Stylistic analysis of Nigerian prose: A reading of selected novels of Chukwuemeka Ike

Abstract

This paper examined the language, style and other narrative devices in Chukwuemeka Ike’s novels. The diagnostic objective of the paper is based on the interpretative analysis of Ike’s linguistic medium to determine how they aide in giving expressions to his vision as a writer. It reveals that colloquial and evocative language layered with oral resources provides the fertile medium through which Ike portrays the absurdities and decadence inherent in his society. His craftsmanship and talent glistens from effective and efficient deployment of literary style like the third person narrative point of view, dream motif, flashback, songs, metaphor, proverbs, adjectival density in which Ike piles up superlative and superficial adjectives while describing his characters which often make his language genial and turgid, etc. The paper explored some aspects of language in Henri Bergson’s theory of humour which sheds some light on Ike’s use of language. It concludes that contrary to the popularly held view that Ike belongs to the popular tradition in African literature; Ike is a consummate writer whose utmost concern is the propagation of a healthy society.