A Study of Literary Devices in Olú Owólabí’s Líṣàbi Agbòǹgbò Àkàlà and Láwuyì Ògúnníran’s Ọmọ Alátẹ Ìlẹ̀kẹ̀

Abstract

Scholars stress that language is a serious factor in human interrelationship. It inscribes identity, and institute culture, power and ideology. Its function as a vehicle of literature has also been stressed. However, success has not been recorded in the drive towards the examination of the discursive resources involved in power formation and power use from the perspective of New Historicist theory (Tiorì-ìfojú-ìmò ìtàn tuntun-wò). This paper examines the pattern of language usage from two play-texts- Olú Owólabi's Lisàbi Agbòngbò Àkàlà (1977) and Láwuyì Ògúnníran's Omo Aláte Ilệkè (1996) to reveal the discursive resources involved in the construction and interrogation of power from the perspective of New Historicist theory (Tiorì-ìfojú-ìmò ìtàntuntun-wò). The specific objectives are to; (i) analyse the power of language or discourse in interpersonal relationship and ideological formation; (ii) identify and highlight the dominant literary devices involved in the formation of power and identity, and how these mark the effectiveness of apparatus of power and oppression; and (iii) to identify and highlight the dominant literary devices of the authors in interrogating history and culture. The methodology is descriptive and analytical. The major findings of the paper include the fact that: (i)language or discourse is very effective in constructing identity and mediating culture;(ii)numerous literary devices such as allusion, metaphor, simile, repetition are involved in the formation of power and identity, and these mark the effectiveness of apparatus of power and oppression; and (iii) the authors use the literary devices in interrogating history and culture. This study by implication has offered fresh insights to readers understanding of the power of language as a potent vehicle for exploitation and control, as well as for resolution of conflict in traditional politics. The paper concludes that language usage in these plays educates/sensitise the readers on power and ideological formation, and also entertains them on the aesthetic value of Yoruba language. It recommends the analysis and study of language in play-texts to recognise the hierarchies and system of domination that permeate the society.