From oral narration to the publishing house: An examination of thematic development of Kiswahili short story

Abstract

The short story genre has not been given as much academic attention in the Kenyan, and indeed in the East African literary arena. This is in contrast with the other genres that have for a long time enjoyed attention from both writers and critics. This paper traces the thematic development of the short story genre from its traditional setting by the fireside where it was narrated mostly in the evenings with the main audience being children, to the publishing house where the readers are unlimited in space and time. Because of this development, it is argued here that there has been profound change in the content (themes) of the short stories. This paper explores the growth of this genre by highlighting the thematic changes that have occurred. To do this, the paper applies the sociological approach in its analysis. This paper also notes that together with these developments in content there has also been phenomenal growth in terms of the quantity of creative works produced as well as growing critical interest in the genre. Stylistic aspects have also undergone massive development.