POST-INDEPENDENCE DISILLUSIONMENT IN NGOZI CHUMA-UDEH’S TEACHERS ON STRIKE AND HELON HABILA’S WAITING FOR AN ANGEL

Abstract

Literature is a tool, a mirror through which writers explore their societies. It has become a means of self-expression, an avenue through which writers express their experiences, observations, sense of sympathy and patriotism to their various societies. As an instrument of social change, the writers studied brought to limelight the social vices in their environments and advocate the reformation and rehabilitation of their societies towards a beautiful and glorious future. In this research entitled "Post-Independence Disillusionment in Ngozi Chuma-Udeh’s Teachers on Strike and Helon Habila’s Waiting for an Angel, the novelists satirized the corruption among the ruling class, and how the spirit of discernment has been long dead in the heart of the ruling class. The novelists showed us the society reeking in corruption that gave birth to the literature of post-independence disillusionment. The texts studied are the primary sources of data while library texts, journals, abstracts and internet are the secondary sources of data. The theoretical framework adopted is Maxism. The researchers believe that the novelists succeeded in exposing the issues that undermine the lives of the people; hence they set out to address those ills and expect rebirth, reformation and equity. Thus, both novelists are advocating good governance, honesty in leadership and elimination of intimidation, man's inhumanity to his fellow man, and intolerance.