ABSTRACT
This study examined the oral traditional elements in Kargbo’s Let Me Die Alone and Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame. It examined how proverbs, storytelling, superstition, and songs contribute to the cultural representation and literary aesthetics of the texts. lxix The study was guided by the oral traditional theory. Oral traditional theory equips us with the framework to understand and appreciate the dynamism of oral narratives. The elements of oral tradition include folklore, proverbs, songs, and storytelling. Folklore are tales that are passed down orally. They come in form of folktales, fables, and so on. They are used to entertain, inform, and teach listeners. Proverbs are concise and often metaphorical expressions that are used to convey wisdom and moral guidance. African songs fulfill different functions. Traditional work songs are used during communal activities. Praise songs are used to honour individuals and celebrate achievements. Additionally, narrative songs tell stories with their verse. These elements are used in the selected texts. In Ola Rotimi's The Gods Are Not to Blame, proverbs are to illuminate Yoruba cultural values, enhance character development, and propel the narrative forward. These proverbs function as instruments of social commentary, accusation, persuasion, and emotional expression. The play's proverbs highlight the significance of oral traditions in Yoruba society. Proverbs act as cultural markers, reflecting shared knowledge, beliefs, and social norms. They provide a window into the Yoruba way of life, their understanding of the world, and their approach to navigating complexities. Furthermore, proverbs play a crucial role in character development. Odewale's frequent use of proverbs underscores his intellectual capacity, his leadership qualities, and his deep-rooted connection to his heritage. Conversely, Aderopo's initial reluctance to speak in proverbs signifies his discomfort with complete transparency and his potential for deceit. The strategic use of proverbs by lxx different characters allows the audience to gain insights into their personalities, motivations, and social positions. The proverbs also contribute significantly to the play's dramatic structure. They create dramatic tension, foreshadow upcoming events, and heighten emotional intensity. The ominous prophecy delivered through proverbs at the play's outset sets the stage for the impending tragedy. Similarly, the townspeople's mournful dirge foreshadows the potential loss of their king and queen. This research also explored the use of African folklore and superstition" in the selected texts. Rituals emerge as pivotal elements in both plays. They serve as conduits for dramatic conflicts and pivotal moments in the characters' lives. From the prophetic rituals surrounding Odewale's birth to the malevolent rituals in Let Me Die Alone, rituals reflect the belief in the connection between the physical and spiritual realms, where actions carry profound consequences. The concept of destiny is portrayed in The Gods are not to blame. Odewale’s grapple with predetermined fate highlights the tension between personal agency and cosmic forces in shaping individual lives. Furthermore, the belief in Ori - the inner-head bearing one’s destiny - resonates throughout the play, emphasizing the immutable nature of predetermined paths. Ancestor veneration is another central theme in the texts. In Let Me Die Alone, dreams are used as channels for ancestral communication. This guides characters like Gbanya towards understanding their place in the spiritual continuum. The reverence for lxxi ancestors manifests in rituals and sacrifices that their blessings and protection in navigating life's challenges. Lastly, the portrayal of disease as both physical and metaphysical reflects the African worldview where ailments are perceived as manifestations of spiritual imbalances. Characters in the selected texts acknowledge the interconnectedness of physical health and spiritual well-being by seeking the counsel of diviners and oracles to uncover the root causes of their afflictions. In The Gods Are Not to Blame, the mysterious sickness plaguing the kingdom is attributed to the people's failure to appease Ogun. The consultation with the Ifa oracle and the attempts to identify the "contagious patient" reflect the belief in the gods' role in human affairs and the need for appeasement through offerings and sacrifices.
