Abstract:
This paper deploys the theory of formalism to investigate the stylistic device of imagery in Nigerian poetry. It uses the poetry anthology of Collins Emeghara, a contemporary Nigerian poet, who, like his contemporaries, uses images of horror and putridity to depict the failure of leadership in Africa. The tone of his poetry is both angry and revolutionary. The poet’s persona’s society is impoverished, frustrated, and regressive. Emeghara’s art draws attention to the hopelessness that has benighted most African societies owing to poor leadership. The revolutionary aesthetics in some of the poems suggest that someday the deprived of the land may rise against the political leaders who bring nothing but poverty on them. The methodology used in the study is qualitative; relevant texts and excerpts are highlighted and interrogated in light of the preoccupation of the paper. Key findings of the research are hinged on the fact that people so impoverished by insensitive leadership may potentially revolt against their tormentors in a bid to free themselves from imposed bondage.
Keywords: Formalism, Imagery, Nigerian poetry, Putridity, Horror, Revolutionary
DOI: www.doi.org/10.36349/tjllc.2025.v04i02.011
author/Dr. Ugochukwu Ogechi Iwuji & Dr. Chimeziri C. Ogbedeto
journal/Tasambo JLLC 4(2) | July 2025 |
