SATIRE AND SYMBOLS OF DECADENCE IN AYI KWEI ARMAH’S THE BEAUTIFUL ONES ARE NOT YET BORN AND NGUGI WA THIONG’O’S WIZARD OF THE CROW: A COMPARATIVE STUDY.

ABSTRACT

This research examines the nature of Satire and Symbols of decadence in Ayi Kwei Armah’s The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born and Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s Wizard of the Crow using the postcolonial theory. This work reflects the lives of Africans and the misdeeds of their government officials after the departure of their colonial masters.

Using satire as a literary device, both writers criticize post independent African leaders who have become a thorn in the flesh of their citizens. Instead of creating a stable political, social and economic environment for the mass, government officials have taken to embezzling funds, creating political unrest and harassing citizens when they take to the streets to clamour for their rights.

Thus, the works of both writers serve as a mirror that reflects and satirises post-independent Africa with the aim of inciting change in the political, social and economic aspects of the society. Both works end on a hopeful note hinting that Africa will be great again with the right leaders in place.