An Analysis Of The Others In Soyinka’s Plays Based On Postcolonial Theories

After the 1960 s,the European colonial powers which have been ruling over African for several centuries,began to withdraw from Africa and most African countries announced independence gradually.However,the collapse of colonial powers did not eradicate colonialism.The colonialism still existed with its influences and control on aspects of economy,culture,and ideology and so on.African countries still stayed in a chaotic situation and were unable to move forward.Along with the unstable condition,a majority of black writers started to write articles criticizing the spiritual problems caused by colonialism.Wole Soyinka is one of the most representative writers.Wole Soyinka was awarded the Nobel Prize because his literary works is deeply rooted in local Nigeria culture and closely connected with the reality of Africa.Actively involved in social political life with strong rebel forces,he is persistent to fight against colonialism and violence.His works reflect his understanding of the Yoruba tradition and the problems faced by African people.He rationally focuses on the political crisis and people’s sufferings owing to the invasion of colonialism and more importantly.He makes great efforts to seek a brighter future for Africa under the influence of the conflicts between traditional customs and modern civilization in postcolonial period.Based on the postcolonial theory,by discussing the issue of cultural identity of the marginalized others,this thesis attempts to make a comprehensive analysis of Soyinka’s plays The Lion and the Jewel and Death and the King’s Horseman to reveal the different ways and internal motivation of the valuable choice made by African blacks under the influence of the dual cultural identities,and moreover,to make an objective evaluation of Soyinka’s artistic attainments.The thesis consists of four chapters.Chapter one introduces Wole Soyinka,including his life and creation works and present study situation both at home and abroad.Chapter two analyzes the postcolonial theory in details.Chapter three analyzes the characters as the Others in Soyinka’s plays.Chapter four analyzes the strategies that Wole Soyinka has used in his plays to help black marginalized minorities come through predicament and reconstruct their cultural identity.The thesis concludes that African culture is not inferior to the white culture,but serves as the spiritual pillar of black people.However,due to the infiltration of the colonial culture which claims itself as the exclusive and superior criterion of the world’s culture,the traditional customs and culture of the colonized countries are seriously damaged.African blacks need to redefine the identities of blacks and at the same time find out proper outlets for themselves.It is necessary to develop black culture for holding its ground if black nations want to rebuild themselves.If the colonized people want to seek a brighter future,they need to define their own identity and try to seek better ways to develop further.