Heroism and the Supernatural in the African Epic

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, African, Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Folklore & Mythology, Cultural Studies, Ethnic Studies
Cover of the book Heroism and the Supernatural in the African Epic by Mariam Konaté Deme, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Mariam Konaté Deme ISBN: 9781136932649
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: September 13, 2010
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Mariam Konaté Deme
ISBN: 9781136932649
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: September 13, 2010
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

There exists a strong tendency within Western literary criticism to either deny the existence of epics in Africa or to see African literatures as exotic copies of European originals. In both cases, Western criticism has largely failed to acknowledge the distinctiveness of African literary aesthetics. This book revises traditional literary canons in examining the social, cultural and emotional specificity of African epics. Mariam Konate Deme highlights the distinguishing features that characterize the African epic, emphasizing the significance of the fantastic and its use as an essential element in the dramatic structure of African epics. As Deme notes, the fantastic can be fully appreciated only against the cosmological background of the societies that produce those heroic tales. This book not only contributes to the scholarship on African oral literature, but also adds reshapes our understanding of heroic literature in general.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

There exists a strong tendency within Western literary criticism to either deny the existence of epics in Africa or to see African literatures as exotic copies of European originals. In both cases, Western criticism has largely failed to acknowledge the distinctiveness of African literary aesthetics. This book revises traditional literary canons in examining the social, cultural and emotional specificity of African epics. Mariam Konate Deme highlights the distinguishing features that characterize the African epic, emphasizing the significance of the fantastic and its use as an essential element in the dramatic structure of African epics. As Deme notes, the fantastic can be fully appreciated only against the cosmological background of the societies that produce those heroic tales. This book not only contributes to the scholarship on African oral literature, but also adds reshapes our understanding of heroic literature in general.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Mathematics Coaching Handbook by Mariam Konaté Deme
Cover of the book Management History by Mariam Konaté Deme
Cover of the book The Patient in the Family by Mariam Konaté Deme
Cover of the book Administrative Ethics and Executive Decisions by Mariam Konaté Deme
Cover of the book Contemporary Psychology by Mariam Konaté Deme
Cover of the book Changing Rural Systems In Oman by Mariam Konaté Deme
Cover of the book Face Perception by Mariam Konaté Deme
Cover of the book Thomas Carlyle by Mariam Konaté Deme
Cover of the book Law and Theology in the Middle Ages by Mariam Konaté Deme
Cover of the book A Handbook of Techniques for Formative Evaluation by Mariam Konaté Deme
Cover of the book Early Word Learning by Mariam Konaté Deme
Cover of the book Illustrated Theatre Production Guide by Mariam Konaté Deme
Cover of the book War, Terror and Carriage by Sea by Mariam Konaté Deme
Cover of the book The Klein-Lacan Dialogues by Mariam Konaté Deme
Cover of the book Scientific Thinking in Speech and Language Therapy by Mariam Konaté Deme
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy