Prophetic Myth in Selected Fiction of Ben Okri

Africa's intelligentsia, whether creative or critical, have always been yoked with the task of finding a framework that would provide some tranquillity to this troubled region. Since the narcissism of negritude to the aestheticism of postcolonialism, the perennial issues about identity, the brain drain, political impasse, war and starvation still loom large. This article contends that, whilst debates continue to rage, it is pertinent to point out that with myth-making certain ideals and contradictions about the future of Africa can be foreseen. Economic failure, terrorism, kidnapping and religious crises are on the increase because leaders and followers are not taking cognisance of certain recurring patterns which forewarn of forthcoming events. Ben Okri, a renowned Nigerian novelist, is adept in using myths suggestively to foretell the future because he sees certain repetitive trends that are common to Africa's corporate existence. When viewed in mythical terms, these patterns could be predictive of crises, could serve as warnings, or could be suggestive of possible antidotes. Okri's Astonishing the Gods and In Arcadia, using the Journey Archetype, foreground the use of myth as prophecy because they present symbolic plots which offer imaginative insights into the things to come.