ABSTRACT

This research examines the stylistic devices employed in Chris Abani’s Becoming Abigail and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Zikora, in relation to the effects they achieve and how they contribute to the portrayal of the core themes in the texts. These devices are identified, explained and analysed using the theory of foregrounding.

The methodological approach utilized in this study is the qualitative method because the study analyses data extracted from two books. To achieve an effective stylistic analysis, the texts were meticulously studied, taking special notes of devices that are prominent or deviate from the norms of conventional prose writing. These devices are then analysed in consideration of their effects and contributions to the thematic development.

The study discovers that points of convergence and divergence exist between both texts, as certain devices are present in both texts, while some others are absent. The devices are discussed extensively in the work, and extracts from the texts that portray the use of these devices are included and examined. Finally, the study concludes that each stylistic device plays a vital role in not only depicting the style of the author but also revealing the central themes inherent in each of the study texts.