CONFLICT IN T.M. ALUKO: A STUDY OF T.M. ALUKO’S NOVELS

CONFLICT IN T.M. ALUKO: A STUDY OF T.M. ALUKO’S NOVELS

Abstract:

The h i s t o r y of Nigeria from c o l o n i s a t i on u n t i l independence d e p i c t s a number of s t r u g g l es which are milestones in N i g e r i a ‘ s growth to nationhood. These s t r u g g l e s are r e l i g i o u s, p o l i t i c a l and c u l t u r a l and operate both at t he i n d i v i d u a l and s o c i e t a l l e v e l s . The i n d i v i d u al o f t e n finds himself at the crossroads of c u l t u r al c o n f l i c t between t r a d i t i o n and Western c u l t u r e. The same c u l t u r a l s t r u g g l e engulfs the s o c i e t y in g e n e r a l . Aluko’s novels p o r t r a y t h e s e c o n f l i c ts i n operation and in watching Aluko’s c h a r a c t e rs and s o c i e t y r e a c t to t h i s c u l t u r a l c o n f l i c t , we see the n a t u r e of t h e s e c o n f l i c t s and the v a r i o us landmarks recorded in the c u l t u r a l s t r u g g l es going on at each s t a g e. Aluko has often been seen as an uncommitted w r i t e r by c r i t i c s because h i s e a r l y novels do not appear to b r i n g out suggestions as to how t he s o c i e t y can be developed or modernised. Again, t h e y gee Aluko as an a n t i – t r a d i t i o n a l i s t . This study h i g h l i g h t s t h e s e various c r i t i c i s m s of Aluko, r e l a t e s them to Aluko’s works and then t r a c e s the p r o g r e s s made by the n o v e l i s t. Chapter One is a survey of existing critical studies on Aluko, showing the need for further investigation to make for a comprehensive understanding of Aluko. chapter two is a study of the Early-Aluko and it examines Aluko’s early novels, One Man, One wife and One Man, One Matchet in terms of Aluko1s vision of conflict in the society. The argument in this chapter is that Aluko’s depiction of traditional life is prejudiced by his preference for western ideas. Chapter three studies the middle Aluko as seen in the two novels: Kinsman and Foreman and Chief the Honourable Minister. The middle period shows that Aluko realises that Western education does not solve Africa’s backwardness and that tradition is an indestructible force In society. Chapter four is the Later- Aluko and concerns His Worshipful Majesty and Wrong Ones in the Dock. This chapter examines the writer’s change in attitude which improves his portrayal of the cultural conflict in his society, as reflected in the last two novels. Chapter five is the conclusion and argues that Aluko has progressed and become an increasingly better critic and a more objective writer than he had been earlier in his career.

CONFLICT IN T.M. ALUKO: A STUDY OF T.M. ALUKO’S NOVELS

Sharing is caring!