Public Lecture: The working of the concept of the “engaged writer” and the search for democracy and peace in Ayi Kwei Armah’s Fragments, and Nicolás Guillén’s collection of poetry, West Indies Ltd.; Speaker: Setor Novieto

Abstract:

In this presentation, we examine the concept of the “engaged writer” as articulated in the works of Ayi Kwei Armah and Nicolás Guillén, with a particular focus on their respective texts, Fragments and West Indies Ltd. This study examines how both authors navigate themes of democracy, peace, and socio-political transformation within their literary and cultural contexts. In his work, Armah, a Ghanaian novelist, employs a critical lens to examine postcolonial Ghana, focusing on the themes of alienation, corruption, and cultural disintegration. He uses his protagonist to reflect the disillusionment of a generation grappling with the failure of independence to deliver on its promises. Guillén, a Cuban poet, employs Afro-Cuban rhythms, revolutionary imagery, and a scathing critique of colonial exploitation to articulate a vision of collective solidarity and a demand for social justice in the Caribbean.

This study, drawing on close reading, Latin American social and cultural theories, as well as traditional Ghanaian concepts, posits that both writers exemplify the role of the “engaged writer,” using their craft to challenge systemic injustices and to inspire a reimagining of national and regional identities rooted in equity and dignity. The analysis identifies similarities in their narrative and poetic techniques, demonstrating how both texts seek to dismantle hegemonic power structures while fostering intercultural dialogue. Ultimately, the study asserts that Armah and Guillén’s works not only advocate for democracy and peace but also serve as enduring calls for a more just and inclusive world, underscoring the transformative potential of literature as a tool for social change.

Setor Donne NOVIETO trained as a certified teacher for primary and junior high schools in Ghana in 1996 at the Mount Mary Training College, Somanya. After teaching for four years, he studied at the University of Ghana where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in French and Spanish.

After completion in 2004, he worked as a Senior Research Assistant at the Department of Modern Languages of the same university until 2006 when he enrolled for his Masters’ studies in Spanish. After this qualification in 2008, he worked as a lecturer at the Department of Modern Languages, University of Ghana from 2009 to 2015.

Setor completed his PhD in Spanish and Latin American Studies at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand from 2015 to 2020. In his doctoral research, Setor looked at some of the theoretical and conceptual issues of Cuban and Ghanaian postcolonial literature. His area of research includes Postcolonial Literature on Conflicts, Democracy and Peace, Nation Building, Social Interaction between Languages, Sociolinguistics and Pragmatics of the Spanish Language.

This lecture is free and open to the public. For virtual participation via Zoom, please use the following link:

https://uni-freiburg.zoom-x.de/j/69276587485?pwd=amT1kyoYObyLHU8KpzlDcsWYbxPTdB.1

Meeting-ID: 692 7658 7485
Passcode: 44Fg3a4qK