Aphoristic Storytelling and Magical Realism as Postcolonial Strategy in Ben OKRI’S Selected Novels

Abstract

This paper examines how aphoristic creativity and magical realism work as Postcolonial strategies in Ben Okri’s select novels. Ben Okri is an African writer and political critic of Africa. In his selected works, rich aphorisms of life, famine, agony, destiny, politics and spirituality are articulated through a postcolonial lens. These works also undertake an exploration of aphoristic storytelling and magical realism, decolonize African society, and redefine postcolonial subjectivity. Fusion of Aphoristic storytelling and magical realism is a new find in postcolonial strategy. African literature often examines the tension between observable socio-political realities and unseen metaphysical forces. Ultimately, the study argues that aphoristic storytelling and magical realism operate as complementary postcolonial strategies that reimagine history, reclaim cultural voice, and articulate alternative futures for societies emerging from colonial domination. Traditional beliefs clash with modern political systems and urban life, highlighting cultural tension in a changing society.