A Naturalistic Reading of Ikechukwu Asika’s Tamara

Abstract

A naturalistic reading of Ikechukwu Asika's Tamara focuses on how the novel portrays the harsh realities of life, the struggles of the individual against his environment, and the inevitability of fate. Grounded in the naturalistic theory, which empasisies the scientific and deterministic aspects of human experience, this research examines how Asika’s text reflects the influences of environment, and social conditions on human behaviour, by extension reflecting the harsh realities of contemporary life in Nigeria. In doing so, this research seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the literary and cultural landscape of contemporary Nigeria and how naturalism continues to shape the nation's literary imagination. By applying a naturalistic lens to Asika's Tamara, the reader can gain a deeper understanding of the novel's themes, characters, and social commentary, and appreciate how the author employs naturalistic approaches and techniques to portray the complexities of human experience. The findings not only enhanced our apt understanding of Nigerian literature but also shed light on the broader cultural and social dynamics at play in contemporary Nigeria.