Developmental trends in Setswana literature

[摘要] A Marxist literary theory is used in this study. The aim of this study is to evaluate someSetswana novels using a developmental approach. The time frame of this study willextend from the time the missionaries came to South Africa until 1994. Karl Marx'sbackground has been discussed. The following Marxist models are explained, i.e.reflection model, production model, genetic model, negative knowledge model andlanguage centred models. An explanation of some Marxist concepts, e.g. ideology,dialectic, base, superstructure, reification and alienation have been given (Chapter 1).Three Marxist models are used, namely reflection, production and genetic. Thesemodels are used in the discussion of Mokwena. Rammone wa Kgalagadi andMotimedi. The study highlights how missionaries manipulated Setswana literarycreativity in an attempt to promote Christianity and how some Setswana authorsresisted the attempt to make Setswana literature instruments for Christianising people(Chapter 2).The development of the following novels: Sephaphati, Matlhoko, Matlhoko andMasego are discussed. Three Marxist models are utilised in the evaluation of thesenovels, namely reflection, production and genetic although the Government alsoharnessed Setswana literary creativity in an attempt to promote their ideology, someSetswana authors nevertheless resisted these attempts by the government (Chapter3).Explanation of the findings of the aim of the study is given. Mokwena primarilyaddresses its Christian readers (Batswana). Rammone wa Kgalagadi highlights thetraditional world and westernised Christian world. Motimedi focuses on hardshipsexperienced by Blacks, though Christianity also plays a role when the main characteris converted. Sephaphati focuses on the Christian world and the westernised world.Matlhoko, Matlhoko highlights the implementation of the segregation acts in SouthAfrica before 1994. Masego focuses on the impact of the oppressive laws of SouthAfrica prior to 1994. The conclusion illustrates how Setswana authors were influencedby their traditional, cultural, religious and socio-economic background in writing thenovels that I have evaluated (Chapter 4).

[发布机构] University of the Free State