Intertextuality and African Writers

Abstract

It is a general misconception in some quarters that influence of one literary work on others is a denial of the author’s claim to originality. That a writer influences another author does not mean that the newly produced work lacks originality. In fact, that act shows resourcefulness of the influenced author. This paper ascertains that intertextuality is established in the works of upcoming African writers and the mastery of its application greatly helps to boost the confidence and maturity of the writers as exemplified in Fágúnwà’s novels. The influence of some artists on the literary productions of other writers is explored. With proper acknowledgment, the terrifying ghost of plagiarism is nailed to the cross by the writer. This study concludes that no writer could actually claim that he has not been influenced by one writer or the other. Therefore, borrowing is not a literary sin but failure to acknowledge others’ influence on you is hypocritical and condemnable.