IGBO MAN’S TRAITS IN NWAOZUZU’S NKE M JI KA AND NWANA’S OMENỤKỌ: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

This paper examines the traits of a typical Igbo man as portrayed through the protagonists of selected Igbo literary texts. In contemporary society, it has become worrisome that the Igbo man is gradually losing grip on those admirable qualities for which he is traditionally known for. This study seeks to reawaken the consciousness of the Igbo man in alignment with the Igbo saying, “a mụọ nwoke ya bụrụ nwoke,” which literally means that a man ought to behave like a man. The aim of the paper is to revisit the past in order to identify those personality traits historically associated with the Igbo man. The research adopts a descriptive approach in analyzing the traits embodied by the protagonists in the selected texts. Gender Schema Theory is employed as the analytical framework. Two Igbo literary texts were selected for analysis—a novel and a drama text. Findings reveal that the authors portray their protagonists as individuals who possess admirable qualities that approximate those of the typical Igbo man. Onyekwere in Nke M Ji Ka makes reasonable attempts to uphold his ideals, although he is challenged by conservatism, civilization, and impatience. Conversely, Omenuko in Omenụkọ successfully navigates the circumstances surrounding him and maintains his identity through diplomacy and dynamism.