Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Wole Soyinka's Once Upon Four Robbers 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 Once Upon Four Robbers, its use of symbolism in relation to political power and corruption has not been exhaustively examined, leaving room for closer textual analysis.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While Wole Soyinka's Once Upon Four Robbers is widely studied, there is no settled critical consensus on how its symbolism 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 symbolism in Wole Soyinka's Once Upon Four Robbers.
2. To analyze how symbolism contributes to the portrayal of political power and corruption.
3. To assess the effectiveness of symbolism 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 symbolism used in Wole Soyinka's Once Upon Four Robbers?
2. In what ways does symbolism contribute to the portrayal of political power and corruption?
3. How effective is symbolism 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 Once Upon Four Robbers 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 symbolism within Once Upon Four Robbers, reflecting a BSc-level scope; it does not extend to a full survey of the author's other works.