Culture and womanhood in Uhambo lwenkululeko

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The study examines issues of culture in Mcani's drama Uhambo Lwenkululeko (Journey ofFreedom). Following Bauerlein (1997:63), it is argued that the study of women in literatureforces a critical examination of the way women in literature have been portrayed in the pastbecause of male domination. The study aims to establish what the progress is in the portrayalof women characters after the introduction of the new dispensation in South Africa.This study shows in the discussion of the theoretical aspects of culture in Chapter 2 thatculture is an elusive concept because it has different definitions. Culture is that complexwhole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, customs and all other capabilitiesand habits acquired by man as a member of society. This implies that culture entailseverything that contributes to the survival of man, comprising both physical and social factors.In Chapter 3, it is established that the author has excellently handled both characterisationand the plot in Uhambo Lwenkululeko (Journey of Freedom). The plot structure of UhamboLwenkululeko (Journey of Freedom) in particular, has been handled successfully by theauthor. For example, by opening his drama with conflict, in the exposition, the author hasmanaged to show is that conflict is the source of action in drama. It is the aspect that triggerscharacters to respond either positively or negatively to a particular opposing force.We have established in Chapter 4 that societies have certain basic needs or requirementsthat must be met if they are to survive. For example, a means of producing food may be seenas a functional pre-requisite since without it, members of society could not survive. Thismight have been one of the reasons why the boys are busy fishing in the drama.According to the findings in this study, men and women are portrayed equal with regard toreason. We established that the belief that women lack the capacity to fully exercise thepowers of human reason is a deeply rooted prejudice.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University