A Stylistic Analysis of the Epic of Job.

Abstract

This study is a stylistic analysis of Epic of Job. The Epic of Job is one of the oldest epic poems in Kiswahili poetry. It aims at identifying, analyzing and evaluating the style of the language used in the Epic of Job to pass the intended message. The choice and the uniqueness of the vocabulary and literary forms used to express themes in Epic motivated the researchers to undertake this study. Russian formalism theory by Roman Jacobson 1915 formed the theoretical framework of this study. The Epic of Job formed the primary data of analysis. The researchers read the Epic stanza by stanza analyzing the vocabulary used and other word formation techniques like substitution, consonance, assonance and refrain. The study found out that the language used in the Epic of Job was appropriate in passing the intended message. The author used vocabulary from Kiamu, Kimvita,Kingozi and Arabic languages effectively. The author also used literary forms like similes, irony, euphemism, rhetoric questions among others appropriately to convey the message. Through critical analysis of the Epic of Job, the study concluded that the Epic is relevant to current issues affecting humanity