Exploring Post-independence African Identity and Sociopolitical Realities through Wole Soyinka’s Interpreters

Abstract

This paper researches into the intricate layers of post-independence African identity and sociopolitical realities as portrayed in Wole Soyinka’s seminal work, The Interpreters. Through a close examination of Soyinka's novel, we explore how the characters grapple with the complexities of nationhood, cultural heritage, and individual agency in the wake of colonialism. By analyzing the intersecting narratives and ideological conflicts within the text, we uncover the tensions between tradition and modernity, indigenous beliefs and Western influences, and the quest for authentic self-expression amidst political turmoil. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of African literature and the multifaceted discourses surrounding postcolonial identity formation.