Synecdoche of the body and epistemic domains in the writing of Mongo Beti

Abstract

This article aims to examine the synecdoche of the body and epistemic domains in Mongo Beti, that is, it aims to show the functioning and to give a polysemy, a multifunctionality of the synecdoche in the Betian novels through the forest, social and political universe. To materialize this work, we rely on two methodological approaches: one, semiotic and the other, pragmatic. The first will help us to grasp the synecdoche of the body as a sign endowed with signifiance (Eco, 1988, p.28); the second will allow us to see it as a major theme tainted by implicit, implied (Maingeneau, 2001, p.132) and unspoken meanings. The examination of the problematic allowed us to arrive at these results: the forest is a space of hospitality and revenge; the relationship between synecdoche and the body in the traditional and urban universes; the relationship between Essola and the prison of Mundongo. Keywords: Synecdoche; Body; Forest; Social; Political