The Historical Dimension of Chukwuemeka Ike's Female Characters

Abstract

Chukwuemeka Ike's seven novels possess significant female characters whose actions contribute immensely towards the historical progress of the society. This article indicates that these female characters represent certain epochs in the development of women and that the novelist often portrays them as involved in essential historical roles in society. Through a contrastive delineation of these female characters this article shows that the novelist represents all the historical phases experienced by the society and he portrays women as capable of utilizing their potential for either destructive or progressive purposes. The article thus concludes that Ike's historical portrayal of his female characters is relevant to a thorough crystalization of the viable ideas towards the development of the society.