| dc.description.abstract | This thesis is entitled "Symbolism and
Imagery: An analysis of Bessie Head's fictional
works." It examines the following four titles,
A Question of Power, When Rain Clouds Gather,
Maru and selected short stories from the
anthology, The Collector of Treasures.
The approach adopted in this study entails
an appreciation of
demonstration of the way symbols and images
portray and and content
individual texts. It further illustrates the
nay images and symbols illuminate the totality of
a work of literature with the manner in which the
author handles and relates characters in various
conflicts to bring about the meaning of the texts.
The development of Bessie Head's fictional
works can be traced and appreciated as a journey.
The destination of the journey is geared towards
the attainment of self-realization, human dignity
and self esteem. Central to this lies man's
strife with a hazardous, unpredictable
environment. The image of the destructive nature
looms large on the society. The cooperative
movement symbolizes the conquest and triumph of
man over nature.
Oppressive forces which imperilment liberty
include racial discrimination, sexual and ethnic
prejudices. They are articulated by the author
through symbolism.
Darkness in the novels signifies agony
and mental frustration of the individual. But
the savoring spirit conceived in communal
strength is the source of ultimate light and hope
for emancipation in the society. In this struggle
is borne a new awareness which seeks to make the
society better than it was before. This is gained
through the restoration of humanistic values of
justice and liberty. The awareness is arrived at
by the author through an effective exploration
of symbols and character portrayal. | en |
