A poetry of remembrance : a study of Tatamkhulu Afrika's Nine Lives, Dark Rider and Maqabane

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This thesis looks closely at three volumes of Tatamkhulu Afrika's poetry (Nine Lives,Dark Rider and Maqabane), to find that his work reflects a deep understanding of SouthAfrican society and the different forces and conflicts inherent therein. I argue thatalthough Afrika's poetry is presented as a recount of personal experience through thevoice of a first person participant and observer, it is more than mere autobiography. Thisis because his poems resonate further (by means of vividly detailed descriptions,powerful metaphoric images and a mix of varied perspectives) to encompass not only hisown life but also the lives and experience of many ordinary South Africans. In particular,his political poetry humanizes the abstractions of political discourse to show the impactthat the greater political situation has had on the lives of ordinary South Africans.I conclude by arguing that although Tatarnkulu Afrika's insights are filtered through amoral perspective based on his religious views and his belief in a basic humanity sharedby all people, his work cannot be described as traditionalist as he constantly unsettlesand recasts settled beliefs in an imaginary way.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University