Space and characterization in Sesotho novels

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This study examines space and characterization in Sesotho novels focussing on threemain categories such as the space of travelling characters; the space of migratingcharacters; and the space as an abstraction.CHAPTER 1 introduces the aims of study as well as the theoretical framework which formsthe basis on which the study is analysed. The notions of space and character arediscussed within the theoretical framework of structuralism, and the focus is placed onnarratology.CHAPTER 2 studies the travelling characters, focus is on Mofolo's novels, Moeti wabotjhabe/a and Pitseng which depict two types of space where one space is presented astraditional, and the other as a westernized space. The traditional and westernized spacesare symbolized by means of bad and good characters respectively. The good charactersare depicted as angels, and the bad characters as monsters.CHAPTER 3 examines the space of migrating characters that leave their rural spaces forthe urban spaces. Their characters are shown by means of changes that they experienceat different spaces. In most of the novels examined, characters are motivated by certaindesires to act in a particular way, and the change in them is the result of a crucial situationin life, hence we say characterization and space in those novels are reconciled in anappropriate way. CHAPTER 4 deals with the space as an abstraction which shows how the characters'personalities are affected by the political, psychological and socio-economic factors.Characterization in these novels is good except in Makappa's novel, Thatohatsi.In CHAPTER 5 we look as to whether the novels are good or bad in terms of literaryappreciation and conclusion is drawn to the effect that it is not heredity that makes up acharacter, but the social environment. This is achieved through the literary aspects suchas the way conflict is handled, types of characters and the portrayal of the space in whichthe characters live.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University