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African Feminism in Selected Contemporary African Novels in English: a Comparative Approach

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African Feminism in Selected Contemporary African Novels in English: a Comparative Approach AFRICAN FEMINISM IN SELECTED CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN NOVELS IN ENGLISH: A COMPARATIVE APPROACH BY: MESFIN WODAJO WOLDEMARIAM SUPERVISOR: DR. BERHANU MATTHEWS (ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR) ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES, LANGUAGE STUDIES, JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE JUNE 2020 i African Feminism in Selected Contemporary African Novels in English: A Comparative Approach By Mesfin Wodajo Woldemariam A Dissertation Submitted to the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in English Literature College of Humanities, Language Studies, Journalism and Communication Addis Ababa University June 2020 ii Addis Ababa University College of Humanities, Language Studies, Journalism and Communication Department of Foreign Languages and Literature African Feminism in Selected Contemporary African Novels in English: A Comparative Approach By Mesfin Wodajo Woldemariam Approved by Board of Examiners Advisor‘s Name: Dr. Berhanu Matthews (Associate Professor) Signature ______Date ________ External Examiner‘s Name: Professor Peter Amuka Signature _________ Date ___________ Internal Examiner‘s Name: Dr. Olga Yazbec Signature__________ Date ___________ iii Declaration I declare that the research entitled ―African Feminism in Selected Contemporary African Novels in English: A Comparative Approach” is my own work and all the references that I have used or quoted have been duly acknowledged. Name: Mesfin Wodajo Woldemariam Signature: _______ Date: 08/06/2020 iv Table of Contents Table of Contents............................................................................................................................................ i Abstract ..................................................................................................................................................... iv Dedication ................................................................................................................................................... v Acknowledgments ...................................................................................................................................... vi Abbreviations and Acronyms ................................................................................................................... vii Chapter One: Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Background of the Study ..................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem .................................................................................................................... 9 1.3 Objectives ......................................................................................................................................... 10 1.4 Research Questions ........................................................................................................................... 10 1.5 Significance of the Study .................................................................................................................. 11 1.6 Methodology and Procedures ............................................................................................................ 11 1.6.1 Basis of Selection ....................................................................................................................... 12 1.6.2 Post-colonial Comparative Model .............................................................................................. 15 1.6.3 Organization of the Study ........................................................................................................... 16 Chapter Two: Review of Related Literature .......................................................................................... 17 2.1 Review of Sample Studies................................................................................................................. 17 2.2 Critical Views on the Selected Novels ............................................................................................... 19 2.3 Patriarchy in Africa ........................................................................................................................... 27 2.4 African Women and Post-independence Failure ................................................................................ 30 2.5 African Women and Colonialism/ Neo-colonialism ........................................................................... 34 2.6 Women and Un-African Religions .................................................................................................... 39 Chapter Three: Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................. 42 3.1 Feminism .......................................................................................................................................... 42 3.2 Post-colonial Feminism(s)................................................................................................................. 44 3.3 African Feminist Theory ................................................................................................................... 47 3.3.1 Models of African Feminism ........................................................................................................ 49 3.3.1.1 Womanism .............................................................................................................................. 50 3.3.1.2 Stiwanism ............................................................................................................................... 55 3.3.1.3 Motherism............................................................................................................................... 59 3.3.1.4 Nego-feminism ....................................................................................................................... 63 3.3.2 Conclusion: Differences and Similarities among Models of African Feminism ............................. 67 i Chapter Four: African Feminism in East African Novels....................................................................... 71 4.1 Summary of Kintu (2014) ................................................................................................................. 71 4.1.1 Representation of Patriarchy....................................................................................................... 73 4.1.2 Women and Post-independence Snags ........................................................................................ 77 4.1.3 Resistant Women ....................................................................................................................... 85 4.1.4 Negotiation and Compromise ..................................................................................................... 88 4.1.5 Subverting Christianity .............................................................................................................. 91 4.1.6 Women and Cultural Renovation ................................................................................................ 94 4.1.7 Motherhood and Kinship Responsibility ..................................................................................... 96 4.2 Synopsis of Hiding in Plain Sight (2014) .......................................................................................... 98 4.2.1 Resistance to Patriarchy ............................................................................................................. 99 4.2.2 Women‘s Resistance to Islamic Oppression .............................................................................. 101 4.2.3 Motherhood as Moral Nurturer ................................................................................................. 104 4.2.4 Family Centeredness ................................................................................................................ 107 4.2.5 Women and Decolonization ..................................................................................................... 109 4.2.6 Women and Homosexuality ..................................................................................................... 112 Chapter Five: African Feminism in West African Novels..................................................................... 114 5.1 Plot Summary of Ancestor Stones (2006) ........................................................................................ 114 5.1.1 Representation of Patriarchal Ideology ..................................................................................... 116 5.1.2 Women and Post-independence Complications ......................................................................... 119 5.1.3 Destabilizing Patriarchy ........................................................................................................... 122 5.1.4 Advantages and Disadvantages of Polygamy ............................................................................ 125 5.1.5 Motherhood as Model of Resistance ......................................................................................... 129 5.1.6 Women‘s Subversion of Colonial Subjugation.......................................................................... 132 5.2 Synopsis of Season of Crimson Blossoms (2016) ............................................................................
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