SECTION E – African Prose
LONELY DAYS – BAYO ADEBOWALE
Examine the author’s narrative technique in the novel?
Explanation
The author tells his story from the third person point of view. With this omniscient perspective, he demonstrates his skill in observing people and events very closely and passing appropriate comments on them.
One remarkable feature of the author's technique is his drawing very deeply very deeply from the African oral tradition in his narrative. This is evident in Yaremi's folk tales about such animals as the tortoise that often overreaches itself in its own wiles and cunning, the antelope that often falls on its own pride, and gluttonous baboon that dies from its rapacious greed. There is also the use of incantation as shown by both Ajumobi and Yaremi to neutralise the evil machinations of their perceived enemies.
The author employs flashback as Yaremi, on a good number of occasions, recalls the halcyon days with her late husband and eulogises his sterling qualities as a husband and his prowess as a hunter.
Another feature employed in the narration is dialogue. Instances are the exchanges between Yaremi and Woye, Yaremi and Ajumobi, Yaremi and her Suitors, the widows on their way from the river, etc. Indeed, the use of figurative language permeates the entire work. References can be made to the cap-picking ceremony where the suitors' personalities, etc., are delineated.
Also significant is the use of words or expressions drawn from the local language. Often, these put emphasis on tradition and folklore, thereby adding colour to the setting. There is also the use of traditional songs.