Developmental trends in Setswana literature

Abstract

A Marxist literary theory is used in this study. The aim of this study is to evaluate some Setswana novels using a developmental approach. The time frame of this study will extend from the time the missionaries came to South Africa until 1994. Karl Marx's background has been discussed. The following Marxist models are explained, i.e. reflection model, production model, genetic model, negative knowledge model and language 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. These models are used in the discussion of Mokwena. Rammone wa Kgalagadi and Motimedi. The study hi ghlights how missionaries manipulated Setswana literary creativity in an attempt to promote Christianity and how some Setswana authors resisted the attempt to make Setswana literature instruments for Christianising people (Chapter 2). The development of the follow tng novels. Sephaphatt Matlhoko Matlhoko and Masego are discussed Three Marxtst models are utili sed 1n the evaluation of these novels namely reflection, productio n and genet1c although the Government also harness ed Setsw ana literary creativity in an attempt t o promote their ideology, some Setswana authors nevertheless res1sted these attempts by the government (Chapter 3 ) . Explanation of the findings of the aim of the study is given. Mokwena pnmarily addresses 1ts Christtan readers (Batswana) Rammone wa Kgalagadi highlights the trad1t1onal world and westerntsed Christian world. Motimedi focuses on hardships expenenced by Blacks. though Christianity also plays a role when the ma1n character 1s converted Sephaphati f ocuses on the Christ1an world and the w esternised world. Matlhoko Matlhoko highlights the implementation of th e segregation acts in South A fnca before 1994. Masego focuses on the impact of the oppressive laws of South Afnca pnor to 1994 The conclus1on illustrates how Setswana authors were influenced by th e1r traditional. cultural, relig ious and soc1o-econom1c background in writing the novels that I have evaluated (Chapter 4).