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Investigating symbolism as a literary technique in Devil on the Cross by Ngũgĩ wa Thiongo

Article

Last updated: 04 Jan 2025

Subjects

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Tags

العلوم اللغوية

Abstract

This research paper examines the use of symbolism as a literary technique in Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's novel Devil on the Cross and how it portrays themes of oppression, resistance, and liberation in postcolonial Kenya. Drawing on the theoretical framework of symbolic interactionism, the study analyzes various symbols in the novel, including the devil, the cross, the tree, the goat, and the river, and how they represent different aspects of Kenyan society. The analysis of these symbols reveals how Ngũgĩ creates a complex narrative that critiques the political and social structures of postcolonial Kenya.
 
The study employs a qualitative research approach to explore the historical and political context in which Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's novel Devil on the Cross was written, the impact of his literary activism on African literature, and the role of symbolism in the novel. Utilizing close reading and content analysis, the research analyzes the symbols and their meanings in the novel, revealing how Ngũgĩ employs symbolism to expose the injustices, oppression, capitalism, patriarchy, and inequalities in Kenyan society and to inspire resistance and liberation. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the importance of literature as a tool for social and political critique and transformation, highlighting the significance of Ngũgĩ's novel in offering a powerful commentary on the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in postcolonial Kenya.
 

DOI

10.21608/qarts.2023.230632.1745

Keywords

Symbolism, Devil on the Cross, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, postcolonial Kenya, Symbolic Interactionism

Authors

First Name

Samar Sayed Mohamed

Last Name

Mostafa

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Lecturer at the international institute for languages and Translation

Email

samar_auc2006@hotmail.com

City

cairo

Orcid

-

Volume

32

Article Issue

61

Related Issue

42946

Issue Date

2023-10-01

Receive Date

2023-08-21

Publish Date

2023-10-01

Page Start

1

Page End

23

Print ISSN

1110-614X

Online ISSN

1110-709X

Link

https://qarts.journals.ekb.eg/article_322360.html

Detail API

https://qarts.journals.ekb.eg/service?article_code=322360

Order

7

Type

المقالة الأصلية

Type Code

1,495

Publication Type

Journal

Publication Title

مجلة کلية الآداب بقنا

Publication Link

https://qarts.journals.ekb.eg/

MainTitle

Investigating symbolism as a literary technique in Devil on the Cross by Ngũgĩ wa Thiongo

Details

Type

Article

Created At

27 Dec 2024