Images of women in Unyana womntu

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigates the role of women in the Xhosa novel, Unyana Womntu, written by Saule. The main aim is to investigate how images of women have developed or deterioratedas a result of the changes in the South African society. It will be remembered, for instance,that in traditional and colonial eras, images of women were subjected to patriarchy. Oneexpects a change in the status of women as depicted in literature because of consistentdemands that women are entitled to equal opportunities.The theoretical aspects of gender and culture are discussed in Chapter 2 as the framework ofthe study. Chapter 3 deals with plot, character and space in Saule's novel, Unyana Womntuand how they are viewed in relation to gender and culture. A detailed analysis of gender andculture is done in Chapter 4 of Unyana Womntu.In the analysis of the gender and culture in Unyana Womntu, it is found that the images ofwomen presented in the novel are undergoing radical changes, such that some women seemto fail to cope with changes. However, this does not mean that all women are incapable ofmaking informed choices in terms of their depiction in xhosa literature.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University