'I Am Powerful': Agency, Autonomy and Audacity in Sefi Atta's A Bit of Difference. Issue 2 (3rd July 2022)
- Record Type:
- Journal Article
- Title:
- 'I Am Powerful': Agency, Autonomy and Audacity in Sefi Atta's A Bit of Difference. Issue 2 (3rd July 2022)
- Main Title:
- 'I Am Powerful': Agency, Autonomy and Audacity in Sefi Atta's A Bit of Difference
- Authors:
- Olufunwa, Harry
- Abstract:
- Abstract: This article examines Sefi Atta's A Bit of Difference from the perspective of the novel's seminal 'I Am Powerful' scene the multiple interpretations of which encapsulate the issues of feminine independence of thought and action which the novel portrays through Deola Bello, the main character. As aspiration, motto and model of ideal behaviour, 'I Am Powerful' is very significant to her situation as a black woman reacting to the various pressures of life in a major western metropolis, particularly her desire to engage in meaningful relationships and live a fulfilling life on her own terms, rather than those prescribed to her by others. The article refracts 'I Am Powerful' through the perspectives of agency, autonomy and audacity which serve as markers of Deola's growth. It is argued that each element marks a specific stage in her progression towards an increased self-awareness which incorporates a better understanding of the dilemmas, triumphs and challenges she encounters as a black woman in the diaspora.
- Is Part Of:
- English studies in Africa. Volume 65:Issue 2(2022)
- Journal:
- English studies in Africa
- Issue:
- Volume 65:Issue 2(2022)
- Issue Display:
- Volume 65, Issue 2 (2022)
- Year:
- 2022
- Volume:
- 65
- Issue:
- 2
- Issue Sort Value:
- 2022-0065-0002-0000
- Page Start:
- 24
- Page End:
- 34
- Publication Date:
- 2022-07-03
- Subjects:
- Sefi Atta -- Nigerian women's fiction -- gender -- feminine self-empowerment -- female assertiveness -- female independence -- cosmopolitanism -- migration -- multiculturalism
English literature -- History and criticism -- Periodicals
English language -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals
English language -- Africa -- Periodicals
English literature -- Periodicals
American literature -- Periodicals
American literature
English language
English language -- Study and teaching
English literature
Africa
Criticism, interpretation, etc
Periodicals
Electronic journals
420 - Journal URLs:
- http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/reia20/current ↗
http://www.tandfonline.com/ ↗ - DOI:
- 10.1080/00138398.2022.2096751 ↗
- Languages:
- English
- ISSNs:
- 0013-8398
- Deposit Type:
- Legaldeposit
- View Content:
- Available online (eLD content is only available in our Reading Rooms) ↗
- Physical Locations:
- British Library DSC - BLDSS-3PM
British Library HMNTS - ELD Digital store - Ingest File:
- 22927.xml