Exploring the Issue of Marriage Rites in Selected African Novels

Abstract

For generations, marriage has been one of the major events in the life of an African. Young adults must do whatever it takes to reach that level of his or her life in order to climb the African social ladder. The issue of marriage in African literary works has been complex because it is on part of African life that has undergone transformation in the various regions in Africa. This is due to the encounter with different cultures and diverse horizons. This article explores the issue of marriage as one of the major rites of passage in African life through some selected works by prominent African writers. The exploration of marriage in this article is done to shed light on these vital periods in the life of Africa, from pre-colonial to post-colonial.