Corrupt Practices in Chinua Achebe’s a Man of the People and Festus Iyayi’s Violence

CORRUPT PRACTICES IN CHINUA ACHEBE’S A MAN OF THE PEOPLE AND FESTUS IYAYI’S VIOLENCE

  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Declaration

Certification

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Abstract

Table of contents

CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION

1.1        Background to the Study

1.2       Statement of the Problem

1.3       Purpose of the Study

1.4       Significance of the Study

1.5       Objectives of the Study

1.6       Scope and delimitation of the Study

1.7       Research Methodology

1.8       Bio-Data of Chinua Achebe

1.9       Bio-Data of Festus Iyayi

 

CHAPTER TWO  – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE                        

CHAPTER THREE – CORRUPT PRACTICES IN CHINUA ACHEBE’S A MAN OF THE PEOPLE

3.1        Analysis of Achebe’s A Man of the People

3.2       Themes in Achebe A Man of the People

3.3       Achebe’s Styles in A Man of the People

3.4       Characterization in Achebe’s A Man of the People

 

CHAPTER FOUR – CORRUPT PRACTICES IN FESTUS IYAYI’S VIOLENCE

4.1       Analysis of Iyayi’s Violence

4.2       Themes in Iyayi’s Violence 

4.3       Style in Iyayi’s Violence 

4.4       Characterization in Iyayi’s Violence 

CHAPTER FIVE – SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1        Summary

5.2       Conclusion

5.3       Recommendations

Works Cited

 

ABSTRACT

This research work examines corrupt practices in Chinua Achebe’s A Man of the People and Festus Iyayi’s Violence.  Chinua Achebe and Festus Iyayi belong to different generations of Nigerian writers who see corruption, violence and socio- cultural conflicts in the Nigerian society as a product of misleading and corrupt leadership.

Achebe, for instance, depicts the nature of politics in Nigeria during post-independence period and how the leadership utilizes and exploits the independence for themselves. The selfish leaders   exploit the masses to a great extent which brought about different leadership problems such as corruption and discrimination.

Iyayi also explore the effects of poverty and cruel exploitation in the lives of Nigerians. Also, his writings lampoons the society full of inhumanity of the rich against the poor and dehumanizing the lower class. The study therefore shows that Nigerian societies are faced with political conflict, political disillusionment and political oppression. Because of dictatorship and excessive socio-political conflicts imposed by the corrupt leaders.

The researcher therefore recommends good literature novels with good moral lessons. Specifically, would expose to the learners on the effects of corrupt practices in Nigerian society. The authors’ views are equally established with the hope of an end goal of finding solutions that will take Nigeria out of the shackles of corrupt practices.

 

Corrupt Practices in Chinua Achebe’s a Man of the People and Festus Iyayi’s Violence

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1  Background to the Study

In brief, African literature is proactive and it is used to change a bad situation like, corruption, exploitation, dehumanization, disillusionment and slavery. African writers such as Chinua Achebe and Festus Iyayi are not alone in the fight against corruption, exploitation and bad governance as African and Nigerian scholars.

Moreover, corruption is a manifestation of bad governance that result to poverty and this has been identified as the bane of our society, Nigeria. Without a doubt , all these bring about economic hardship, poverty and suffering that have sterilized the hope of many Nigerian youths. For instance, in Achebe’s A Man of the People, the author lampoons the negative effects of corruption, exploitation, deprivation, oppression and infrastructural decay.

While Iyayi’s Violence, reflect on the socio-economic and political milieus that characterize the post-colonial Nigeria. He also revealed the inherent structural contradictions in Nigeria how the upper class exploits the lower class in the novel. Following this, he saw the pains of the poor as victims of their society. Touches the reader making him sympathize with these situation of the Nigerian society.

Therefore, the above inherent discussion on exploitation, oppression and dehumanization of the poor masses in Nigeria paints a critical picture of the background to this study research study.

 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Both Chinua Achebe and Festus Iyayi have used their novels to suggest the need for a change  in political system in Nigeria. Surprisingly, the two novelists have the vision of transforming Nigeria from its present state as portrayed in two novels respectively. Consequently, this will eradicate corruption, oppression and exploitation free in Nigerian society.

Hence, the desire of Achebe and Iyayi is to see Nigeria as a place where the institutions of governance can guarantee good health, housing, food, quality education, fairness, justice and security. Emphatically, they want to see Nigeria as a place. Where there are proofs of good governance such as social and economic development as well as political stability; a country that can boast of bright opportunities for its citizens.

 

1.3       Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to explore the corrupt practices in Chinua Achebe’s A Man of the People and Festus Iyayi’s Violence.

 

1.4 Significance of the Study

Generally, this study will play a significant role in the lives of the Nigerian leaders over their leadership ethics. It will equip them and make them see how the poor Nigerians are faced with the object of poverty, suffering, and exploitation as a result of their selfish and corrupt rule.

The study will also serve as a reference material to researchers. Also, the students of English with a good knowledge on what Achebe’s A Man of the People and Iyayi’s Violence stipulated.

 

The theme of Corrupt Practices in Chinua Achebe’s a Man of the People and Festus Iyayi’s Violence

1.5       Objectives of the Study

The objectives of this research are:

1. to examine the main problems behind the corrupt practices in the fictional characters in Chinua Achebe’s A Man of the People and Festus Iyayi’s Violence.
2. to identify the corrupt practices played by Nigerian politicians comparing Chinua Achebe’s politicians in A Man of the People and Festus Iyayi’s Violence
3. to provide the prevention of corrupt practices and find a way to eliminate it completely from the Nigerian political system.

 

1.6       Research Methodology

The main source of this research work is a textual analysis of Chinua Achebe’s A Man of the People and Festus Iyayi’s Violence. In addition, the secondary sources are internet publication, African novels that are based on political corruption, library and articles that are related to corrupt writings.

1.7 Scope and delimitation of the Study

The scope of this research project is delimited to Achebe’s A Man of the People and Festus Iyayi’s Violence.