Women : the affirmative element in selected plays by Athol Fugard

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The focus of this enquiry is Fugard's Courage in the face of it all which is thekeystone to his idea of affirmation. The selected plays explore this defiance andrefusal to surrender when confronted with despair that Fugard has invested in women.At the same time the plays portray the concept of Heroic Pessimism that is thedeciding factor in affirmation.Athol Fugard acknowledges that his mother is the archetypal image for all his womencharacters. His writing reflects the decisive and sustaining role that his mother playedin his life. Fugard's admiration and respect for her encouraged him to portray womenwith not only the dominant and affirmative voice, but with courage that is worthy ofemulation.The plays chosen depict the growth of Fugard's idea of affirmation and illustrate thevarious ways in which the women arrive at their affirmation. Central to Fugard'sconcept of affirmation is the desire to celebrate the human spirit and its capacity toendure, forgive and love. By investing in women a sense of affirmation in the face ofsuffering and despair, Fugard is presenting his message of hope.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University