| dc.description.abstract | This thesis interrogates the institution of polygamy, particularly polygyny, as cultural
artefacts that inform patrilineal and patriarchal beliefs; as well as nostalgic practices that
impact negatively on African women's identities. The thesis advocates for the positive
portrayal of women characters in African literature, instead of the prevalent 'otherisation' seen
in most existing African texts. An extensive textual analysis shows that in some works of
Chinua Achebe, Onuora Nzekwu and others which do not only castigate polygamy, these texts
also fail to recommend positive representations of women concerned. The assertion made is
that scholars and writers need to be conscientised on the role ofliterature as a tool of fossilizing
the negative while playing its role of educating, informing and entertaining the public, with
respect to the portrayal of African women. This thesis will further expolore the experiences of
various stakeholders within the institution of this phenomenon, and enhance their silenced
realities. This includes children and in-laws, as indirect victims of this set-up. Parents are the
most influential persons in the lives of their children, lack of parental affection due to conflicts
that dominate polygamous relationships negatively impact the characters of children yet,
regardless of the example set by their parents, children are still expected to be successful
themselves, in terms of character, and general life achievement. In-laws are usually
perpetrators of victimization, especially to the wives, whether senior or junior. They use
culture to propagate expectations in their favour and to influence decisions. Senior wives and
junior wives will be extensively dealt with, in the light of behavioural and emotional impacts
of polygamy and the surrounding social constructs which include religion, culture, economy,
education, health as well as legal aspects of this notion. | en_US |
