Vernacular Critique, Deleuzo-Guattarian Theory and Cultural Historicism in West African and Southern African Literatures

摘要: In this thesis I use concepts from Deleuzo-Guattarian theory, combined with a vernacular theoretical understanding, to perform cultural historicist readings of texts that lack clear contextual referents, as demonstrate an extended close reading Amos Tutuola’s problematic classic The Palm-Wine Drinkard; then the approach’s versatility by using it read very different text, Bessie Head’s A Question Power. Tutuola’s Drinkard draws on theories bush common across West Africa, in which is discursive space for exploring personal and social traumas. Bush Ghosts, argue, engages Yoruba Wars, slave trade, colonial capitalist development Nigeria mid-twentieth century. not only how Tutuola uses ghosts critical historical tools, but he develops peculiarly open textual serves alternative challenge developmental trends. From history enacted ghostly landscape move politics highly nightmare Power. From communal traditions, ‘schizophrenic’ theories. argue text speaks contexts far beyond experience Apartheid. schizohistory Botswana’s political history, lament authoritarian tendencies Africa decade after independence. Head combines mysticism, drawing Hinduism forge interconnectedness. Texts like become more accessible through readings, these possible once we are equipped vocabulary flexible enough translate wide variety spheres. approach encourages facilitates interdisciplinary contextually-grounded African literature, clarifying formerly obscure texts.