REPÚBLICA DE MOÇAMBIQUE

ESCOLA SECUNDÁRIA DOM BOSCO – TETE

MINISTÉRIO DA EDUCAÇÃO E DESENVOLVIMENTO HUMANO
ASSOCIAÇÃO SALESIANOS DOM BOSCO
SERVIÇO DISTRITAL DE EDUCAÇÃO, JUVENTUDE E TECNOLOGIA
REDE SALESIANA DE FORMAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL

GRADE 12 LESSON NOTES

LITERATURE (GREAT AFRICAN
WRITERS)
 1. Chinua Achebe
Chinua Achebe was renowned Nigerian novelist,
poet, professor, and critic, best known for his
groundbreaking novel Things fall Apart (1958),
which is one of the most widely read books in
modern African literature. Achebe’s works
primarily address the themes of traditional
African society, colonialism, and post-colonial
life. He is also known for his novels such as:
 Cont.
• No longer at Ease (1960)
• Arrow of God (1964)
• A man of the people (1966)
• Antihills of the Savannah (1987)
 Cont.
Achebe’s contribution to literature and his
critical essays on African culture and colonialism
have made him a pivotal figure in the
understanding of African history and its
representation in literature. He has received
numerous awards and honours for his work
including the Man Booker International Prize in
2007.
 2. Luandino Viera
Luandino Viera, born José Viera Mateus da
Graca in 1935 is an Angolan writer and
prominent figure in Lusophone African
literature. He is best known for his works that
depict the struggles of Angolan people during
the colonial period and the fight for
independence from Portuguese rule.
 Cont.
Viera’s writing often reflects the socio-political
landscape of Angola and is marked by his use of
the Kimbundu language and local dialects, which
add authenticity and depth to his storytelling.
 Cont.
Some of his notable works include:
• Luuanda (1963) a collection of short stories
that vividly portray the lives of the urban poor
I Luanda, Angola’s capital. His works blended
realism with folklore and are noted for their
exploration of themes such as oppression,
resistance, and the everyday lives of ordinary
Angolans.
 Cont.
Vieira was also actively involved in the Angolan
liberation movement and was imprisoned for his
political activities. His experiences during this
time influenced his writing, making him a
significant voice in the literature of resistance
and colonization. Despite facing censorship and
political persecution, his contribution to Angolan
literature have been widely recognized and
celebrated.
 3. Wole Soyinka
Wole Soyinka, born Akinwande Oluwole
Bebatunde Soyinka on July 13, 1935 in
Abeokuta, Nigeria, is a celebrated playwright,
poet, essayist, and critic. He is renowned for his
significant contributions to literature and his
outspoken activism.
 Cont.
Key points about Wole Soyinka
Literary contributions: Soyinka’s works often
explore themes such as tyranny, political
oppression, and cultural identity. His notable
plays include:
• A dance of the Forests
• The Road
• Death and King’s Horseman. He has also written
novels, essays, and poetry collections.
 Cont.
Nobel prize: in 1986, Soyinka became the first
African to receive the Nobel prize for Literature.
The Nobel committee recognized his works
which “in a wide cultural perspective and with
poetic overtones fashions the drama of
existence.”
 Cont.
Activism: Soyinka is a prominent political
activist. He has been a vocal critic of various
Nigerian governments and has spent time in
prison for his political views and activities. His
memoir, “The man died: Prison notes of Wole
Soyinka,” details his experiences during his
imprisonment in the late 1960s.
 Cont.
Education: He studied at the University of Ibadan
and later at the University of Leeds in England. He
has held various academic positions worldwide,
contributing to both literature and academia.
Legacy: Soyinka’s work has had profound impact
on African literature and beyond. He is celebrated
for his ability to blend traditional African theatre
with Western literary forms, creating a unique
and powerful voice.
 4. Paulina Chiziane
Paulina Chiziane is a prominent Mozambican
writer and novelist, known for her significant
contributions to African literature. She was born
on June 04, 1955, in Manjacaze, Gaza province,
Mozambique.
 Cont.
Key Points
Literary contributions: Paulina Chiziane is
celebrated for her powerful storytelling that
often delves into themes of gender, tradition,
and the complexities of Mozambican society.
Her novels address the social and cultural issues
faced by women in Mozambique.
 Cont.
Notable works:
• Balada de Amor ao Vento (1990) her debut
novel, which explores the lives of women in
Mozambique;
• Niketche: Uma história de Poligamia (2022)
which won the Jose Craveirinha Prize for
Literature in 2003.This novel critiques the
practice of polygamy and examines the lives of
women within that vast system.
 Cont.
• O Alegre Conto da Perdiz (2008): explores the
legacy of colonialism and the struggle for
identity in post-colonial Mozambique.
First female novelist: Paulina Chiziane is often
recognized as the first female novelist in
Mozambique to publish a full-length, breaking
significant ground in a male-dominated literary
field.
 Cont.
Awards and recognition: she has received several
honors for her contributions to literature and her
role in highlighting women’s issues in Mozambique.
Her works have been translated into various
languages, bringing international recognition to her
writing.
Activism and advocacy: beyond her literary career,
Chiziane is also known for her activism, particularly
in advocating women’s rights and addressing social
injustices in her country.
 Cont.
Paulina Chiziane’s works provide a deep and
nuanced understanding of Mozambican society,
culture, and the struggles of women making her
a pivotal figure in African Literature.