The Grotesque in Mustapha Benfodil’s « L’Archeologie du Chaos ( Amoureux) » (2007), and Ayi Kwei Armah’s « The Beautyful Ones are Not Yet born” (1968)
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Date
2021
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Publisher
Mouloud Mammeri University of Tizi –Ouzou
Abstract
This research work delves into the analysis of two modern African literature works:
L'archeologie du chaos (amoureux) by Mustapha Benfodil (2007) and The Beautyful Ones
Are Not Yet Born by Ayi Kwei Armah (1968). The objective of this study is to demonstrate
how the theory of the grotesque can be applied to these two novels. The research employs
Mikhail Bakhtin's theory of the grotesque, which was expounded in his book Rabelais and His
World published in 1965. The discussion is structured into two parts; the first of which
analyzes the grotesque forms and themes in Benfodil's L'archeologie du chaos (amoureux).
The second part, on the other hand, is dedicated to the analysis of The Beautyful Ones Are
Not Yet Born by Armah under the same theory. The two analyses scrutinize the grotesque
imagery used, the language utilized, the grotesque aspects of the characters, the degradation
of certain aspects, and the dethroning of both Algerian and Ghanaian societies and
governments. Throughout the research, it has been discovered that there are numerous
passages in both novels where the grotesque could be applied. It became evident that Benfodil
and Armah were inspired by the challenges and issues their respective countries faced, and
sought to condemn them while simultaneously advocating for positive change. As such, the
research concludes that the grotesque serves as a useful tool in the critique of oppressive
societal and governmental structures. Through the grotesque, authors can underscore the
absurdity of such systems, and challenge readers to envision a world where such grotesqueries
are eliminated. The study thus contributes to our understanding of the power of literature as a
means of social commentary, and provides insights into the ways in which African literature
can be used to shed light on the political and social realities of the continent
Description
50p. ; 30cm. (+CD-Rom)
Keywords
Citation
Literature and civilisation