Abstract
Reinventing self is a profound process that comes with introspection and a resolution to embrace new opportunities, behaviours, and mindsets. This paper examines this process of reinvention of self in the lives of the heroines in Amina: A Novel and Yar’fari. The study is a qualitative research based on close reading, interpretation and analysis. Cathy Caruth’s Trauma Theory (which explores the emotional and psychological responses to distressing events in society), and Chikwenye Okonjo Ogunyemi’s African Womanism (which examines the power dynamics and gender inequalities in society) are deployed as theoretical frames to interrogate how the heroines in the novel mitigate their traumatic experiences and reinvent themselves in the novels. Umar’s Amina is born into a wealthy family while Abdulkareem’s Teni comes from a deprived background. Findings indicate that both heroines have dreams of purpose-driven lives that will benefit humanity, and they refuse to give up on their dreams despite the pain and trauma they experience on the journey to self-reinvention. Amina and Teni challenge the norms and expectations of their respective social milieu in their quest for meaning and a sense of purpose. And they prevail. The heroines consciously step out of their comfort zones, embrace change with its pain and discomfort, and courageously pursue the life they envision. In conclusion, both protagonists demonstrate that self-reinvention is not solely about personal transformation, but more about finding ways to impact others positively, regardless of one’s starting point. Their stories provide a powerful message that no matter where one begins in life, purpose and service to humanity can drive transformation.
Authors:
Naomi Nsikak ESSIEN
Dept. of English
University of Uyo,Uyo.
naomi_essien@yahoo.com