HOMOSEXUALITY: THE AFTERMATH OF CHILD NEGLECT IN DIBIA’SWALKING WITH SHADOWS

Abstract

The same sex unions have over the years witnessed a lot of positive and negative reactionsacross the globe. This is made possible by the religious and cultural orientations of the countriesinvolved. In Africa, many countries prescribe strict ban to its practice and as a result, personswho have this kind of orientation experience homophobia that often lead to trauma anddepression. As a result, researchers have ventured into studying the causes of this socialanomaly with the view to ameliorating the depression and psychological disorders it causes onthe persons with such sexuality and by extension lessen the negative effects it has on thesociety. This research uses psychoanalysis as its theoretical framework. Psychoanalysisexplores the mind of the author in relation to the reality projected in his literary text. With thisin mind, this study investigates the parental role in the sexual development of their childrenusing Dibia’sWalking with Shadows and finds out that absence of parental guidance, love andcare in the early stage of Adrian’s life leads him into homosexuality. The novel is set in Nigeriawhere cultural and religious orientation arrogates the practice of homosexuality; hence,Adrian’s society frustrates, depresses and drives him to neurosis.