Characterization in selected Xhosa novels of the 90's

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This study examines the portrayal of characters in four Xhosa novels of the 1990s. Theobjective is to found out whether or not characterization in the Xhosa novels of the 1990simproves. This is done with the view that past studies of characterization done before1990 by Jafta (1978; 1996), Satyo (1978), Sirayi (1989) and Dlali (1992) gave the picturethat a high percentage of writers portray characters as archetypes because of thematicconcerns. This often renders characterization poor in the sense that the reader is able topredict the outcome of events through the actions of the characters.However, Zulu (1999:3) argues that with the inceptor of democracy in South Africa in1994, African Languages literature was liberated as well from several constraints, andreveals some signs of maturing. This study is thus conducted to confirm or refute Zulu's(1999) claim that there are signs of improvement in the way writers portray characters.The study concentrates of four selected Xhosa novels published in the 1990s. The novelsare selected on the criteria that they have won literary prizes and are written by prolificwriters.It is found that in all four novels, Iqlina lomtshato, Kazi Ndenzeni na?, Koda KubeNni na? and Ukhozi Olumaphiko the novelists have succeededin creating realistic, live,dynamic, complex and multidimensional characters. The change and development ofcharacters are influenced by environmental change as a result of social, political andeconomic factors. However, the study also shows that some events in UkhoziOlumphiko are implausible.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University