Telling the African side of the Story: Proverb as a Crucial Element in Uchenna Nwosu’s The Rejected Stone

Abstract

Proverb is one of the elements of folklore. Like some other elements of folklore, proverb plays several significant and important roles in the literary works of writers who chose to blend their works with the touch of African oral tradition and also to give their creative works a stamp of uniqueness,
authenticity, and identity as they reflect and project their culture, tradition, outlook, views and perceptions of a community that conditioned them even though they communicate in a language alien to them. These proverbs used in literary works, from study do not occur simply by accident, rather were incorporated for the significant role which they play in literary works. This paper studies the use of proverbs in Uchenna Nwosu’s The Rejected Stone. The aim is to highlight on the roles, importance and significance of proverbs
in written literature. Also to showcase how proverb serves as important tool of story-telling in the re-creation of a genuine and believable African side of story.