La influencia de la épica de África central en Le chant de So de Richard M. Keuko

Abstract

For his last novel, Cameroonian writer Richard M. Keuko, drew inspiration from African traditions and, chiefly, from epic narratives originating in Central Africa that continue to spark great interest in local communities. The protagonist of the story fleshes out the specific traits of the epic hero, which is why the narrator, following suit the ancient bards’ tradition, emphasizes his courage, strength, pride and moral superiority. Further features such as the dialogic structure of the text – which enables the narrator to address the reader directly – and the inclusion of a number of oral texts, rally this work with the epic genre.