Class Stratification, Poverty, and Social Injustice: a Critical Analysis of Festus Iyayi's Violence and Olu Obafemi's Wheels.

This project explores the themes of class struggle, poverty, and social injustice as depicted in Festus Iyayi's Violence and Olu Obafemi's Wheels. Both novels provide a critical examination of the socio-economic realities in Nigeria, highlighting the pervasive inequality and exploitation that characterize the lives of the poor and marginalized.
In Violence, Festus Iyayi vividly portrays the brutal effects of poverty on individuals and families, particularly focusing on the experiences of Idemudia and Adisa. The novel examines how poverty strips individuals of their dignity and forces them into a life of suffering and despair. The class struggle is evident in the stark contrast between the wealthy elites, who wield power and control, and the poor masses, who are subjected to exploitation and violence. Iyayi's narrative exposes the systemic social injustice that perpetuates poverty and deepens the divide between the rich and the poor.
Olu Obafemi's Wheels similarly addresses these themes, but with a focus on the broader socio-political structures that sustain inequality and oppression. The novel looks into the corrupt practices of those in power and the ways in which they manipulate societal institutions to maintain their dominance. Through the experiences of the characters, Obafemi critiques the socio-political systems that marginalize the poor and perpetuate social injustice. The struggle for power and control is depicted as a central factor in the perpetuation of poverty and inequality.
Both novels serve as powerful critiques of the socio-economic conditions in Nigeria, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by the underprivileged. By examining class struggle, poverty, and social injustice, Iyayi and Obafemi contribute to a broader discourse on the need for social change and the importance of addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality.
This study aims to analyze the depiction of these themes in both novels, highlighting the authors' perspectives on the socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria and the potential for resistance and change.