Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Cyprian Ekwensi's Jagua Nana occupies a significant place in the Nigerian literary canon, and continues to attract critical attention for the richness of its language and thematic concerns.

Despite the volume of criticism devoted to Jagua Nana, its use of flashback technique in relation to cultural conflict has not been exhaustively examined, leaving room for closer textual analysis.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While Cyprian Ekwensi's Jagua Nana is widely studied, there is no settled critical consensus on how its flashback technique functions specifically in relation to cultural conflict. This study undertakes a close textual analysis to address that gap.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the use of flashback technique in Cyprian Ekwensi's Jagua Nana.
2. To analyze how flashback technique contributes to the portrayal of cultural conflict.
3. To assess the effectiveness of flashback technique as a stylistic/thematic tool in the text.
4. To situate the findings within the broader context of Nigerian literary/linguistic scholarship.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How is flashback technique used in Cyprian Ekwensi's Jagua Nana?
2. In what ways does flashback technique contribute to the portrayal of cultural conflict?
3. How effective is flashback technique as a stylistic/thematic tool in the text?
4. How does this reading relate to the broader body of Nigerian literary/linguistic scholarship?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to students and teachers of english language / literary studies, offering a close reading of Cyprian Ekwensi's Jagua Nana that can support classroom discussion and further critical work. It also contributes to the broader body of scholarship on Nigerian literary and linguistic studies.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to a close textual analysis of flashback technique within Jagua Nana, reflecting a clearly defined scope; it does not extend to a full survey of the author's other works.