Literature-in-English at the SSS 1 level covers a wide range of themes, narratives, and characters that provide students with a deep understanding of the human experience. Among the key texts studied, Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta and The Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka stand out for their exploration of societal issues, cultural conflicts, and the complexities of gender and power. This article aims to provide a comprehensive revision guide for both novels, including key themes, character analyses, and insightful discussions that will equip students with the knowledge they need for exams and further study.
1. Introduction to Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta
Background of the Novelist
Buchi Emecheta was a Nigerian-born novelist, born in Lagos in 1944. She was known for writing about the struggles of women in a patriarchal society, and many of her works touch on themes of feminism, racism, and identity. Emecheta moved to London in the 1960s and faced many hardships as a single mother and immigrant. Despite these challenges, she became an iconic voice in African literature, writing novels like Second Class Citizen and The Joys of Motherhood that provided a deep look into the lives of African women in the diaspora.
Background and Setting of the Novel
Second Class Citizen is set in post-colonial Nigeria and later in England. The novel explores the life of a young Nigerian woman, Adah, who moves to London in search of a better life. It paints a picture of the hardships faced by immigrants, particularly women of color, in a foreign country. The story is set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s political upheaval and the racial tensions in 1960s London.
Plot Summary
The story follows Adah, a young girl from a poor Nigerian family, who dreams of achieving something greater than the limitations imposed on her because of her gender and social status. She faces immense struggles but ultimately overcomes societal and familial expectations. Her marriage to Francis, a Nigerian man, takes her to London, where she faces racism, discrimination, and cultural challenges. Through her journey, Second Class Citizen highlights the themes of personal freedom, identity, and resilience in the face of oppression.
2. Themes and Style of the Novel
Themes
- Gender and Patriarchy: The novel depicts how Adah struggles under the weight of traditional gender roles, both in Nigeria and in England.
- Racism and Discrimination: As an immigrant in Britain, Adah faces racism, which adds another layer of hardship to her life. The novel explores the psychological toll of racial prejudice.
- Identity and Self-Discovery: Adah’s journey is also one of self-discovery, as she tries to navigate between two worlds—her Nigerian heritage and her new life in Britain.
- Struggles of Immigration: The challenges of adapting to a new culture and the disillusionment that often accompanies immigration are explored in depth.
Style
Emecheta’s writing style is straightforward yet rich in emotional depth. She uses a first-person narrative to give a personal touch to Adah’s experiences. The prose is accessible, making it easy for readers to connect with the story while also offering deep reflections on societal issues.
3. Character Analysis: Major Characters
Adah
Adah is the protagonist and the novel’s main focus. She is a young, ambitious Nigerian woman who dreams of breaking free from societal restrictions. Throughout the story, Adah shows resilience and strength in the face of adversity, which makes her a powerful representation of the African woman’s struggle for self-empowerment.
Francis
Francis is Adah’s husband, whose actions contribute to her struggles. While he loves Adah, he often fails to support her emotionally and is largely unhelpful in her fight for independence. His character serves as a reflection of the societal expectations of men in both Nigerian and British cultures.
4. Character Analysis: Minor Characters
Mama
Adah’s mother plays a significant role in shaping her beliefs and struggles. She represents the traditional Nigerian woman who supports patriarchal values and expects her daughter to conform to these norms.
Friends and Colleagues in London
Adah encounters several minor characters in London, who either help or hinder her journey. These characters often reflect the social attitudes of Britain toward immigrants and women of color.
5. General Overview of the Novel
Second Class Citizen is a powerful narrative that tackles themes of gender inequality, racism, and the immigrant experience. The novel portrays the complexities of life as an African woman in a colonial and post-colonial world. Through Adah’s struggles and triumphs, Buchi Emecheta provides a voice for women of color and offers a critique of the social structures that restrict their growth.
6. Introduction to The Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka
Background of the Dramatist
Wole Soyinka is a Nigerian playwright, poet, and essayist who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. He is one of the most prominent African writers and his works often address themes of power, politics, and social change. Soyinka is known for his fierce activism and his critique of authoritarian regimes. The Lion and the Jewel is one of his most famous plays.
Background and Setting of the Play
The play is set in a small village in Nigeria, and it depicts the clash between traditional African culture and Western influences. The action revolves around the village’s chief, Baroka, and the beautiful young woman, Sidi, who is at the center of a rivalry between Baroka and Lakunle, a Western-educated teacher in the village.
Plot Summary
The plot centers on the pursuit of Sidi, the “jewel,” by two men—Baroka, the village chief, and Lakunle, a modernist teacher. While Baroka represents traditional values, Lakunle seeks to modernize the village, including courting Sidi in a Western manner. The play explores the tension between tradition and modernity, with the village’s culture and the roles of women being central themes. In the end, Sidi chooses Baroka, symbolizing the triumph of tradition.
7. Themes and Styles
Themes
- Tradition vs. Modernity: The central theme of The Lion and the Jewel is the tension between tradition and change. The characters’ actions and beliefs reflect the struggle between holding on to traditional customs and adapting to modernity.
- Power and Manipulation: Baroka’s manipulation of Sidi symbolizes the use of power to control and dominate. His charm and authority allow him to maintain control over the village.
- Gender and Patriarchy: The play explores gender roles in a traditional society, where women’s independence is limited, and marriage is often seen as a way to cement political alliances.
Style
Soyinka’s writing style in The Lion and the Jewel combines elements of comedy and tragedy. The play incorporates traditional Yoruba folklore, music, and dance, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere. The use of satire allows Soyinka to critique both traditional and modern aspects of Nigerian society.
8. Characterization: Major Characters
Baroka
Baroka is the village chief and the play’s antagonist. He is portrayed as cunning, charming, and manipulative. His character is a representation of the power structures in traditional Nigerian society. Baroka is a skilled manipulator who uses his wit and authority to maintain his control.
Sidi
Sidi, the “jewel” of the play, is a beautiful young woman who is caught between two men representing opposing worldviews. Her character symbolizes the struggle between the traditional values of her village and the new, Westernized ideals represented by Lakunle.
Lakunle
Lakunle is the modernist teacher in the village who wants to bring Western education and ideas to his people. He is portrayed as somewhat arrogant and dismissive of traditional values, but his love for Sidi shows his vulnerability.
9. Characterization: Minor Characters
Sadiku
Sadiku is Baroka’s wife, and she plays a key role in persuading Sidi to marry Baroka. Her character represents the older generation’s adherence to traditional values, as she seeks to protect the interests of her husband and the village.
The Village Women
The village women serve as a chorus in the play, providing commentary on the events and the social dynamics of the village. They represent the collective voice of the community.
Suggested Revision Questions
For Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta:
- What were the main struggles Adah faced in the novel?
- How does the novel explore the theme of gender inequality?
- What is the significance of Adah’s relationship with Francis?
- How does the setting of London impact Adah’s experience as an immigrant?
- How does the novel explore the theme of identity?
- Discuss the role of Mama in Adah’s life.
- How does the novel present the challenges faced by African women in a foreign country?
- What does the title Second Class Citizen symbolize in the context of the novel?
- How does Adah evolve throughout the novel?
- In what ways does Second Class Citizen reflect the personal experiences of the author?
For The Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka:
- How does Baroka manipulate Sidi into marrying him?
- Discuss the role of tradition versus modernity in the play.
- What does Lakunle’s character reveal about Western influences on Nigerian culture?
- How does Sidi embody the struggle between tradition and modernity?
- In what ways does Soyinka use satire to critique Nigerian society?
- How does the character of Sadiku help to develop the theme of power?
- What does the play say about the role of women in traditional Nigerian society?
- How does the setting of the village contribute to the themes of the play?
- How does Baroka’s character represent the authority of traditional leadership?
- In what way does the play reflect the clash between old and new Nigerian values?