A CONTRASTIVE ANALYSIS ON THE CHARACTERS, THEIR ACTIONS AND THE SETTINGS

SUMMARY

Just as queer theory is one of the newer literary theories, it is even newer to the Nigerian literary space. This is why this study aims to show not just how much of the newer generation Nigerian literary works like Eloghosa Osunde’s Vagabonds! implement this theory in their novels, but how the novel that applies this theory relates to modern day Nigeria. It also contrasts it with the now older works like Chimamanda Adichie’s Americanah to get a balanced understanding of what is considered the norm and what does not

            Vagabonds! is a compilation of short stories that centers queer existence and the queer struggle of Nigerians. It uses setting, characters as well as actions to weave a story with one message; that queer Nigerians exist and the more you try to chase them away, the better they get at hiding until they finally decide they are tired. With characters like Gold, the transgender woman, Junior the young gay boy, Daisy and Divine the queer sex workers, we get a sense of love and life that transcends gender.