Realism in Charles Mungoshi's novels

Abstract

Early written Shona narratives like Solomon Mutswairo's Feso [Thorn; name of main character, 1982] evince fantasy since they emanated from folktales, a genre that abounds in this element. Contrary to this, Charles Mungoshi attempts to portray life faithfully in Makunun'unu Maodzamwoyo [Brooding breeds despair, 1977], Ndiko Kupindana Kwamazuva [How time passes, 1975] and Kunyarara Hakusi Kutaura? [Is silence not a form of speech? 1983]. This study attempts to show how this realism manifests itself in the components that constitute each of the works: setting, plot, characterisation, theme and style. Mungoshi's characters, for instance, are not one-sided supernatural beings who perform fabulous acts. Instead, they have strengths and limitations like people in everyday life. Their actions and speech are consistent with their social backgrounds. By injecting realism into the Shona narrative, Mungoshi has contributed towards its development. Due to this realism, the works deserve the label "novels" as opposed to "romances".