Richard J. Gray II is an assistant professor of French at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. His fields of study include interdisciplinary approaches to French literary studies, language, film, cultural studies, and women’s studies. He lives in Ashland, Ohio.

• Table of ContentsPreface 1Introduction 51. The Black Man’s Burden and the Struggle for Independence 312. Oral Societies and Writing in the Language of the Oppressed 583. Francophone African Poetry in the Modern World 844. Histories, Legends and Myths in Francophone African Theatre 1065. Writing the Female Body in Francophone African Women’s Poetry and Theatre 135Conclusion 165Appendix I: Transcript of Barack Obama’s Speech at Nelson Mandela’s Memorial 173Appendix II: Recently Published Works by Francophone Women Writers 177Chapter Notes 181Works Cited 189Index 201

Richard J. Gray II is an assistant professor of French at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. His fields of study include interdisciplinary approaches to French literary studies, language, film, cultural studies, and women’s studies. He lives in Ashland, Ohio.

• Table of ContentsPreface 1Introduction 51. The Black Man’s Burden and the Struggle for Independence 312. Oral Societies and Writing in the Language of the Oppressed 583. Francophone African Poetry in the Modern World 844. Histories, Legends and Myths in Francophone African Theatre 1065. Writing the Female Body in Francophone African Women’s Poetry and Theatre 135Conclusion 165Appendix I: Transcript of Barack Obama’s Speech at Nelson Mandela’s Memorial 173Appendix II: Recently Published Works by Francophone Women Writers 177Chapter Notes 181Works Cited 189Index 201