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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The satire in the African literature of French expression: case study of 'Le vieux nègre et la médaille' and 'Le soleil des indépendances'
Author:Adewuni, SalawuISNI
Year:2010
Periodical:Rio dos Camaroes: revue camerounaise d'histoire et des traditions
Issue:1
Pages:185-195
Language:English
Geographic terms:Cameroon
Ivory Coast - Côte d'Ivoire
Subjects:novels
satire
French language
About persons:Ferdinand Oyono (1929-2010)ISNI
Ahmadou Kourouma (1927-2003)ISNI
Abstract:This study looks at the satirical dimension in two novels written in French by African writers: 'Le vieux nègre et la médaille' by Ferdinand Oyono (1956) (Cameroon) and 'Le soleil des indépendances' by Ahmadou Kourouma (1970) (Côte d'Ivoire). These two novels can be seen as drama, with respectively Meka and Fama as the main characters. The invasion of an alien culture and values in the lives and consciousness of these naive but honest characters results in often difficult circumstances and some bewilderment and confusion on the part of the protagonists. This shows in their use of the French language mixed with African oral style, which creates comical effects underlining the absurdity of situations where a colonial mentality persists. Through comedy and satire in fiction instead of open political attack, the authors convey a message of criticism of the wrongs of post-independence society, with its disappointments, discrimination, corrupt leaders and unresolved social problems. Sum. in English and French. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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