Themes in African Literature in French : A Collection of Essays

The second volume in this African Literature series arises from the need of Nigerian universities for literary criticism of African literature in French, for an English speaking audience. Additionally, the work aims to offer a comparative perspective on francophone literature, and thus diversify away from the formal linguistic and textual analysis typical of traditional French/francophone criticism, towards a broader approach and examination of literature rooted in a social and political context. The work is broadly divided into three sections: poetry, novels and theatre. Examples of the discussions include: negritude and the African world-view of Senghor's poetry; Sembene Ousmane's indictment of political, religious and moral chaos in Africa; the characterisation of women on the francophone stage; and an overview of African radio-drama.