Date of Award
1-1-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. in Modern Languages
First Advisor
Sara L. Wellman
Second Advisor
Anne Quinney
Third Advisor
Daniel E. O'Sullivan
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
Francophone African literature emerged as a vehicle for criticism of the colonial system, subsequently shifting its focus to neocolonialism as a new stage of imperialism. Literature and film served as instruments for critiquing imperialist structures, which engendered societal issues and fostered division among Africans. This study examines how Sembène’s books and films satirize society and their continued relevance to contemporary issues in the countries and cities depicted in these literary and cinematic works. To conduct this study, two books and a film were selected as primary sources: Le Docker Noir, Les Bouts de bois de Dieu, and “La Noire de…”. Through these works, we will analyze how literature produced in the twentieth century remains relevant in the twenty-first century. Two theories were employed in this study: sociocriticism and a branch of marxism, the theory of labor. These theories proved instrumental in our analysis, as they address issues pertinent to our society and Sembène was a proponent of Marxist ideology. The objective of this study was threefold: first, to examine how Sembène’s works portray the treatment of the working class; second, to analyze how the working class responds to this treatment; and third, to explore how the ruling class retaliates. All of this is examined through the lens of how these dynamics are reflected in contemporary society, particularly in relation to the cities and countries mentioned in his masterpieces.
Recommended Citation
Awuni, Sawel, "Les Conditions De Vie De La Classe Ouvrière Dans Les Chefs-D’ Œeuvre De Ousmane Sembène" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3237.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/3237