Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Scholarly interest in Wole Soyinka's Wedlock of the Gods has remained strong, reflecting its continued relevance to discussions of Nigerian and African literary identity.

Despite the volume of criticism devoted to Wedlock of the Gods, its use of characterization in relation to gender roles has not been exhaustively examined, leaving room for closer textual analysis.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While Wole Soyinka's Wedlock of the Gods is widely studied, there is no settled critical consensus on how its characterization functions specifically in relation to gender roles. 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 Wole Soyinka's Wedlock of the Gods.
2. To analyze how characterization contributes to the portrayal of gender roles.
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 Wole Soyinka's Wedlock of the Gods?
2. In what ways does characterization contribute to the portrayal of gender roles?
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 Wole Soyinka's Wedlock of the Gods 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 Wedlock of the Gods, reflecting a BSc-level scope; it does not extend to a full survey of the author's other works.