Stylistic Devices in Ben Okri’s <i>The Famished Road</i>

Abstract

This paper discusses stylistic devices in Ben Okri’s The Famished Road. In the presentation of his story, the novelist makes use of literary devices which enrich readers’ understanding and enjoyment of his subject matter. Satire, register, cliché, pidgin and proverbs are some of the devices. Others include: figurative language, irony and symbolism. These devices shed light on the characters and thematic focus of Okri. Findings reveal a society plagued by vices where the poor and the weak are at the mercy of the rich and powerful. It is a society struggling under the grip of one moral decadence or the other. In frowning at moral decay, the novelist recommends a morally balanced and egalitarian society devoid of corruption, thuggery, electoral malpractices and other moral vices that debase man. The researcher suggests a morally upright society for the good of all men.