Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Scholarly interest in Zulu Sofola's The Raft has remained strong, reflecting its continued relevance to discussions of Nigerian and African literary identity.

Existing criticism of The Raft tends to focus on its broader thematic concerns, with symbolism as a stylistic device in service of tradition versus modernity receiving comparatively less sustained attention.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While Zulu Sofola's The Raft is widely studied, there is no settled critical consensus on how its symbolism 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 symbolism in Zulu Sofola's The Raft.
2. To analyze how symbolism contributes to the portrayal of tradition versus modernity.
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 Zulu Sofola's The Raft?
2. In what ways does symbolism contribute to the portrayal of tradition versus modernity?
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 Zulu Sofola's The Raft 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 The Raft, reflecting a PhD-level scope; it does not extend to a full survey of the author's other works.