Postcolonial Utopianism in Buchi Emecheta’s Destination Biafra (1982)
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Date
2023
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Publisher
Université Mouloud Mammeri
Abstract
This dissertation examines utopianism in the context of a postcolonial Nigerian state, by focusing on Buchi Emecheta's Destination Biafra (1982). Through analysis of utopian and dystopian themes, we seek to illustrate the ability for the emergence of a new independent nation founded on principles of justice, freedom, and self-determination, as exemplified by the protagonist Debbie in Emecheta's literary work. In pursuit of this objective, we draw upon Bill Ashcroft's theory of Postcolonial Utopianism as presented in Utopianism in Postcolonial Literatures (2017). This dissertation goes beyond the mere examination of utopian ideals, delving into the intricate relationship between nationalism and anti-nationalism, while also investigating the profound effects of post-independence on the formation and construction of national identities. Moreover, we explore the transformative power of education in empowering individuals and preserving their cultural heritage within a postcolonial context. In order to yield more precise and nuanced findings, our research has led us to conclude that Destination Biafra encompasses an exploration of multifaceted themes including the creative spirit, resistance, and memory, particularly in the background of the Nigerian Civil War. By exploring these themes, the novel aims to exemplify the possibility of postcolonial literature in envisioning and shaping a future characterized by greater equity and justice. Thus, our study contributes to the broader discourse on utopianism in Nigerian literature highlighting its capacity to serve as a vehicle for imagining alternative social realities and inspiring transformative change
Description
54 p. ; 30 cm. (+CD-Rom)
Keywords
Anti-Nationalism, Nationalism, Nigerian civil war, Postcolonial literature, Utopianism
Citation
Literature and Interdisciplinary Approaches