Representation of Nigerian Women in the Fictions of Buchi Emecheta

Author(s): Lavkush Kumar

Abstract:

Buchi Emecheta, a prominent Nigerian author, explores themes of gender, space, and identity in several of her novels, providing a nuanced perspective on the challenges faced by women in both African and diasporic contexts. Emecheta's work is often seen as striving for the liberation of women, though she herself said, "I'm not a feminist. I'm just a woman who struggles against patriarchal thinking and traditions in her society." Her novels depict the harsh realities women face, particularly the expectation that women should only care for male children and the later physical and mental abuse endured by those who give birth to daughters. Emecheta was the first African writer to vividly express her identity and life experiences through her novels. The themes of her works revolve around the representation of Nigerian women, their works and the emotions of helplessness and powerlessness of women, depicting the dehumanizing nature of male-dominated society, racism, and cultural traditions. In fact, the role of women has been one of the major themes in African women’s fiction. This paper focuses on the existence and representation of African women and an examination of five novels by Buchi Emecheta, a prominent female Nigerian novelist. The present research work is significant, useful, and relevant as it sheds light on the themes of selected novels by Buchi Emecheta.

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