A critical analysis of gender issues in two select Kenyan novels: the River between and the River and the Source

Abstract

The study focuses on two novels that were written one by a premiere first generation writer and another authored by a third generation one. The study examines aspects feminism and gender as well as thematic concerns that reveal the images of women in Kenyan literature. The study involves the analysis of language used by characters and the writers view on gendered societal paradigms that embody characterization as a backdrop for the analysis of the said texts more so on the position of women in Kenyan society through the two writers’ eyes. The study will be guided by the following objectives. (i)Interrogate the stylistic features that embody the crafting of characters who reveal gender issues in The River Between and The River and the Source(ii) Explore the thematic concerns addressed by the authors that reveal the gender issues in The River Between and The River and the Source(iii)To examine the influence of oral traditions in entrenching gender issues as depicted in The River Between and The River and the Source. The study will adopt liberal feminism. The methodology will be confined to contextual approach that will be conducted in the library search modalities. As such, no field instruments will be used.