CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Disillusionment and despair are common emotions that can arise when things do not work as planned or when faced with challenging circumstances. Disillusionment and despair are a state of hopelessness commonly experienced by human beings. When someone is devoid of hope and aspiration, he sinks into the abyss of developmental atrophy. It is often the case that when a people are under oppression, they usually dream about an ideal situation that may or may not materialize someday (Okune and Alexander, 2017). They hope for and sing about a glowing future time when freedom shall be realized.

In Lost Connection (2018), Johann Hari explores the societal factors contributing to the epidemic of despair and depression, emphasizing the importance of meaningful social connections and a sense of belonging in fostering mental well-being. Hari’s research underscores the fundamental human need for social support and community, suggesting that rebuilding these connections can be a powerful antidote to despair.

Disillusionment and despair encapsulate a profound sense of hopelessness and emotional distress, often leaving individuals feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from any possibility of relief. According to research by Ringel et al. (2017), disillusionment and despair are frequently associated with prolonged exposure to stress, trauma, or chronic adversity, leading to a downward spiral of negative emotions and cognitive distortions. This state can be exacerbated by a lack of social support or coping resources, leaving individuals feeling isolated and unable to find a way out of their suffering. In exploring the depths of disillusionment and despair, an impactful book titled, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frank, published in 1946, reflects a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, who pounded on his experience in Nazi concentration camps and explores the human capacity to find meaning in suffering. By emphasizing the power of choice and the pursuit of purpose, Frank offers a profound perspective on how individuals can transcend disillusionment and despair, and cultivate resilience, even in the most harrowing circumstances.

In No Way to Die, by Linus Tongwo Asong and Across the Mongolo by John Nkemngong Nkengasong, disillusionment and despair are important issues as experienced by characters in their challenging circumstances. ln No Way to Die, disillusionment and despair are evident in the main character’s internal struggle as he navigates the complexities of life in a Postcolonial African society. The feeling of hopelessness and frustration is portrayed through his interactions and experiences highlighting the harsh realities and struggles faced by individuals in such environment. Also, Across the Mongolo provides a poignant examination of disillusionment and despair as depicted through characters contending with challenging social and political circumstances. The author skillfully conveys the sense of despair and disillusionment through the character’s experience, effectively capturing the emotional and psychological impact of their circumstances.

The circumstances surrounding the novel, Across the Mongolo revolve around a backdrop of complex social and political realities. Set in a tumultuous time and place, the story unfolds against a backdrop of societal upheaval, political instability, or cultural transformation. Characters within the narrative navigate through these challenges, grappling with issues such as corruption, oppression, injustice, or conflict. As they confront these circumstances, they are forced to reckon with their own beliefs, values, and identities, leading to moments of introspection, resilience, and sometimes despair. Through the lens of these characters, the novel sheds light on the human experience amidst the larger forces shaping their lives

Statement of the Research Problem

Dennis Nunqam in No Way to Die and Ngwe in Across the Mongolo are driven by their insatiable desires and aspirations, often find themselves vulnerable to the profound emotions of despair and disillusionment. In the pursuit of fulfillment and meaning, they grapple with the complexities of their existence, sometimes feeling overwhelmed by the weight of their own ambitions and the unpredictability of life’s outcomes. These feelings of despair and disillusionment arise as individuals confront the gap between their expectations and reality, realizing that their pursuits may not always lead to the fulfillment they had envisioned. As they navigate the labyrinth of their thoughts and desires, they find themselves adrift, questioning the purpose and direction of their lives.

In underdeveloped nations, where governance is weak and inequalities are rife, corruption exacerbates socio-economic disparities, fostering disillusionment and despair among citizens who feel powerless to effect change. This pervasive influence erodes public trust and impedes progress, fueling a sense of hopelessness about the future and the integrity of societal institutions.

Research Questions

1.What are the causes of  disillusionment and despair in the work under examination?

2.How is disillusionment and despair manifested in the novels under studies?

3.What are the ideologies propagated by the two authors?

Objective of the Study

This study aims at examining the causes of despair and disillusionment, and how it is manifested in the novels, No Way to Die and Across the Mongolo by Asong and Nkengasong, more so, this study, seeks to analyse the ideologies propagated by the two authors  .