This study painstakingly pierces through the encrustations of archetypal patterns vis-a-vis events and character manifestations particularly the pharmakos figure in Orabueze's Men behind the Masks. The study examines the interplay of archetypal patterns as the vanguard of most tragic sequence. The researcher deployed the archetypal literary theory in the analysis of the work. The study concludes on the note that Orabueze's Men behind the Masks carries the characteristic trappings of the Azazel figure and it is this very model that influences the structuration of the work.
Akwanya asserts that "Art (literature) is sustained by its depositum, where all the existents are symbolic forms, its characters...can appear in different versions and semblances and animate new stories in as much as they form the substratum upon which the new stories and personages are grounded...." As a pure perception, language engraves these experiences and it is against this motivation that this research paper was informed. Many a critics have engaged the reading of Florence Orabueze's Men behind the Masks in different literary lens but adequate attention has not been paid to a reading of the work in the light of the archetypal patterns that moulds the structuration of the work. Thus, this is the lacuna that this research paper is set to bridge.
KEYWORDS: Archetypes, Azazel, suffering, tragedy, motif, pharmakos, Florence Orabueze.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. An Insight into Orabueze's Men behind the Masks
3. Mapping the Archetype of Azazel
3.1 The Idea of a Movement
3.2 Suffering as a common phenomenon
3.3 The Existence of a Priest
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Thematic Focus
This research paper aims to provide a critical analysis of Florence Orabueze's novel "Men behind the Masks" through the lens of archetypal literary theory, specifically focusing on the figure of Azazel. The central research objective is to investigate how archetypal patterns, particularly those identified with the pharmakos, influence the narrative structure and the tragic trajectory of the characters within the novel.
- Application of archetypal literary theory to contemporary African literature.
- Analysis of the Azazel (pharmakos) figure as a discourse formative.
- Exploration of recurring patterns: movement, suffering, and the role of the priest.
- Examination of the interplay between mythic thought and historical class struggle.
- Investigation of the "collective hero" concept within the novel's narrative structure.
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The Idea of a Movement:
Accordingly, Akwanya avers that "literature can hardly be grasped, without first mastering the movement of mythic thought... " It is this movement of what Cassirer calls 'mythic thinking' that informs my conclusion that Keally, the protagonist of Orabueze's Men behind the Masks exhibits the Promethean spirit vis-a-vis his travails and his portrayal as the figure of the Azazel in the work. In a literal sense, the Azazel which could also be known as the Pharmakos is a person killed or banished in order to heal a community. In all the meanings and variants of the Azazel , one variable seems to be constant and this is the implied idea of 'a movement'. This could be a physical movement of death , where the Azazel character dies or a symbolic movement of exile which could be seen in the case of Greek tragedies where a character leaves his terrain into exile.
The phenomenon of movement is the chief enabler of this very archetype. Without the dying of the bearer of this achetype, then there could not be the appearance of the Azazel therein as it is the movement either to death or exile into the wilderness, never to return that animates this very achetype . In Men behind the Masks, we see a scenario at the final scene of the novel, where the carrier of the Azazel(Keally), after all his effort to avert or jump his destiny, gets executed through a firing squad. He at that very scene enters this plane, of movement into the chthonic realm. Keally takes a bow to this movement. He becomes resigned to his fate to plunge himself into this movement as this is what would fulfil his destiny as the carrier- archetype.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter establishes the theoretical foundation by engaging with literary theories from Aristotle, Frye, and others, while identifying the research gap regarding archetypal patterns in Orabueze's work.
2. An Insight into Orabueze's Men behind the Masks: This section provides an overview of the novel's plot, character motivations, and the socio-economic context of class struggle in Nigeria.
3. Mapping the Archetype of Azazel: This chapter analyzes the core archetypal components of the Azazel figure, specifically focusing on the necessity of movement, the experience of collective suffering, and the ritualistic presence of a priest figure.
3.1 The Idea of a Movement: This section explores how the physical or symbolic movement towards death or exile defines the carrier-archetype in the protagonist’s journey.
3.2 Suffering as a common phenomenon: This part examines suffering as an existential condition of the pharmakos and its role in animating the tragic narrative.
3.3 The Existence of a Priest: This section discusses the ritual function of the priest figure as a witness and facilitator of the tragic outcome.
4. Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes the findings, arguing that the Azazel archetype provides a universal framework for understanding the recurring themes of corruption and tragedy in African and world literature.
Keywords
Archetypes, Azazel, suffering, tragedy, motif, pharmakos, Florence Orabueze, Men behind the Masks, mythic thought, narrative structure, collective heroism, class struggle, ritual, literary theory, chthonic realm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on identifying and analyzing the archetypal figure of the Azazel (or pharmakos) within Florence Orabueze's novel "Men behind the Masks".
What are the central themes explored in the work?
The central themes include the interplay between archetypal patterns, the dynamics of power and class struggle, systemic corruption, and the tragic fate of the individual in society.
What is the primary research objective?
The objective is to bridge the analytical gap in existing criticism by demonstrating how the Azazel archetype shapes the narrative structure and tragic trajectory of the novel's protagonist.
Which theoretical framework does the author employ?
The researcher utilizes archetypal literary theory, drawing upon concepts from Northrop Frye, Paul Ricoeur, and others to analyze the text.
What does the main body of the paper cover?
The main body examines the novel as a historical narrative, tests the "carrier" archetype through the character Keally, and explores the patterns of movement, suffering, and priestly presence.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include Archetypes, Azazel, Pharmakos, Tragic sequence, Orabueze, Mythic thought, and Collective heroism.
How does the author define the Azazel figure in the context of the novel?
The author defines the Azazel as a representative of the pharmakos—a figure whose suffering and inevitable death or banishment serves to "heal" or address the corrupted state of the community.
What role does the "priest" play in the tragic narrative structure?
The priest acts as a symbolic figure who validates or oversees the tragic transition and premonition of fate that the Azazel character must undergo.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2024, Mapping the Figure of the Azazel as a Discourse Formative in F. O. Orabueze's "Men Behind The Masks", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1496794
