The significance of literary devices in the oral narrative
Abstract
The creative process in art has always interested the
critic. To be able to evaluate and appreciate works of
art one has to make an attempt of understanding the
creative process. The literary critic more often than not
does this through a systematic analysis of the techniques
used in creating a work of art.
This thesis is an attempt to understand oral narratives
through an analysis of devices used by the narrator in
creating or re-creating narratives. This study is based
on research carried out in Ndia, Kirinyaga district.
In the analysis of device, we are concerned with how
the oral narrator raises his subject to the level of
content through the use of various techniques at his/her
disposal.
Plot in oral narrative literature has been associated with
conservative models and fixed outlines. In the course of
this study we have identified different ways in which
narrators manipulate plot to achieve certain artistic
purposes.
Character is the most important vehicle of meaning in
literature. In this thesis we have explored the devices
used by narrators to mold their characters so that they
(characters) can present world views of the narrators, the
audience or the community.
The oral narrator has many resources at his/her
disposal. The manipulation of language, the use of song
and repetition to achieve aesthetic refinement are other
aspects discussed in this work.
The creation of, oral narratives takes place within a Live
situation. The narrator is a performer who performs to a
live audience. The interractions between the performer and
the audience during a specific occasion is also discussed
in this thesis.
Citation
Masters Of Arts In The University Of Nairobi ,1986Publisher
Department of Arts university of Nairobi