Lilian Onyeiwu

Gender as a broad concept has been discussed from several pivots. While some scholars focus on the meaning, origin and proponents, some examine the movements in support of the concept while a host of others oppose the motion. However, much emphasis has not been placed on the concept of quest for identity by African women in the African society perhaps as a result of the limitation of scholarly interest in the concept. This essay, through the feminism theory, examines the quest for identity of African women with focus on issues related to the African woman and her society. Issues like single parenting, the pursuit for self-identity, dominance and oppression from the male gender, resistance, self-awareness and the quest for equality. This emphasis is to show that while some African women still dwell in the stet of African culture others have become vicious enough to rebel against it and make attempt to stand out. Amma Darko's Faceless and Bayo Adebowale's Lonely Days are use as the primary texts. case study

This study examines the core realities of identity and culture within human relationships. It illustrates the major influences culture and identity play within human relationships and various complexities that ensue. Using Freud’s psychoanalytic theory whose focus on the depiction of various factors, internal and external, that influence human actions. The study examines these complexities in view of how these factors influence human behaviour, actions and inactions in their interactions and relationships with others. The data used in this research was gotten from two primary texts whose focus is on culture and identity. The texts, In Every Mirror She's Black by Lola Akinmade Akerstorm and Wahala by Nikki May both highlight the difficulties found in several types of human connections, including romantic, platonic, and familial ones.. The study examines the multicultural setting and characters as a factor for identity formation and influence to the various complexities that occur within the various character relationships. It also examines the post-colonial feature of the work illustrating the ideas of migration, cultural duality and racism and their imprints on the identities of the characters and their relationships respectively. There is also the examination of the characters and the various qualities that contribute to these complexities. Their fears, imperfections and evolution in perceptions, actions and reactions during the work that contribute to some of the challenges they face in their relationships. There is the illustration of certain strategies employed by these groups to navigate through each of these complexities. The study shows that the evolving breed of multiculturalism, the various constraining realities and complexities that are faced by members of multicultural societies is a major effect of post-colonialism