«Le Clézio L’Africain»? The role and place of Africa and Africans in Désert, Onitsha, Gens des Nuages and L’Africain

Ehigie, Dare Eriel ORCID: 0009-0009-7487-2251 (2024). «Le Clézio L’Africain»? The role and place of Africa and Africans in Désert, Onitsha, Gens des Nuages and L’Africain. University of Birmingham. M.A.

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Abstract

The French author Le Clézio has garnered widespread acclaim for his postcolonial literary works, which are deeply rooted in his African heritage and extensive travels. His writings serve as a medium through which he articulates his unique Africanist perspective. In addition to inquiring into his African identity, Le Clézio's oeuvre explores a myriad of themes including childhood memories, personal journeys and reflections, family histories, and the influential role of photography in shaping one's perception of reality. These thematic threads constitute essential components of our scholarly inquiry, which seeks to illuminate the complex interplay between Le Clézio's African identity and the profound influence of Africa on his literary creations. This study aims to dissect Le Clézio's intricate relationship with Africa and this continent's pivotal role in his artistic endeavours. Central to our examination is the interrogation of how the author acquired his profound knowledge of Africa, probing whether this deep understanding stems solely from his African lineage or whether external factors have also contributed to shaping his perspective. By synthesizing the insights of various scholars who have meticulously scrutinized the works of this Nobel Laureate, we are shedding light on the multifaceted dimensions of Africa in Le Clézio's literary tapestry.

While existing scholarly discourse provides a substantial foundation for our investigation, a wealth of untapped fields remains waiting to be explored, particularly concerning the nuanced interplay between colonial legacies and postcolonial narratives in Le Clézio's writings. Le Clézio's literary corpus serves as a rich repository of material for our analysis, with works such as Désert, Gens des Nuages, Onitsha, and L’Africain offering poignant vignettes that encapsulate the author's profound engagement with Africa. Through a meticulous examination of these texts, our research attempts to unravel the intricate web of themes, motifs, and narratives that underscore Le Clézio's portrayal of Africa, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of this continent's profound impact on his literary imagination.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.A.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.A.

Supervisor(s):