Portrayal of Women in the Novels of Ousmane Sembene and Cyprian Ekwensi
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Date
2007-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Female characters depicted in male-authored texts are usually given
stereotyped roles. They often appear marginalized as a result of the male female
hierarchy created in the novels. In most cases they are portrayed as passive
and submissive, deprived of their right to involve in public and private spheres.
There is also a tendency of denying them acknowledgment despite their
involvement in public and private matters.
African feminist criticism is concerned with showing how women suffer from
socio-economic and political oppressions. It exposes the stereotyped roles
assigned to be performed by women and appreciates the acknowledgement of
women’s contributions to the society. African feminist criticism looks at the
facts about racism, sexism and classism as interrelated, for they have an
impact on African women's experiences.
Making use of this theory, an attempt has been made in this study to analyze
the portrayal of women in relation to their socio-economic and political roles
and contributions in two male-authored texts. The points considered in the
analysis are, whether major female characters appear as victims, suffering from
stereotypical roles assigned to them or as women whose contributions to the
society are given due recognition.
A close feminist analysis, on the one hand, shows the presence of stereotypical
portrayal of female characters wherein they appear as victims of societal
oppression. On the other hand how female characters are depicted as major
contributors in the struggle to change the life conditions of their respective
societies also demonstrated through such an analysis.
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Women in the Novels of Ousmane Sembene