Journey Towards Liberation and Empowerment in the Select Novels of Flora Nwapa

Abstract

Literature is a conglomeration of works connected by origin, language, place, and newlinesubject matter. It consists of oral, written, dramatic, and broadcasting compositions preserved for ages. African literature provides an elaborate history of Africa and its origin through oral and written forms. The Nigerian literature which is an offshoot of African literature, focuses on issues like racial and gender discrimination, man-woman relationship, glory of motherhood and the effects of the Nigerian Civil War and impact of colonialism. Many notable writers like Chinua Achebe Wole Soyinka, Ben Okri, Flora Nwapa and Buchi Emecheta emerged and through them and their notable works they contributed their mite to the growth of Nigerian literature. Flora Nwapa the renowned woman writer of Nigeria has occupied a considerable newlineposition in the literary arena. She has been called the mother of modern African literature and she is the first female writer in Africa whose works got published in English. She founded Tana Press and published her works. The works she produced in three decades speak about Nigerian culture, its tradition and women empowerment. Her novels, Efuru (1966), Idu (1970), Never Again (1975), One is Enough (1981) and Women Are Different (1986), bring a clear picture of the life led by Nigerian men and women. Unlike the male writers who have upheld the patriarchal system, Nwapa has portrayed her men to be different from the patriarchal stance. When Nigerian literature dealt with patriarchy as a major theme, men possessed power and strength. But Nwapa s men are different in that they are not domineering but optimistic and supporters of women. Women are no longer considered victims but are given liberation. They become the reason for the creation of the New African Woman. By analysing different perspectives Nwapa has brought about a synthesis between tradition and x modernity. Certain traditional but meaningful practices are retained whereas certain other newlinepractices are replaced by the new ones. Customs like marriage