Language, Style and Meaning in Wole Soyinka’s Poetry

Abstract

This paper examines Wole Soyinka’s lyricism along the axis of language, style and meaning and arrives at the significant conclusion that, through his exploitation of various linguistic and rhetorical devices and strategies, he gives voice, range and scope to his poetic art. Much as Soyinka’s themes are eclectic and diverse -- including racial discrimination, man’s inhumanity to man, political corruption, social justice, and death -- so also are his stylistic and linguistic modes which encompass the employment of elaborate imagery, satire, antithesis, dramatic dialogue, and biblical allusions. Soyinka is a major poet who employs his lyricism to enlighten, entertain and celebrate several topical issues, which passionately affect his sensibility and his audience.