Humanities and Arts
An intertextual reading of the novel Defend the Name
Abstract
The general objective of this intertextual analysis’s was to explore Wolde’s novel Defend the Name (1969) with the view to identify and interpret the several thematic and stylistic intertexts that are woven throughout the narrative. Based on available research, there is a scarcity of critical studies that have utilized the theory of intertextuality for the analysis and interpretation of Ethiopian prose fiction in English, particularly within the novel genre. The current study was aimed to partially fill in this critical gap. In doing so, the theory of intertextuality is employed as theoretical-analytical framework of the study. The findings of this intertextual analysis concentrated on the thematic and stylistic intertexts that were woven throughout the plot of the book Defend the Name. These intertexts included biblical allusions, colonial literary devices, contemporary theoretical and ideological works, and cultural and historical discourses that the book intertextually engages with in addition to other literary and nonliterary works. This study provides insightful information about the thematic diversity of Defend the Name and its involvement with multiple intertexts through its intertextual analysis. It enhances the reader’s comprehension of the story, characters, and larger sociopolitical situations that the novel addresses, demonstrating the author’s skill in fusing together a variety of literary, scriptural, ideological, and cultural aspects.
Key Questions
1. What is the primary objective of this intertextual analysis?
The primary objective is to identify and interpret the thematic and stylistic intertexts woven throughout Wolde's novel *Defend the Name*.
2. Why is this study significant in the context of Ethiopian prose fiction?
There is a scarcity of critical studies utilizing intertextuality theory for analyzing Ethiopian prose fiction in English, particularly novels. This study aims to partially fill this critical gap.
3. What types of intertexts are identified in the novel?
The analysis reveals intertexts including biblical allusions, colonial literary devices, contemporary theoretical and ideological works, and cultural and historical discourses.
4. How does the novel engage with these intertexts?
The novel intertextually engages with various literary and nonliterary works, enriching the narrative and providing deeper insights into the story, characters, and sociopolitical contexts.
5. What is the broader impact of this intertextual analysis?
This study enhances readers' comprehension of the novel and demonstrates the author's skill in integrating diverse literary, scriptural, ideological, and cultural elements.
Summary:
Ayenew Guadu's study provides an intertextual analysis of Wolde's novel Defend the Name, highlighting the intricate blend of biblical, colonial, theoretical, and cultural references. By employing intertextuality theory, the research offers valuable insights into the thematic diversity of the novel and its engagement with multiple intertexts, thereby enriching the understanding of Ethiopian prose fiction in English.
