EST. 2026

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Theatre Arts · PhD · REF. TA-2053

The Use of Characterization as a Vehicle for Political Power and Corruption in Zulu Sofola's The Gods Are Not to Blame

Abstract

This PhD study investigates the subject matter outlined in the title above through a structured research design appropriate to the PhD 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 Zulu Sofola's The Gods Are Not to Blame has remained strong, reflecting its continued relevance to discussions of Nigerian and African literary identity.

Existing criticism of The Gods Are Not to Blame tends to focus on its broader thematic concerns, with characterization as a stylistic device in service of political power and corruption receiving comparatively less sustained attention.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While Zulu Sofola's The Gods Are Not to Blame is widely studied, there is no settled critical consensus on how its characterization functions specifically in relation to political power and corruption. 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 Zulu Sofola's The Gods Are Not to Blame.
  2. To analyze how characterization contributes to the portrayal of political power and corruption.
  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 Zulu Sofola's The Gods Are Not to Blame?
  2. In what ways does characterization contribute to the portrayal of political power and corruption?
  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 theatre arts, offering a close reading of Zulu Sofola's The Gods Are Not to Blame 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 The Gods Are Not to Blame, reflecting a PhD-level 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 ₦50,000.

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