ZULU SOFOLA'S "WEDLOCK OF THE GODS" AND THE IDEA OF COMMUNAL RELATIONSHIPS

ABSTRACT

This research examined the idea of communal relationships in Zulu Sofola’s “Wedlock of the Gods”. Using the play “Wedlock of the Gods” as a point of reference, the research analyzed and critically described the kind of relationships that exist among individuals of a society. The research also depicts through the various roles of each character the intricacies of communal interactions and how every decision shapes the lives of a people. Literary methodology was employed to gather necessary data to determine how the idea of communal relationships affects the lives of the characters. Findings reveal that communal relationships among the Anioma people of Delta State are very vital and the relationship that exists between parents and their children cannot be trivialized. The findings also demonstrate that the connection that exists between Ogwoma and her parents was not purely that of a communal relationship as Ogwoma’s parents did not take into consideration the feelings of their daughter rather they took decision without her consent and this choice later led to the tragedy of many characters. The research submits that communal relationships to some extent determines the peace and oneness of a people and in order to achieve this purpose, individuals should endeavour to consider the feelings of others. It was therefore recommended that parents should ask their Children's opinion particularly when selecting a life partner, and that individuals should try to think about the repercussions of their actions before making any decisions.