Satire in okot P'bitek's poetry: a critical analysis of song of lawino, song of ocol, song of prisoner and song of malaya

Abstract

The study investigates satire in Okot p'Bitek's Song of Malaya, Song of Lawino, Song of Ocol and Song of Prisoner. It identifies and describes its manifestation and operation. It also attempts to fill the gap that has been created by scanty discussion of satire in Okot's songs. The study focuses on the stylistic devices that lead to satire. These devices are not viewed as distinct entities, but rather as an integral part of satire. This study treats satire as the humorous criticism of human weaknesses and foibles and uses this parameter to identify it in the songs. After the identification Okot's satiric butts are categorized into three broad topics: satire on religion and religious leaders, satire on politicians and satire on adherents of foreign culture and oppressors of women. The study occasionally refers to Okot's life history and ideological inclinations. The purpose of these references is to throw light on his creative works and highlight circumstances that may have shaped him into a satirist. Background information clarifies that Okot P'Bitek's writing is a product of a rich Acholi oral tradition. The upshot of all this is that the songs are appropriately contextualized with the ultimate finding that satire is an indigenous African phenomenon amply and ably deployed in Okot's art.