Regaining Original Identity and Change in Ayi Kwei Armah’s Osiris Rising

  • Abstract:

    Identity and change are key issues to Ayi Kwei Armah, a prolific Ghanaian novelist. In his novel Osiris Rising (1995), he shows the interconnectedness between African identity and the reform of the educational system as a cure for the underdevelopment of the African continent. This novel is a continuity of previous attempts of African writers to underscore the relationship of Africa and African-Americans, who were taken into slavery long time ago. Osiris Rising is the first African novel to give prominence to a central female character that primarily concerns herself with the destiny of both her identity and Africa. In this sense, a detailed exploration of Ast’s character is vital to the understanding of the issue of her sincere return and commitment that Armah advocates as useful instruments to bring about change the alienation of Africa. To realize her wish, Ast joins the Ankh community, a revolutionary grassroots movement, to step to the application of her commitment to Africa. She is in charge of reviewing African history. Through Ast, Armah presents a positive vision of African-American identity and experience, based on his holistic comprehension of the historical experience, the significance of the willingness of the African Diaspora to adopt the role of a life giver and the respect for the intellectualism and commitment of truthful activists.