EPANAPHORA AND MYTHOLOGICAL POETICS OF ÈSÙ IN AHMED YERIMA'S YEMOJA

Abstract

This study explores the use of epanaphora, a rhetorical device characterized by the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, in Ahmed Yerima’s play Yemoja. The focus is on the character of Èsù, the trickster god, and how his strategic use of repetition manipulates divine relationships, power dynamics, and the plot structure. By analyzing Èsù’s speech patterns, this research examines how repetition shapes the perception of other gods, particularly Yemoja and Ògún, and escalates the play’s central conflicts. The study employs a qualitative research design, using textual and thematic analysis to assess how Èsù’s linguistic manipulation functions as a tool for control and destabilization. The findings indicate that Èsù’s use of epanaphora not only drives the narrative forward but also deepens the themes of deception, trust, and divine authority. Additionally, the study situates the play within the context of Yoruba cosmology, demonstrating how Èsù’s manipulation of language aligns with his role as a mediator and disruptor in the cosmic order. The research contributes to the understanding of language as a pivotal element in African drama, emphasizing its role in shaping character interactions, power structures, and thematic development. Through this investigation, the study highlights the complex relationship between language, power, and perception in Yerima’s work, offering new insights into the rhetorical strategies employed in African theatre.