The Influence of Traditional Proverbs on the African Novel with Special Reference to Chinua Achebe's Novels 'Things Fall Apart' and 'No Longer At Ease'

Abstract

Proverbs and proverbial expression are used greatly in all languages and the daily conversion would seem rather dull without them. They also have great contribution to literature as they are a mark of the non literal use of language. Proverbs constitute special source of social literature. Proverbs are used by all nations in all ages; they range from the classical wisdom to the twentieth century cynicism of those who can teach. Proverbs are defined as a distinct and memorable statement that contains advice, warning, prediction or analytical observation. Proverbs have categories and each category is divided into groups that express various aspects of the main theme, and they reveal some interesting contradiction. Some proverbs are simple folk saying these have only a literal meaning. Some are broader and more philosophical, aspire to deal with the great mysteries and paradoxes of life, others are metaphorical.