The representation of women as agents of ecological and societal regeneration: A reading of The Sacred Forest (1998) and Gaining the Game (2010)
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Abstract
Ecological destruction traditionally is often considered as coterminous with irreparable devastation of the comfort and security of mankind. However, out of this situation emerges the desire to repair and avert future damage. In Africa, this obligation however seems to rest squarely on the shoulders of the women who have a more direct and closed relationship with nature than other members of society. The ecological harm by humans is both a source of discomfort and conflict, but which triggers changes in power dynamics and profound ecological regeneration. This paper is based on the premise that Inyang and Takwi present women as the main agents of ecological and social regeneration. It was guided by the following research questions: How does ecological destruction unfold in the plays? What are the effects of this ecological destruction? What is the role of women in solving this problem and how does it contribute to change in social dynamics? In line with the above research questions, emerges the hypothesis: Inyang and Takwi present ecological destruction as a source of discomfort and conflict but which triggers positive changes in power dynamics, and diverse ecological regeneration.
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