Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Scholarly interest in Ben Okri's Efuru has remained strong, reflecting its continued relevance to discussions of Nigerian and African literary identity.

Despite the volume of criticism devoted to Efuru, its use of imagery in relation to corruption and power has not been exhaustively examined, leaving room for closer textual analysis.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While Ben Okri's Efuru is widely studied, there is no settled critical consensus on how its imagery functions specifically in relation to corruption and power. This study undertakes a close textual analysis to address that gap.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the use of imagery in Ben Okri's Efuru.
2. To analyze how imagery contributes to the portrayal of corruption and power.
3. To assess the effectiveness of imagery 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 imagery used in Ben Okri's Efuru?
2. In what ways does imagery contribute to the portrayal of corruption and power?
3. How effective is imagery 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 Ben Okri's Efuru 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 imagery within Efuru, reflecting a BSc-level scope; it does not extend to a full survey of the author's other works.