Alter/ Native and the New Historicism Contents of Second Generation Nigerian Poets

Abstract

This paper examines the intersection and synergy between Alter/Native criticism and the New Historicism in the context of second-generation Nigerian poets. Alter/ Native criticism focuses on indigenous literary traditions, cultural contexts, and oral histories, while New Historicism explores the interplay between literature and historical conditions. By applying these critical approaches to the works of second-generation Nigerian poets and novelists, such as Niyi Osundare, Chinua Achebe, and Wole Soyinka, this study aims to shed light on how these poets and novelists enrich our understanding of Nigerian literature by examining the cultural and historical contexts in which their works are produced. Drawing from indigenous literary traditions, the second-generation Nigerian poets employ AlterNative criticism to explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the preservation of indigenous voices. Their works incorporate elements of folklore, proverbs, and cultural symbols, reflecting a deep engagement with Nigerian cultural heritage. Additionally, the New Historicism provides insights into how the historical conditions of Nigeria, including colonization, independence struggles, and post-colonial challenges, influence the themes and styles of the poets' works. Through the application of the New Historicism, we can examine how these poets engage with and respond to historical events, power dynamics, and social realities. By examining the poems and critical perspectives of second-generation Nigerian poets, this paper showcases the synergies and mutual enrichment between Native criticism and New Historicism. The combination of these approaches enhances our understanding of the cultural and historical dimensions of the poets' works, providing deeper insights into the complexities of Nigerian literature. This study contributes to the broader field of Nigerian literary scholarship and offers a comprehensive understanding of the contributions made by second-generation Nigerian poets to the Nigerian literary canon.