A Critical Approach to Wamitila's Nguvu ya Sala

Abstract

This article is a critique of a recently -published (1999) Kiswahili novel entitled Nguvu ya Sala.The title can roughly be translated as the 'the power of prayer'.The study adopts the appproach of practical criticism whereby the form and content of the work are closely examined,analyzed and evaluated.At the same time the work is placed in the socio-cultural and literally context in which it has been produced.The approach adopted here avoids theorizing about literature and instead focuses on a specific text.This article takes the view that while literary theory is important and while theorizing is a legitimate activity in the study of literature,it is imperative to subject texts to close scrutiny.This is unavoidable if standards are going to be attained and maintained in the now vibrant Kiswahili literature.