Transformation and socio-political change in selected isiXhosa novels 1909 - 2006

Abstract

The thesis deals with one major issue of how the amaXhosa authors reflect change and transition in the lives of their characters in the period under consideration. This change pertains both to the socio-politico-economic life of the people concerned and the contents of the books and the style of the authors' writings. The study is ground-breaking in that it goes beyond common dissection of the structural elements of the books to a synthetic study of their themes, subject matter, character portrayal and setting. The primary aim is to give a holistic overview of the changing culture of the black people against the backdrop of subjugation and transformation.

Chapter 1 contains all the formal preliminary information such as aim, method, context, relevance and topicality of study.

Chapter 2 anchors the study in the newspaper age as a solid foundation for the amaXhosa literature.

Chapter 3 is an overview of the beginnings of literary endeavours among the amaXhosa and how they reflect the impact of socio-economic pressures in the lives of the people.

Chapter 4 further illustrates the impact of education and Christianisation on the blacks as well as growing political awareness among the authors.

Chapter 5 focuses on culture-clash among the amaXhosa as a result of the alienating influence of both the church and the school.

Chapter 6 highlights changes in society at the height of oppression under the previous political dispensation. Chapters 7 and 8 reflect the authors' thinking and how they depict changes in post-apartheid South Africa while Chapter 9 focuses on the role of Language Boards in restricting freedom of writing and expression during the apartheid years.

Chapter 10 is a general conclusion that encapsulates the main points of the thesis.