ISSN 2360-7998
Abstract
This paper interrogates the theme of dictatorship and resistance in Wole Soyinka’s Kongi’s Harvest, with a focus on how the dramatist portrays authoritarian rule and the struggle for national identity through the character of Kongi. As one of Soyinka’s most politically charged plays, Kongi’s Harvest offers a satirical yet profound exploration of post-independence African governance, where the promises of liberation are quickly subverted by the rise of autocratic leaders. Through Kongi's character, Soyinka dramatises the paradox of a leader who seeks to reinvent tradition while simultaneously suppressing dissent, thereby exposing the contradictions inherent in authoritarian rule. The paper argues that Soyinka situates resistance not merely as an oppositional force but as an essential element of reclaiming cultural autonomy and collective identity. Using close textual analysis and contextual interpretation, the study demonstrates how Soyinka employs satire, symbolism, and ritual aesthetics to interrogate the legitimacy of political authority and the tension between imposed modernity and indigenous values. Ultimately, the paper reveals how Kongi’s Harvest transcends its immediate Nigerian context to reflect broader concerns about the failures of postcolonial leadership in Africa, highlighting Soyinka’s enduring commitment to using drama as a vehicle for political critique and cultural reimagination.
Keywords: Authoritarianism, Postcolonial Drama, Resistance, Wole Soyinka