This is a research on Toyin Abiodun's drama texts "The Marriage of Arike" and "The Trials of Afonja" describing it as books on history and African culture using the theory "New Historicism".

ABSTRACT

Many writers resort borrowing and incorporating elements of culture in their works other to preserve from extinction. The writers in this time are aware of the historicity of the people as well as the culture and aesthetics which he intends to capture. The intention here is to educate,entertain, as well as address social issues as can be seen in Abiodun’s The Trials of Afonja and The Marriage of Arike. This research shows the importance of the past in the present and howhistory can be used in addressing the ills of the society in both texts using Stephen Greenblatt’s theory of new historicism with history, culture,  society,  and power as  its major  tenets. The research concludes that history goes a long way in addressing social ills of the present society while also serving the purpose of educating people about their past in relation to their present.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tittle page

Certification

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Abstract

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0 Background 1

1.1 Statement of the Problem 6

1.2 Purpose of Study 6

1.3 Justification 7

1.4 Scope of Study 7

1.5 Methodology 8

1.6 Organization of Chapters 8

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Preamble 9

2.1 Re-writing African Oral Tradition 10

2.2 Historical Transition of Drama and its Social Relevance 11

2.3 The Artist and the Dilemma of relevance 16

2.4 Scholarly Criticism of the Texts18

2.5 Theoretical Framework 20

2.5.0 The Tenets of New Historicism21

2.5.1 Society 22

2.5.2 Culture 22

2.5.3 Power 23

2.6 Criticism of New Historicism 24

CHAPTER THREE: EXPLORATION OF ORAL FORMS AND CULTURAL AESTHETICS IN THE TRIALS OF AFONJA AND THE MARRIAGE OF ARIKE

3.0 Preamble 25

3.1 Mysticism 26

3.1.1 Incantation and Divination27

3.1.2 Belief in Divinities and Supernatural Beings 28

3.2.1 Marriage System 32

3.2.2 Birth and Death 34

3.3.1 Panegyric 36

3.3.2 Eulogy 39

3.3.3 Music, Dance and Drums40

3.4.1 Greetings and Displays of Respect 42

3.4.2 Use of Proverbs 43

3.4.3 Folktales 45

3.5 Transliteration                        47

3.6 Use of Narrator 47

Summary 49

CHAPTER FOUR: HISTORICAL AND ORAL FORMS AND RELEVANCE TO SOCIETY

4.0 Preamble 50

4.1.0 Oyo in the Time of Aole: Historical Facts 51

4.1.1 Historical Representation/Re-enactment 52

4.2.1 Legends 53

4.2.2 Festivals 57

4.2.3 Folktales 58

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

5.0 Summary 62

5.0.1 Findings 62

5.0.2 Conclusion 64

REFERENCES 65