Akademische Arbeit aus dem Jahr 1999 im Fachbereich Anglistik - Literatur, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: This essay examines the application of psychoanalytic critical approach to the interpretation of Achebe's "Anthills of the Savannah". It begins with the explanation of the concept of psychoanalysis highlighting its relevance to literary interpretation and proceeds with an extensive evaluation of the novel using the theory. Findings of the study are provided toward the end of the essay. Chinua Achebe's "Anthills of the Savannah" (1987), has attracted the attention of scholars and critics. Several critical theories have been applied to the novel to interpret its meaning. The list of scholars who have used several literary theories to examine the novel could be long. However, this paper adopts the psychoanalytic approach on assumption that if this critical method of interpretation is applied to "Anthills of the Savannah", it may unearth the literary treasures that lie hidden in the work. Psychoanalytic critical method if properly put to use would provide us with not only the major preoccupation of the story but also the motivating factor for writing the book. "Anthills of the Savannah", psychoanalytic theory reveals, takes its inspiration from historical events in Nigeria from 1966 to possibly 1975. But the issues raised in the novel transcend its space and time. The problems criticized in the novel are universal problems which may differ from one country to another in terms of their complexities. The problem of leadership is the central theme of the novel.
About the Author: Brief Biography of Dr. Abdullahi Haruna (Ph.D) Dr. Abdullahi Haruna was born on 13th January, 1969 in the village of Wuyaku, Hawul Local Government Area of Borno state of Nigeria. He attended Wuyaku Primary School in 1975 and finished in 1981. He proceeded to the Comprehensive Secondary School Waka Biu in 1981 and completed in 1986. He went to the College of Education Gashua for his NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education) in September, 1987 and completed in June 1990. He taught English in secondary schools between 1991 and 1995 before proceeding for his first degree in English between 1996 and 1999. He enrolled for his Master's Degree in English (African Literature) in 2000 and graduated in 2014. He took up an appointment with the Borno State House of Assembly as a Senior Legislative Officer and Personal Assistant to the Honourable Speaker in 2014. He left the House of Assembly in October 2015 when he was offered the post of an Assistant Lecturer with the Federal University of Technology, Yola (presently, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola). He obtained his PhD in English (African Literature) in 2014. Presently, Dr. Abdullahi Haruna is a Senior Lecturer of English in the Department of English, School of General Studies, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria. He has published several poems and papers on African literature. He is married with a good number of children.