Peripeteia and Anagnorisis: The Dynamics of Filial Tensions and Conflict Management in Modern Igbo Drama
Conference: ISA 22nd Annual International Conference (2025)
Presenter(s): Godstime Eze
Abstract
Conflict is an integral part of human existence that is often fuelled by reversal and recognition of situation and uncovering of truth in literary works. As a mirror of the society, drama projects a people’s way of life, their acceptable norms, likely actions and reactions based on social construct. Aristotle in his Poetics introduced the concepts of peripeteia and anagnorisis in classical drama as originators of conflict, these concepts have remained relevant in all ages of drama till this modern period. It is in this view that this study interrogates dynamics of filial tensions and conflict management through synergetic appropriation of peripeteia and anagnorisis in modern Igbo drama. This research posits a patriarchal undertone to the two concepts that affects conflict, management and resolution in Emeka Nwabueze’s Rainstorm in the Desert and Spokesman for the Oracle. These plays are of Igbo persona, flora and fauna, and project some patriarchal ideologies prominent in the Igbo society. This study adopts Gerard Genette’s postulation of narrative theory as its theoretical framework; for its methodology, it employs critical discourse analysis and comparative paradigm. It identifies elements of filial conflicts embedded in patriarchal ideologies, variations of gender-based conflict management and resolution in the plays.
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