Mediated plot in the construct of the theme of struggle in Nelson Mandela's autobiography long walk to freedom

Abstract

The autobiographical genre exemplifies unique characteristics which non-the-less do not reduce its worth as a creative work. It is on this strength that this study attempts a literary analysis of Nelson Mandela's autobiography Long Walk to Freedom; investigating how the plot is constructed to illustrate and interpret the theme of struggle for freedom Through the analysis of the textual evidence of the autobiography the study reveals the nature, aspects of motives, and parameters that define the autobiographical genre. Further. textual analysis identifies the struggle for freedom as the major theme portrayed in the autobiography With the help of theories or Narratology. the study examines how Mandela projects in the autobiography not only his individual role in the struggle, but also the role of all the oppressed. The study shows that this is essentially revealed through the deliberate choices of events and episodes and the (re) ordering and (re) shaping them in causal-effect relationship. The study ascertains that the aesthetic value of the autobiography is essentially due to the author's deliberate use of premeditated artistic techniques that interprets and reshapes the subject, and subverts linearity of the fabula. More so, to effectively communicate the major theme of the struggle for freedom, techniques of shifting point of view to accommodate .. the views of a greater spectrum of participants in the struggle including the oppressor are utilized. The study shows that the autobiographer has utilized intensification techniques including description and exemplification to interpret and illustrate the action of the struggle. We can consequently conclude that the aesthetic appeal and the patterned, cohesive wholeness of the story of the autobiography is to a large extent provided by the mediated choices that inform the construction of the plot.