Approaches to Teaching the Works of Ngugi Wa Thioingo

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o is one of the most important and celebrated authors of post-independence Africa as well as a ground breaking postcolonial theorist. His work, written first in English, then in Gĩkũyũ, engages with the transformations of his native Kenya after what is often termed the Mau Mau rebellion. It also gives voice to the struggles of all Africans against economic injustice and political oppression. His writing and activism continue despite imprisonment, the threat of assassination, and exile.

Part 1 of this volume, “Materials,” provides resources and background for the teaching of Ngũgĩ’s novels, plays, memoirs, and criticism. The essays of part 2, “Approaches,” consider the influence of Frantz Fanon, Karl Marx, and Joseph Conrad on Ngũgĩ; the role of women in and influence of feminism on his fiction; his interpretation and political use of African history; his experimentation with orality and allegory in narrative; and the different challenges of teaching Ngũgĩ in classrooms in the United States, Europe, and Africa.

About the author

Oliver Lovesey is associate professor of English in the Department of Critical Studies, University of British Columbia, Okanagan; author of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o; and editor of Victorian Social Activists' Novels.

Product details

• Authors: Oliver Lovesey, Oliver (EDT) Lovesey
• Assisted by: Oliver Lovesey (Editor)
• Publisher: Modern Language Assn Of Amer
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.12.2012
• EAN: 9781603291125
• ISBN: 978-1-60329-112-5
• Series: Approaches to Teaching World L; Approaches to Teaching World Literature 121; Approaches to Teaching World L; Approaches to Teaching World Literature 121
• Subject: Humanities, art, music > Education > School education, didactics, methodology