LITERATURE AND ECOLOGY: A STUDY OF WOLE SOYINKA’S A DANCE OF THE FORESTS AND THE BEATIFICATION OF AN AREA BOY
LITERATURE AND ECOLOGY: A STUDY OF WOLE SOYINKA’S A DANCE OF THE FORESTS AND THE BEATIFICATION OF AN AREA BOY
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Date
2014-09
Authors
HASSAN, ONYINOYI BASHIRAT
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Abstract
The current crisis of ecology and environmental pollution have gripped the attention and aroused
the concern of many people alive today. Studies show that our imprudent behaviour towards, and
utilisation of, Nature have pushed the world into a crisis that has not only led to the gradual
destruction of our ecology and its very capacity to sustain life, but also threatens our survival.
There is also the socio-economic and psychological dimension to the crisis. Many countries and
organisations have endeavoured to prevent the further spread of the ecological crisis but in spite
of all efforts, the ecological crisis continues to mount. This realisation has prompted scholars in
various disciplines to open up ecological/environmental dimensions to their respective
disciplines as a way of contributing to environmental restoration. Literary scholars have also
joined the debate through the field of ecocriticism. This study attempts to explore the ways in
which Soyinka participates and responds to the current ecological challenges. Using ecocriticism
as a theoretical tool, the study contends that Soyinka’s philosophy which informs his literary
works is Nature sensitive and attempts to address the basic presupposition at the roots of the
ecological crisis. The study reveals that the current ecological crisis is a disturbing manifestation
of the dangers inherent in a change in the structure of the relationship between man and Nature
which currently assumes that humans are separate from Nature. Through his literary works, we
get to see an alternative worldview which shows that man exists in a cosmic totality and is a part
of Nature. The study also suggests that a consciousness of this fact enables us to live in greater
peace and harmony with Nature; thus the call for a reassessment of some of the basic premises
upon which our current practices are grounded.
Description
A DISSERTATION SUBMMITED TO THE SCHOOL OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTERS OF ARTS DEGREE IN
LITERATURE.
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND LITERARY STUDIES,
FACULTY OF ARTS,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA.
SEPTEMBER, 2014
Keywords
LITERATURE,, ECOLOGY:, WOLE SOYINKA’S, DANCE,, FORESTS,, BEATIFICATION,, AREA BOY.