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Abstract
This essay, "Themes and Style in Julie Okoh's 'Our Wife Forever'," analyzes the dramatic presentation of post-colonial and patriarchal struggles faced by Nigerian women, specifically focusing on the entrenched issues of widowhood rites, inheritance, and domestic violence. The study employs Feminist Theory as its primary theoretical framework to critique the patriarchal structures, customs, and traditions (such as widow inheritance) that subjugate women, as exemplified by the antagonist Thomas's insistence on inheriting his late brother's wife, Victoria, and his proper
The research critically examines the central themes of sexism, gender struggle, oppression, and the conflict between atavistic tradition and modernity. The essay demonstrates how Okoh leverages various stylistic features—including suspense, irony, the symbolic use of character names (like Thomas and Hector), proverbs, and songs—to critique the inhumane treatment of women. The play is analyzed as a piece of reality laced with surrealism (use of dreams) that functions as a clarion call for the protection of women's rights and the eradication of gender-based violence, ultimately singing of the superior power of love and hope in overcoming patriarchal oppression.
The methodology involves a close reading of the play and a review of related literature on Nigerian literature and feminist scholarship to provide a comprehensive analysis of the novel's contribution to the discourse on women's empowerment and social justice in Nigerian society.
The research critically examines the central themes of sexism, gender struggle, oppression, and the conflict between atavistic tradition and modernity. The essay demonstrates how Okoh leverages various stylistic features—including suspense, irony, the symbolic use of character names (like Thomas and Hector), proverbs, and songs—to critique the inhumane treatment of women. The play is analyzed as a piece of reality laced with surrealism (use of dreams) that functions as a clarion call for the protection of women's rights and the eradication of gender-based violence, ultimately singing of the superior power of love and hope in overcoming patriarchal oppression.
The methodology involves a close reading of the play and a review of related literature on Nigerian literature and feminist scholarship to provide a comprehensive analysis of the novel's contribution to the discourse on women's empowerment and social justice in Nigerian society.
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