USIMULIZI KATIKA RIWAYA TRILOJIA YA KISWAHILI: MFANO WA SIRI SIRINI

Abstract

This research discusses narration in Siri Sirini trilogy authored by Rocha Chimerah (2013, 2014). Siri Sirini trilogy is written in three series: Siri Sirini 1, Mshairi na Mfungwa (2013), Siri Sirini 2, Mpiga Mbizi Kilindini (2014) and Siri Sirini 3, Mtihani wa Mwanamke (2014). The three novels have the same themes, characters, setting and style. The objectives of the study focuses on expounding various narrative devices used in narrating Siri Sirini trilogy and the way characters are depicted in the narration of this novel. This study was guided by the theory of narratology whose proponent is Plato and developed by Propp (1968), Claude (1970), Barthes (1975), Todorov (1977), Bal (1999) and Fludernik (2009). The theory of narratology deals with: The story, sequence of events in time, identifies ways and means of narrating a story and the aspect of characterization. The tenents of the theory of narratology used in this study are: To recognize various narrative devices used in narration, to realize the sequence of events in time considering the order of the story, duration and repetition in narration and the aspect of characterization in narration. This study was carried out in the library where books, research materials, thesis and literature on the theory, narration and trilogy were read. This research used purposive sampling procedure where Siri Sirini trilogy was selected. Data was obtained through reading of Siri Sirini trilogy. Sentences reflecting the use of various narrative techniques, speech and thoughts of characters were extracted from the text. Data was analysed and results presented in form of an informed discourse guided by the objectives of the study. The research findings manifested various narrative techniques such as: Speech, epistles, songs, journey motif, tautology, flashbacks, flashforwards, summary, ellipsis, scene, extension, pause and frequency in the presentation of events. The characters were presented as a hero, revolutionary and psychological. This study will benefit the scholars to understand the structure of this trilogy regarding the aspect of narration and the issues invoked. This research will assist authors of creative works in Kiswahili to comprehend the aspect of narration and its place in the narration of the Kiswahili novel that is a trilogy. This study shows another way of analysing a Kiswahili novel using the theory of narratology besides other literary devices such as style, themes and language. The findings of this study will be an additional reference in the study of Kiswahili literature. This study recommends further research in the analysis of narrative techniques in other written literature. Also this trilogy can be investigated by using other theories besides narratology.