CHAPTER ONE

1.0          INTRODUCTION

This chapter introduces the focus of the research. It gives background knowledge of the study, defines the concept of literature, analyses its function and also the role of the writer in the society.

This study recognizes that when a writer creates a piece of work, they cannot be different to the nature of social relations in whose framework they create, because the writer is a human being living in a given social system. Literature becomes the means through which the writer tells people about the situation of things by creating awareness to the societies cultural, political and socio-economic realities.

Just as literature reflects the society, it also influences and shape society. Literature functions socially to maintain and stabilize the social order. The function of literature in the society is very crucial in the sense that it educates, mobilizes and even enlightens. Achebe (1965:22) agrees with the above when he states that:

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‘The writer lives in a society and interacts with the

Interaction enables him to take a critical view of

The behavioral pattern of Individual within the

Changing social structure in the society’

In addition, literature reflects the people’s social condition. Literature cannot be divorced from the culture of the people because the values of a society are usually expressed in the people’s songs, dances, sculpture, rites and ceremonies.

It is important to state that no writer writes in isolation. The writer becomes the conscience of his society since anything produced by a writer is greatly determined by the environment and the time which the writer writes. The writer reflects the social problems and presents them depending on the perspectives with which he operates.

In addition, the writer is a social being who serves as a mirror of the society, no wonder there is room for art for art’s sake. This is with tandem with the fact that literature mirrors reality. Literature asserts the development of man’s consciousness, It is geared towards improving the social system. In this regard, the writer cannot be exempted from the task of re-education and

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regeneration. Since the writer’s sensibility is conducted by the happenings around him, the writer ends up being an intellectual and sensitive figure. Therefore, he finds himself in a dynamic society. Hence, uses literature to record the socio-economic, political and social conditions of the society.

It is important to note that literature is a product of historical and social conditions. Each writer expresses a certain view(s) of his time. The writer expresses the problems in which the society is entrapped, he fights against oppression, exploitation and struggle to liberate the society from all forms of socio-political and economic problems.

This study observes that the Northern Nigerian novel has a conscious approach to the life of its people and the society, it reflects the social realities encapsulated in the political, economic, cultural and social life of the people. Therefore, writers such as Razinat T Muhammad, Bilkisu Abubakar, Ibrahim Tahir, Abubakar Gimba, Zaynab Alkali, LaboYari and Helon Habila use the medium of the novel in English to explore on the totality of existence of especially the Northern Nigerian society.

The Northern Nigerian novel attempts to translate traditional beliefs, customs and attitudes in an entirely new context employing a language in which the modern reader can respond. The novel in Northern Nigeria makes

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constant allusion to the people’s customs, beliefs, ceremonies, language and shows the extent of both internal and external influences on the forces that shape human existence in that region.

The Northern Nigerian society has continuously suffered a decline in its value. This is further fuelled by the misconception and misinterpretation of especially Islamic doctrines in the society. As a result of this, the woman especially has been relegated to the margins of socio-cultural environment. Additionally, the situation in Northern Nigeria is reflected in all facet of human existence where honesty, accountability, transparency dedication and so on have been replaced with corruption, indiscipline, dishonesty, immorality and injustice. Northern Nigeria society is undergoing socio-cultural changes that would in all probability have far reaching effects on how its people perceive cultural effects such as marriage, education, meek, virtuous woman, vicious co-wives, rival or step mothers.

The pervasiveness of the above calls for an interrogation .Hence, the study explores the issues that affect the author’s immediate environment. The presentation of her characters are not only true to life, the thematic concern are of the North too.

1. 1. This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research work
2. 2. As a source for additional understanding of the subject.
3. 3. As a source for ideas for your own research work (if properly referenced).
4. 4. For PROPER paraphrasing (see your university definition of plagiarism and acceptable paraphrase)
5. 5. Direct citing (if referenced properly)
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