Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis explores the use of magical realism in contemporary African literature. Magical realism is a literary genre that blends elements of the fantastical with the mundane, creating a unique narrative style that challenges traditional notions of reality. In recent years, African writers have increasingly embraced magical realism as a means of exploring the complexities of African identity, history, and culture. This study seeks to examine how African writers use magical realism to address these themes and to analyze the ways in which magical realism functions within the African literary tradition. The introductory chapter provides an overview of the research topic, presenting the background of the study and outlining the problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, and structure of the thesis. This chapter also defines key terms related to magical realism and African literature. Chapter two consists of a comprehensive literature review that examines existing scholarship on magical realism in African literature. This chapter identifies key themes, trends, and theoretical approaches in the field, providing a foundation for the subsequent chapters. Chapter three details the research methodology employed in this study, including the selection of texts, data collection methods, and analytical frameworks. The chapter also discusses the ethical considerations and challenges encountered during the research process. Chapter four presents a detailed analysis of the findings, exploring how African writers use magical realism to represent historical trauma, cultural hybridity, and postcolonial experiences. This chapter examines specific examples of magical realist narratives from a diverse range of African authors and identifies common strategies and themes in their work. The concluding chapter summarizes the key findings of the study and offers insights into the implications of the research for the fields of African literature and magical realism. This chapter also discusses potential avenues for future research and reflects on the broader significance of magical realism in contemporary African literature. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of scholarship on magical realism in African literature, shedding light on the ways in which African writers use this genre to engage with pressing social, political, and cultural issues. By exploring the complexities of magical realism in the African context, this study deepens our understanding of the rich and diverse literary traditions of the continent.

Thesis Overview

The project, titled "Exploring the Use of Magical Realism in Contemporary African Literature," delves into the intricate relationship between magical realism and African literary works in the contemporary era. Magical realism, as a literary device, blends fantastical elements with realistic settings, creating a unique narrative style that challenges conventional storytelling norms. In the context of African literature, this genre has been utilized by numerous authors to convey complex themes, cultural traditions, and historical contexts in innovative ways. The research aims to investigate how African writers employ magical realism to address socio-political issues, cultural identities, and historical narratives within their works. By analyzing a diverse range of contemporary African literary texts, the study seeks to uncover the underlying motivations and implications of incorporating magical realism in storytelling. Furthermore, the project aims to explore the ways in which magical realism serves as a tool for African authors to reimagine reality, challenge perceptions, and engage with readers on multiple levels. Through a comprehensive analysis of key literary works and critical theories, the research overview will highlight the significance of magical realism as a powerful narrative technique in African literature. By examining the thematic, stylistic, and cultural dimensions of magical realism in the selected texts, the project intends to offer new insights into the creative strategies employed by African writers to navigate complex social issues and cultural landscapes. Overall, this research overview sets the stage for a detailed exploration of how magical realism functions within the context of contemporary African literature, shedding light on its transformative potential in shaping narratives, identities, and representations in the African literary landscape.