POST REVOLUTION DISILLUSIONMENT IN THE ETHIOPIAN REVOLUTION OF THE 1974: A NEW HISTORICIST READING IN TOWER IN THE SKY

Abstract

This study addresses major subjects of post-revolution disillusionment through new historicist approach in `Tower in the Sky` of Hiwot Teffera. It is seen in the study how the then generation welcomes Western education and ideologies which treads into a way which diverts the country’s fate. Qualitative way of analysis is applied in the study through New Historicism literary theory which frames the work. As it is investigated in the article, the leftists failed to understand the general context of their society. Their understanding of modern education and blind adoption of Western ideologies has completely changed the history of the second half of the 20th century Ethiopia. The study shows the clash between the spiritual and material structure of the people and the revolutionary youth of the 1970s.The generation’s perception of their own country, the reaction between individual and communal identity, the overall `sprit of the era`, and how they perceived and practiced socialism are explored in the study. The research confirms that although the revolutionary youngsters have very strong interest in seeing better Ethiopia, majority do not seem to understand enough of the overall cultural, religious and traditional environment of the people. The research reflects on the socio-political impacts and the new dimension in historical reconstruction during the Ethiopian revolution of 1974. A new disordered political atmosphere has reshaped Ethiopian society after the demise of the feudal system. The violent political theater of the 1970s redefined the Ethiopian political and social tradition in the light of new revolutionary ideologies imported from abroad; mostly not suitable to the context of the country. Beyond its nature of nonfiction, the text has great literary value and aesthetics as good as the issue it holds. The study looks at missing points of the ‘YaTiwld’ on their search for the dream realm of ‘Tower in the Sky’. The findings may help to investigate the autopsy and possible influences of the lefts over the present generation.