Translating Fiction to Reality in a Dictatorial Regime: The Case of De La Chaire Au Trí´ne of Ahmadu Koné

Abstract

Many writings of postcolonial francophone African literature portray dictatorship as a phenomenon of concern within African countries due to its devastating effect on the nation's economy and on the lives of its citizens. Often, dictatorship arises as a result of wanting to remain in power for ever, and this seems to be part of Africa's postcolonial reality. Some writers have criticized the negative effects of this system of government by bringing to light the personality and selfish intentions of African dictators. This study is inspired by the following fundamental questions: Who are dictators? What are the elements which provoke or encourage dictatorship in Africa? What are its impacts? Who suffers the consequences and what is the way forward? Using the social critic theory, the paper examines the quest for social emancipation in a fictitious despotic setting in sub-Saharan Africa through the atricalization of struggle in Amadou Koné's De la chaire au trí´ne. The paper portrays the protagonist ‘Prince' as a depiction of an African dictator who, rather than bringing peace and development, brings disdain and disenchantment to his people. However, his tragic end on the throne symbolizes hope for Africans and Africa.