The aim of this article is two-fold. It will analyse how Ogun principles in The Interpreters have been compromised and discarded by individuals transformed by an alien culture.
The article will also describe and evaluate the ways in which the Ogun presence manifests itself in a society that is reluctant to look at the past in order to forge a path of self-discovery.
In the postmodern age, the concept of identity and purpose calls for a psychological weaning from imported cultures with their hegemonic footprints. The absorption of an alien culture is at times not selectively done by members of these African societies. In effect, they find themselves technologically propelled into an environment that transforms them from the inside and spreads like a cancer.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Unravelling The Interpreters
- Bandele and the Ogun mythology of transition
- Egbo and sacrifice
- Mr Faseyi: an anchorless identity
- Conclusion
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This article aims to analyze how Ogun principles in Wole Soyinka's The Interpreters have been compromised and discarded by individuals transformed by an alien culture. It also explores how the Ogun presence manifests itself in a society reluctant to look at the past to forge a path of self-discovery. The article emphasizes the importance of psychological weaning from imported cultures and the need for a conscious and selective absorption of foreign influences.
- The impact of Western culture on African identity and values
- The role of Ogun mythology in understanding societal transition and self-discovery
- The significance of the will in shaping individual and collective identity
- The complexities of navigating cultural change and the search for a spiritual identity
- The importance of social responsibility and the need for individuals to transcend self-interest
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction establishes the framework of the article, highlighting the significance of Ogun mythology in Yoruba cosmogony and its relevance to the modern African context. Soyinka's concept of the will as a force that guides individuals through societal transitions is introduced, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and ethical conviction.
The chapter "Unravelling The Interpreters" delves into the societal disintegration and cultural dissonance depicted in Soyinka's novel. It introduces the five intellectuals, or interpreters, who are tasked with guiding society through a transition from traditional African values to modern Western lifestyles. The chapter examines the impact of self-aggrandizement and the erosion of traditional principles on the emerging African elite.
The section focusing on Bandele analyzes his character as a philosophical interpreter who embodies the principles of Ogun's mythology of transition. His willingness to help others, his humility, and his detached appraisal of society are explored, contrasting him with other characters who have succumbed to the pressures of modern society.
The chapter on "Egbo and sacrifice" highlights the importance of sacrifice and its role in maintaining community identity. The chapter examines how the Ogun principle of self-sacrifice is often discarded in favor of individual ambition and self-interest, leading to societal fragmentation.
The section on Mr. Faseyi examines the character's struggle with identity and his inability to find a sense of belonging in a society that has lost touch with its traditional values. His alienation and his inability to reconcile his past with his present are explored.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The article focuses on the themes of Ogun, culture, identity, transition, and myth. It examines the impact of cultural change on African societies, the role of mythology in understanding societal transformations, and the importance of individual and collective self-discovery in navigating a world increasingly dominated by Western influences.
- Quote paper
- Wazha Lopang (Author), 2016, Forging Ogun's Presence in a Plastic Society. A Look at Wole Soyinka's 'The Interpreters', Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/342998