AESTHETICS IN THE TRIALS OF AFONJA AND THE MARRIAGE OF ARIKE

3.0 Preamble25

3.1 Mysticism26

3.1.1 Incantation and Divination27

3.1.2 Belief in Divinities and Supernatural Beings28

3.2.1 Marriage System32

3.2.2 Birth and Death34

3.3.1 Panegyric36

3.3.2 Eulogy39

3.3.3 Music, Dance and Drums40

3.4.1 Greetings and Displays of Respect42

3.4.2 Use of Proverbs43

3.4.3 Folktales45

3.5 Transliteration                        47

3.6 Use of Narrator47

Summary49

CHAPTER FOUR: HISTORICAL AND ORAL FORMS AND RELEVANCE TO SOCIETY

4.0 Preamble50

4.1.0 Oyo in the Time of Aole: Historical Facts51

4.1.1 Historical Representation/Re-enactment52

4.2.1 Legends53

4.2.2 Festivals57

4.2.3 Folktales58

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

5.0 Summary62

5.0.1 Findings62

5.0.2 Conclusion64

REFERENCES 65