Francophone African Poetry and Drama - by Richard J Gray (Paperback)

About the Book

"Scholars have traditionally pushed Francophone literature to the margins of cultural and literary creation. Themes explored in five chapters include the diversity of African identity formation, the resistance to former notions of literary composition as art, a remapping of social responsibility and diversity, and the impact of globalization on Francophone Africa's identity formation and participation"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Scholars examining literature from former French colonies sometimes view it wrongly as simply an outgrowth of colonial literature. By suggesting new ways to understand the multiple voices present, this book explores how Francophone African poetry and theatre in particular, since the 1960s, constitute both an organic cultural product and a reflection of the diverse African cultures in which they originate.

Themes explored in five chapters include the many kinds of African identity formation, the resistance to former notions of literary composition as art, a remapping of social responsibility, and the impact of globalization on Francophone Africa's participation in world economics, politics and culture. This study highlights the inner workings of Francophone African literature and suggests a canonization of modern Francophone works from a world perspective.

About the Author

Richard J. Gray II is an assistant professor of French at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. His fields of study include interdisciplinary approaches to French literary studies, language, film, cultural studies, and women's studies. He lives in Ashland, Ohio.