Characterization in Brako
- April 2, 2022
- Posted by: rsispostadmin
- Categories: IJRISS, Language and Literature, Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue III, March 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186
Olivia Donkor1, Yaa Asantewaa Bediako2, Emelia Amuaful3, David Adu Tuffour4, Wilson Oduro5, Collins Owusu6, Peter Fosu7, Mercy Asantewaa8
1,2,8 Department of Languages, St. Monica’s College of Education,Mampong Ashanti.
3 Department of Languages, Atebubu College of Education, Atebubu, Bono East region.
4 Department of Languages, E. P. College of Education, Amedzofe, Volta region.
5 Department of Languages, Agogo Presbyterian Women’s College of Education.
6 Department of Languages, Agogo Presbyterian Women’s College of Education.
7 Department of Ghanaian Languages, Akrokerri College of Education
Abstract: This paper analyses characterization in Kwabena Adi’s Akan novel, Brako. The objectives of this paper are to describe the nature of the characters and identify reasons for their creation. Since the characters in the novel were twenty-six,a total enumeration sampling technique was used to cover all the characters assigned different roles to play in the novel. The study applied descriptive qualitative method to analyze the data. The data were sourced from Kwabena Adi’s Akan novel, Brako. The findings indicate that the author’s consideration of characterization of the novel was based on the following: character selection, character role, character symbolism, character complexity, character similarity, Character relationship, and character contrast. The social relevance of these various character traits are to help teach did actic lessons such as patriotism, hard work, traditional wisdom, and traditional knowledge. Beside the above reason, the projection of some cultural and traditional belief systems to readers is eminently clear in the novel. The pedagogical implication is that the teaching and learning of literature must be more practically oriented than theory based in order to help learners relate their learning experiences to a real-life situation for better understanding.
Keywords: Characterization, character, character role, novel, assigned role.
I. INTRODUCTION
Kwabena Adi is one of the post-colonial most prolific literary writers in Ghana. He has authored many literary works ranging from poetry to novels.’ Mew] bi ka’ and ‘Mm]fra Anwons[m’ are the poetry books to his credit. This sensational novel, Brako has over the years enjoyed wide readership in Ghana which include institutional readership from basic schools to the universities. This popular Novel was written in 1973 and was published by Ghana Publishing Corporation in 1973. Human characters comprising both males and females are used in the Novel. The author consciously displays gender bias in terms of the character selection. It is conspicuously clear that the male characters numbering twenty-one far out-number that of the five female characters. Some of the male characters who are actively involved in playing various roles are, Akora Hwɛwodeɛso, Nana Aboagye, Brako Yaw Addo and Anyakoafrɛ.
