A comparative study of omenµ kµ and ije odumodu jere

Abstract

Omen?k? by Pita Nwana and Ije Odumodu Jere by Pita Nwana are the first two novels written in Igbo language. These works are rich in Igbo cultural values, oral narrative traditions and Igbo literary figures. They are the most outstanding works of Igbo prose fiction. Presently, it has been observed that some readers find these works obscure. Some readers are of the view that they do not contain contemporary issues. So, they are no longer worth reading and studying. However, this paper aspires to examine the two novels, to determine their areas of similarities and differences and the extent to which they have contributed to the development and growth of literary works in the Igbo language. The study adopted descriptive research approach in analyzing the selected novels and this resulted in the following findings: the theme, plot and the structure of the two novels under review are closely related, the writers of the two novels made unconscious use of the Igbo proverbs in their works, the language of the two novels is simple, Leopold Bell-Gam borrowed a lot structurally from Omen?k?, the novels have made and continue to make outstanding contributions to the growth and development Igbo literary works. However, the paper recommends that young writers, researchers and readers ought to study and appreciate the first two Igbo novels so as to exploit the wealth of knowledge the authors presented in the works.