Myths in modern African literature: a case study of Rebeka Njau's works

Abstract

This study is entitled 'Myths in Modem African Literature: A case Study of Rebeka Njau's Works.' It is a critical analysis of how myths function in the literary works of Rebeka Njau. Our thesis starts on the premise that mythology is vital in understanding society. Therefore, it proposes that an insightful analysis of the myth could lead to the comprehension of African societies' attitudes towards various issues that affect society. The study critically evaluates mythology in African societies and particularly the Gikuyu myth on which Njau bases her works. The study goes further to examine the writer's exploitation of myths in her two novels; Ripples in the Pool and The Sacred Seed, her play The Scar and her collection of the short stories The Hypocrite. The major objective guiding this study is that Njau utilizes myths in her criticism of society. It proposes that the writer uses myths, particularly from the Gikuyu society as a base for examination of society. The study depended on fieldwork and library research. Njau's works were critically analyzed highlighting her utilization of myths in portrayal of her characters' personality traits, their experiences and relationships, as well as in her expression of her vision for a modem society. The study adopted the sociological and the psychoanalytical approaches to literary criticism. These theories were found appropriate due to the relevance of culture as a foundation for the writer's creative works, and in the interpretation of mythical images and symbols that she utilizes to articulate her social VISIon.In our findings, the study revealed that Njau is a writer who believes in art with social relevance. She views myths as significant tools that may be utilized in modem African Literature to criticize vices and at the same time advocate for morality. These ideological views are perceived as having inspired her creative art, and are hence found pertinent in our analyses of the content of her literary writings. The writer presents herself as a teacher and a social critic who exploits myths to explore the suffering of people in society, to identify the cause and to point out possible solutions to society's predicaments. The study ascertains that myths are vital tools of social commentary for a modern African writer.