Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Chinua Achebe's The Concubine 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 The Concubine, its use of point of view in relation to tradition versus modernity has not been exhaustively examined, leaving room for closer textual analysis.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While Chinua Achebe's The Concubine is widely studied, there is no settled critical consensus on how its point of view functions specifically in relation to tradition versus modernity. This study undertakes a close textual analysis to address that gap.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the use of point of view in Chinua Achebe's The Concubine.
2. To analyze how point of view contributes to the portrayal of tradition versus modernity.
3. To assess the effectiveness of point of view 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 point of view used in Chinua Achebe's The Concubine?
2. In what ways does point of view contribute to the portrayal of tradition versus modernity?
3. How effective is point of view 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 Chinua Achebe's The Concubine 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 point of view within The Concubine, reflecting a BSc-level scope; it does not extend to a full survey of the author's other works.