The significance of literary devices in the oral narrative

Abstract

The creative process in art has always interested the critic. To be able to evaluate and appreciate works of art one has to make an attempt of understanding the creative process. The literary critic more often than not does this through a systematic analysis of the techniques used in creating a work of art. This thesis is an attempt to understand oral narratives through an analysis of devices used by the narrator in creating or re-creating narratives. This study is based on research carried out in Ndia, Kirinyaga district. In the analysis of device, we are concerned with how the oral narrator raises his subject to the level of content through the use of various techniques at his/her disposal. Plot in oral narrative literature has been associated with conservative models and fixed outlines. In the course of this study we have identified different ways in which narrators manipulate plot to achieve certain artistic purposes. Character is the most important vehicle of meaning in literature. In this thesis we have explored the devices used by narrators to mold their characters so that they (characters) can present world views of the narrators, the audience or the community. The oral narrator has many resources at his/her disposal. The manipulation of language, the use of song and repetition to achieve aesthetic refinement are other aspects discussed in this work. The creation of, oral narratives takes place within a Live situation. The narrator is a performer who performs to a live audience. The interractions between the performer and the audience during a specific occasion is also discussed in this thesis.