Alter/ Native and the New Historicism Contents of Second Generation Nigerian Poets

This paper examines the intersection and synergy between Alter/Native criticism New Historicism in context of second-generation Nigerian poets. Alter/ Native focuses on indigenous literary traditions, cultural contexts, oral histories, while explores interplay literature historical conditions. By applying these critical approaches to works poets novelists, such as Niyi Osundare, Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, this study aims shed light how novelists enrich our understanding by examining contexts which their are produced. Drawing from employ AlterNative explore themes identity, heritage, preservation voices. Their incorporate elements folklore, proverbs, symbols, reflecting a deep engagement with heritage. Additionally, provides insights into conditions Nigeria, including colonization, independence struggles, post-colonial challenges, influence styles poets' works. Through application Historicism, we can examine engage respond events, power dynamics, social realities. poems perspectives poets, showcases synergies mutual enrichment Historicism. The combination enhances dimensions works, providing deeper complexities literature. contributes broader field scholarship offers comprehensive contributions made canon.