EST. 2026

The Archive

English Language / Literary Studies · REF. TA-13380

The Use of Characterization as a Vehicle for Feminism and Womanhood in Helon Habila's Waiting for an Angel

Abstract

This study investigates the subject matter outlined in the title above through a structured research design appropriate to its academic level. Using primary and/or secondary data collection methods, the research examines the underlying variables, tests relevant hypotheses, and presents findings with implications for practice and policy. This is placeholder abstract text generated for catalogue preview purposes; the full document contains a complete, topic-specific abstract, literature review, methodology, data analysis, and conclusion.

Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Scholarly interest in Helon Habila's Waiting for an Angel has remained strong, reflecting its continued relevance to discussions of Nigerian and African literary identity.

Existing criticism of Waiting for an Angel tends to focus on its broader thematic concerns, with characterization as a stylistic device in service of feminism and womanhood receiving comparatively less sustained attention.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While Helon Habila's Waiting for an Angel is widely studied, there is no settled critical consensus on how its characterization functions specifically in relation to feminism and womanhood. This study undertakes a close textual analysis to address that gap.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

  1. To examine the use of characterization in Helon Habila's Waiting for an Angel.
  2. To analyze how characterization contributes to the portrayal of feminism and womanhood.
  3. To assess the effectiveness of characterization 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 characterization used in Helon Habila's Waiting for an Angel?
  2. In what ways does characterization contribute to the portrayal of feminism and womanhood?
  3. How effective is characterization 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 Helon Habila's Waiting for an Angel 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 characterization within Waiting for an Angel, reflecting a clearly defined scope; it does not extend to a full survey of the author's other works.

Chapters Two through Five, references and appendices are available for a one-time fee of ₦75,000.

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