Expanding Feminist and Political Consciousness: Six African Authors

In her article, “Adichie’s Genealogies: National and Feminine Novels,” Susan Andrade notes that “the history of the novel in Africa offers repeated examples of a triangulation that joins two female writers to each other and to the politics of their times.” In this context Andrade refers to interconnections between Buchi Emecheta and Flora Nwapa; Mariama Bâ and Aminata Sow Fall; Chimananda Ngozi Adichie and Tsitsi Dangarembga. This panel seeks to build on Andrade’s observations by exploring the interrelationships and distinctions between two or more of these six important African writers. How have the novels by these specific authors expanded our understanding of African cultures, politics, and literary traditions? How have their novels widened feminist and political consciousness in their respective nations and beyond? By September 30, 2020, please submit abstracts of maximum 300 words through the Northeast Modern Language Association website.