African Literature

African Literature comprises the many rich

literatures of the African content. It covers
the width and breath culture and tradition.
Most of the time, storytelling happens after
a long day of work. Generally the stories
teach a lesson.
 A poem from East Africa
Author’s Background
• Sheikha A. El-Miskery is considered to be one of the best
poets in Africa. Her poetry is described to be sentimental,
passionate and direct to the heart. Her works present the
nature of human being. In this poem let us see how the
author “discover” the broken glass never mends.
• Literary Background
• “The Crack” is a poem made to pose a question “Can we
forget?” It appeals to human heart by showing how
relationships can be damaged or healed.
A poem from East Africa
Crack the glass,
And the crack
Will always remain.
The human heart
Has the same vein;
It's just as delicate
To the strain
A poem from East Africa
 Once it is hurt,
It is too hard
To fade the stain.
Though parts can
Fix together –
You've just to touch the wound,
To make it drain again.
 Just a word
When dogs encounter
They hesitate,
They sense a kinship
Stop, sniff, then part.
 
As birds glide they tune
A mutual note,
Beak to beak greetings flare
To form the music of the air.
 Even cups in a tray
Make a sound as they touch;
Leaves rustle;
Yet the human voice is hushed.
 
Strangers silently we passed
Only to look behind:
The other's head has also turned
As if to greet my mind.
 On Keeping a Secret
• Literary Background
Even before the coming of the Europeans,
the people from Africa express artistry
through myths, legends, parables, songs and
chants, poetry, riddles, proverbs and folktales.
 On Keeping a Secret

How do you value the

“word of honor”?
 Anticipation
• Author’s Background
• Mabel Elle Dove is a renowned
political activist, freedom fighter,
journalist, creative writer and the
first female member of the
Legislative Assembly in the Gold
Coast. From Sierra Leone she was
sent to England to finish college.
Her writings primarily focus on
male bigotry and woman
empowerment.
• Literary Background
• The story reveals how a king is fascinated
with the charm of a beautiful girl. His desire to
have the girl brought him the biggest surprise
he never thought of