Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project focuses on conducting a comparative analysis between the plays "Our Husband Have Gone Mad Again" by Ola Rotimi and "Our Husband Have Gone Mad Again" by Ugochukwu P. Anieto. The objective of this study is to explore the thematic, stylistic, and contextual differences and similarities between the two plays. By examining the plots, character development, setting, and dialogues in both plays, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how each playwright approaches the theme of marital relationships and societal expectations. The methodology employed in this research involves a thorough examination of the texts of both plays, utilizing close reading techniques to uncover the nuances and complexities of the playwrights' narratives. Additionally, this study will incorporate a comparative analysis framework to systematically compare and contrast the various elements of the two plays. By conducting a detailed analysis of the characters, relationships, conflicts, and resolutions in both plays, this research seeks to shed light on the distinctive approaches taken by Rotimi and Anieto in presenting the challenges faced by married couples in Nigerian society. Through this comparative analysis, this study aims to highlight the unique contributions of each playwright to the portrayal of marital discord and societal norms in Nigerian theater. By delving into the cultural and historical contexts that influenced the creation of these plays, this research will provide valuable insights into the ways in which Nigerian playwrights engage with themes of marriage, gender roles, and social expectations. Furthermore, this study will explore how each playwright uses humor, satire, and dramatic irony to critique and challenge prevailing social norms and conventions. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to the existing scholarship on Nigerian drama and theater, particularly in the context of marital relationships and societal expectations. By offering a comparative analysis of these two seminal works, this study will provide a deeper understanding of the thematic and stylistic nuances that distinguish Rotimi's and Anieto's approaches to dramatizing the complexities of married life in Nigeria.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the study

It is assumed that for Africa and indeed the world to be an egalitarian society; teachers must find innovative ways of using language to deconstruct sexist literature and helping readers, particularly students, to imagine a world in which there can be genuine equality.

As stated by Finnegan, Ruth (2011: 64), the artist undoubtedly remains a socio, political force in any social formation. Apart from playing the role of an entertainer, the artist uses his artistic creation to instill truth into people’s consciousness in any given age. It is also true that when anomalies and contradictions become too glaring in any society the literary artist feels called upon to rectify such anomalies found in the society using art as a weapon.The artist’s mode of assessing an existing sociopolitical system, the people’s attitude etc. in a society,is satire – a form of writing which makes fun of the evil or foolish behaviour of people, institutions or society in general. The literary artist is known to have used satire from the beginning of literary history (64).

Before Nigeria gained its independence, a lot of brilliant thoughts had been spurred by the political consciousness that had been unleashed on the African Negroes who had exploited the gift of literacy and intellectual enlightenment via the acquisition of formal education. Artists like Hubert Ogunde had already begun to criticise colonialism in their works and in the process opened the eyes of the masses to the reality of the country’s situation. According to Ebun Clark (1978: 23):

‘Ogunde’s Theatre participated in the cultural renaissance in the forties so did it in the nationalist movement…’

It was works like this along with other initiatives that spurred the struggle for self governance and before long, Nigeria gained its independence. However, self governance soon proved to be as vicious as colonialism (if not worse) as exemplified by corruption, inefficient leadership and greed, vices which came to be synonymous with Nigerian politicians. Again, the literary scholars took to their pens to criticise their wrong doings. Some wrote in newspapers, while others treated the issues on television and other mass media. On the other hand, some decided to employ the theatre.