Creative Ferment: A Question of Power in the 21^st Century: Some Thoughts for New Readers

Abstract

This essay looks to the future, while returning to the roots. In an attempt to foresee the relevance of A Question of Power for young readers through the next 40 years, it offers guidance by examining the original text for signposts or points of possible access to a novel that is generally regarded as complex, even inaccessible, though in certain areas its earlier strangeness has diminished since publication. The image of fermentation, where the disintegrative and creative elements are individually identifiable yet inseparable, is used to explore the interwoven qualities of good and evil as portrayed in the text. This leads to the conclusion that Power is a disturbingly original and deeply personal exploration of the creative process, which will inevitably continue to make its mark on African literature.

Keywords:

• signposts
• creative ferment
• Bessie Head
• interpretation