A Comparative Approach of the Portrayal of the Cultural Identity in Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon and in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart

Abstract

The present work aims to compare in detail the depiction of cultural identity inToni Morrison’s Song of Solomon and in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. What is particularly revealing is the different devices these writers use to portray aspects of cultural identity, combining autobiographical material with fiction. In other words, this analysis shines light on the different elements they utilize in defining their identities. In this respect, the success of this analysis requires the use of sociological, historical, psychological, and linguistic approaches. Both authors portray their cultural identities convincingly in their works. On the one hand, Morrison searches his identity for its construction. On the other hand, Achebe, as a representative, presents his identity as a response to Westerners’ false portrayals of Africa, particularly the notion of having no language or culture. The analysis shows that they resort in comparable ways to oral tradition, regarding ancestors as a source of cultural identity, as well as superstitions. It also shows that their use of proverbs in the context of oral tradition is a remarkable fact distinguishing them. Achebe uses them to show the mastery of his language with its existence contrarily to Morrison. Additionally, Pilate in Song of Solomon and Agbala in Things Fall Apart play the same multifarious roles in the matter of cultural identity.