Love and Social Trend in Two Female African Novels

Love in both traditional and modern African societies is seen as a peculiar act conditioned by the society. This innerfeeling which is supposed to be a self-devotion towards a partner becomes the concern of a community in the African context. Among the Igbo- living in the southern part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria- for example, Life is dictated and oriented by a set of traditional principles; and each member of the community is responsible in preserving and promoting these social values. It is the same with the Hausa people living in the Northern part of Nigeria and depicted in Alkali’s work; they have also their own ways. All individuals including dead, ancestors, spirits, gods and slaves directly or indirectly interfere to regulate these principles. Each person shall act in accordance with his customs and beliefs and everybody must fight to achieve some kind of social unity. This paper titled “Love and Social Trend in Two Female African Novels”, will be an assessment of two well-known Nigerian female novelists’ works: Zaynab Alkali and Flora Nwapa. A socio-comparative approach will be used while developing the topic.