Femininity and masculinity in the novels of Euphrase Kezilahabi and Said Ahmed Mohamed

Abstract

This paper examines the portrayal of femininity and masculinity in the Kiswahili novel. It specifically focuses on the works of Kezilahabi and Mohamed. The analysis is aimed at revealing the society’s position on the images of girls and boys, women and men, sex and prostitution by analysing the defamiliarization techniques used by the authors. Defamiliarization techniques are literary techniques used by an author to render the familiar in an unusual way. The two authors utilize these techniques in their portrayal of femininity and masculinity. The paper aims at analysing defamiliarization techniques in order to decipher the messages embedded therein. The analysis adopts Critical Discourse Analysis Theory (CDA). CDA interprets defamiliarization techniques by acknowledging the ideological, social, cultural and historical context. Thus the defamiliarization techniques are viewed as an inseparable element of social intercourse. The interpretation of the defamiliarization techniques draw from patriarchal ideology and socio-cultural beliefs and practices. Generally, the techniques analysed in this paper are inter-textuality, metaphor, irony, sarcasm and symbolism. The techniques enable the reader to decipher multiplicity of meanings.