Identity and Alienation: The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born

Abstract

The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born is a post-independent Ghanaian novel by Ayi Kwei Armah. Its mood is one of disappointment and lament over the socio-political realities of post-independent Ghana and by inference of most African countries. The novel is about a period of excessive despair and disillusionment for people like the unnamed protagonist, Man who have full faith in traditional rituals and customs but fail to acclimatize themselves in the changing westernized, money-minded society. But the work has got a ray of hope, a ray of optimism. The words written at the back of a Mammy-Wagon, "The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born” though appears to be pessimistic, but the pessimistic suggestion bears the possibility of its own hopeful contradiction, an accurate summation of society; at present there is utter despair and disillusionment prevailing in the society but the day will definitely come when the real beautiful ones, ones without evil traits will be born, who will demolish the remnants of the colonial administration. Thus, the novel is an optimistic one, full of hope for a golden period to be ushered in near future.