Inter-textual Relation between the Epic of Fumo Liyongo, Kifo Kisimani and Mstahiki Meya

Abstract

This paper intended to illustrate pastiche, parody and allusion in the selected texts as well as exposing new information which can only be understood when these texts are interpreted according to the selected theory. The paper focuses on interrelationship of texts in Kiswahili literature in East Africa which touches on allusion, pastiche and parody in interpretation of Kiswahili literature in East Africa . The selected texts that informed this paper included Fumo Liyongo (1950), Kifo Kisimani (2001) and Mstahiki Meya (2009). The epic of Fumo Liyongo is compiled by Mulokozi (1999) in his collection of three epics in the history of the Swahili community. In this paper, the researcher has been able to analyze inter-textual relation at the level of characterization. The paper successfully illustrates how allusion in the selected texts is portrayed and how pastiche and parody is illustrated at the level of characterization of the selected texts. The paper provides a basis on the use of the selected theory to guide interpretation and creation of Kiswahili literature works. The selected theory has guided the study to achieve the set objectives.