The Significance of Female Political Figures in African: Exploring Gender Dynamics in Achebe’s Anthills of the Savannah

Student: Faidat Ayobami Yunus (Project, 2025)
Department of English and Literary Studies
Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Sokoto State

Abstract

This study examines the representation of women and their impact on political themes in Chinua Achebe's Anthills of the Savannah. Through an analysis of key female characters like Beatrice and Elewa, the research highlights the roles of women in African literature, particularly within patriarchal and politically oppressive contexts. It explores how Achebe uses Beatrice as a symbol of resistance, education, and spiritual leadership to challenge traditional gender norms and redefine women's roles in shaping societal and political discourse. The research further investigates between gender dynamics and political power in the fictional setting of Kangan, situating Achebe's portrayal within the feminist and postcolonial discourses. By showing the agency of female characters in navigating and influencing political themes. The findings reveal that Anthills of the Savannah not only critiques political corruption but also advocates for the empowerment and recognition of women as essential contributors to societal progress.

Keywords
Female political figures gender dynamics postcolonialism/post-colonial patriarchy African feminism feminist theory roles of female characters and their influence on political themesand African literature.
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