LITERATURE, HISTORY AND CONTEMPORARY DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF CHIGOZIE OBIOMA’S THE FISHERMEN

Abstract

Literature reflects the society and so is a tool for historical discourse. Literary artists in Nigeria have used this means to bring up issues which seem forgotten in the nation’s history. These issues are presented to their readers to enlighten them so as to enable them solve contemporary problems such as poor leadership because Nigeria as a nation has yet to grapple with the problem of poor leadership since independence. This problem has been a great concern to literary artists as they portray the masses’ expectations and disappointments. The annulment of 1993 presidential election in Nigeria is one of them. This massive disappointment has been recreated by Chigozie Obioma in The Fishermen where he tells of the shattered hope of a proud father of six who wishes his sons to be great men in the society. He also presents the torn hope and peace of these brothers as he tells the story of the symbolic meeting of the brothers with Chief M.K.O. Abiola which metaphorically alludes to the struggle of Nigeria’s failed leadership. With the use of sociological critical approach to literary analysis, the dashed hope of the Nigerian masses and its effects on the populace are discussed.