Satire and humour in G.B. Sinxo's works : a critical perspective

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to examine critically satire and humour in the works of G 8 Sinxo. This is done in order to clarify some of the more difficult aspects in interpreting the author's intentions which lie beneath the moral overlay of his themes. Although not the last word on the subject, this thesis attempts to delve for the realities, eternal verities, and revelations of a satirist within Xhosa literature. Satire and humour are defined and differentiated, and their common ground of expression noted. Biographical details are provided where relevant to Sinxo's development as a writer and where they are regarded as having influenced his ideas. The analysis of his creative writings takes account of the views of literary critics and readers. The consideration of Sinxo's treatment of Xhosa traditional values, his own attitudes and motives, and his satiric targets, leads to a thematic textual analysis and interpretation of his modes. This is to show the values on which his attack is based, as well as the moral and philosophical principles which determine his choice of subject and method of attack. This also includes the effect of Christianity and modernism which lead to the disintegration of the traditional role and status of women and the emergence of feminism. Sinxo's techniques, such as the rhetorical devices of irony and exaggeration, as well as satire of the grotesque, are examined for their importance in enabling the literary critic to arrive at a proper assessment of Sinxo's place in the literary history of Xhosa and to accord him a status not previously acknowledged. This leads to an assessment of the general impact of satire on { the individual and society, a statement of my own critical viewpoint about Sinxo's satire and humour, and a look at some interesting trends in satiric writing in Xhosa. The claim is made that Sinxo's choice of satire as his chief mode of literary expression grew out of cultural needs and pressures, and that, while he is not the first writer of satire in Xhosa, he is so far the greatest.