ABSTRACT
This essay examines the themes and style in Bayo Adebowale’s Lonely Days and Asare Konadu’s A Woman in Her Prime. Theme in literature refers to central idea that is recurring explored and expressed throughout a text and is an answer to the question: what did you learn from the piece of work? While style simply means the author’s manner or method of writing, it includes the writer’s choice of words, the way he uses them, his language and pattern whether logical, clear or simple which creates a voice for the writer. Bayo Adebowale’s Lonely Days and Asare Konadu’s A Woman in Her Prime are two African novels that critically examine the lives of women in African societies and address social, cultural, and personal challenges they face. Adebowale’s Lonely Days uses a simple, direct, and descriptive style of writing that allows the reader to actively participate in the lives of the characters. The story is told from the third-person point of view, which creates a sense of belonging between the reader and the protagonist, Yaremi. A widow who refuses to act in accordance to the traditional gender roles assigned to her by her community. She resists the societal pressure to remarry after the death of her beloved husband, Ajumobi, and instead chooses to live a life of independence and isolation. On the other hand, Konadu’s A Woman in Her Prime uses a complex and symbolic style to explore similar themes. The novel is written in the third person and the characters are portrayed through their actions and dialogues. The novel explores the role of women in an African society, particularly in relation to marriage and family. The lead character, Pokuwaa, is a hard-working and independent woman who revolt against harmful traditional practices and refuses to be ridiculed because of her inability to bear children. Despite talking about similar themes, they do so in diverse ways. Adebowale make use of simple, clear, and direct style coupled with a well detailed description which creates an intimate and emotional connection with the reader. While Konadu uses a more complex and symbolic style thereby challenging readers to think deeply about the themes discussed in the novel. To crown it all, themes and style in Lonely Days and A Woman in Her Prime illustrates the powerful and thoughtful provoking works that offer valuable insights into African society and culture.
