Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis explores the intricate relationship between folklore and mythology in contemporary African literature, shedding light on how these elements contribute to the richness and depth of literary expressions across the African continent. The study delves into the ways in which African writers draw inspiration from traditional oral narratives, myths, legends, and cultural beliefs to create compelling and resonant literary works that reflect the complexities of African societies and identities. Chapter One introduces the research topic, providing a background to the study by examining the significance of folklore and mythology in African cultures. The chapter also outlines the problem statement, research objectives, limitations, scope, significance of the study, and defines key terms to provide a comprehensive framework for the research. Chapter Two presents a detailed literature review that critically analyzes existing scholarship on the role of folklore and mythology in African literature. The review highlights key themes, trends, and theoretical frameworks that have shaped the discourse surrounding the incorporation of traditional elements in contemporary African literary works. Chapter Three focuses on the research methodology employed in this study, detailing the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures. The chapter also discusses ethical considerations and limitations that may have influenced the research process. Chapter Four presents the findings of the study, offering an in-depth analysis of how African writers utilize folklore and mythology to address themes such as identity, cultural heritage, power dynamics, and social issues in their works. The chapter explores specific examples of literary texts that exemplify the diverse ways in which folklore and mythology are integrated into contemporary African literature. Chapter Five serves as the conclusion and summary of the thesis, synthesizing the key findings, implications, and contributions of the research. The chapter also offers recommendations for future research and concludes by emphasizing the enduring relevance and significance of folklore and mythology in shaping contemporary African literary landscapes. Overall, this thesis contributes to the ongoing dialogue on the intersection of tradition and modernity in African literature, highlighting the dynamic and evolving nature of storytelling practices in the region. By examining the role of folklore and mythology in contemporary African literature, this study underscores the importance of cultural heritage and oral traditions in shaping literary narratives that resonate with diverse audiences both within and beyond the African continent.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Exploring the Role of Folklore and Mythology in Contemporary African Literature" delves into the intricate relationship between traditional African folklore and mythology and their manifestation in contemporary African literary works. This research seeks to bridge the gap between ancient oral traditions and modern written narratives by examining how folklore and mythology have influenced and shaped the literary landscape of Africa. The study begins by introducing the rich tapestry of African folklore and mythology, highlighting their significance in indigenous cultures and societies. It explores the diverse forms of oral narratives, myths, legends, and folk tales that have been passed down through generations, embodying the collective wisdom, beliefs, and values of African communities. Moving on to the contemporary literary scene, the research delves into how African writers have drawn inspiration from traditional folklore and mythology to create compelling works of fiction. It analyzes how these ancient storytelling traditions are reimagined, adapted, and integrated into modern narratives, reflecting the complexities of African identity, history, and culture. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study examines a wide range of African literary works that incorporate elements of folklore and mythology, exploring themes such as cultural heritage, identity, power dynamics, and the supernatural. By analyzing these texts, the research aims to uncover the ways in which traditional storytelling practices continue to inform and enrich contemporary African literature. The research methodology section outlines the approach taken to analyze and interpret the selected literary works, incorporating both qualitative and comparative methods to gain a deeper understanding of the role of folklore and mythology in shaping African narratives. Through close reading and textual analysis, the study seeks to identify recurring motifs, symbols, and narrative structures that link traditional and contemporary storytelling traditions. The discussion of findings section presents a detailed analysis of the identified themes and patterns within the selected literary works, shedding light on how African writers engage with folklore and mythology to explore issues of cultural memory, social dynamics, and the human experience. The research highlights the ways in which traditional narratives are recontextualized and reinterpreted in modern contexts, offering new insights into the evolving nature of African literary expression. In conclusion, the study synthesizes its findings to underscore the enduring relevance and resilience of African folklore and mythology in contemporary literature. It emphasizes the importance of preserving and honoring these oral traditions, recognizing their transformative power in shaping narratives that resonate with diverse audiences and contribute to a deeper understanding of African culture and heritage.