Postcolonial Disgust Or Regenerative Vision?: The Values And Significance Of “The Man” In Ayi Kwei Armah’s The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born
Date
2022
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research in African Literatures
Abstract
Ayi Kwei Armah’s The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born has been condemned
for its severe criticism of newly independent Ghana, its disdain for its leaders and officials, and for the absence of hope displayed for a future in which
the individual and the nation might triumph over societal corruption. This
article analyzes Armah’s controversial novel through the caustic response
of its main character, The Man, to contemporary national ethics and to the
possibilities he himself embodies for genuine change and regeneration.
The conflict in The Man’s alienated consciousness is rooted not only in the
expediencies of the newly postcolonial Ghana he fastidiously observes, but
also in his loyalty to the traditional Ghanaian values he inherits, remembers,
and practices, thus indicating the possibility of hope and change for both
character and nation
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Beautyful, Values, Vision