SUBALTERN LIBERATION IN ESIABA IROBI’S HANGMEN ALSO DIE AND NWOKEDI

ABSTRACT

This research explores the plight of subalterns and investigates the factors that propel them to seek liberation. The study employs a quantitative and primary research approach, drawing data from Esiaba Irobi's plays, namely Hangmen also Die and Nwokedi. The paper adopts the postcolonial subaltern theory as a framework to identify and explore the findings. The research highlights various socio-economic pressures faced by subalterns, including unemployment, poverty, corruption, and marginalization. These factors serve as a drive which instigates subalterns to seek liberation through strategies such as re-orientation, resistance, and violence. By exploring the plights of subalterns, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of their struggles and the strategies they employ in their pursuit of liberation. The subalterns in Esiaba Irobi’s Hangmen also Die and Nwokedi suffer socio-economic pressure such as unemployment, poverty, corruption and marginalization which propel them to fight for liberation through reorientation, resistance and violence.