Socio-cultural conflict as the main cause of tragedy in selected IsiXhosa drama works

Abstract

This study is focused on socio-cultural problems which in certain cases lead to various tragedies in AmaXhosa society. Chapter One is a general introduction that gives the objective of this study; the motivation that leads to the selection of this subject; a literature review on socio-cultural conflict; the scope of study, basic theories and composition of the ensuing chapters and the definition of key concepts that are of paramount importance for this study. Various theories are used for this study. Chapter Two discusses Psychoanalysis, Womanism and other supplementary literary theories which include onomastic as a literary device. Psychoanalysis proved to be an unavoidable literary theory as this study analyses the personal feeling of the individual within his/her cultural obligation. Literary onomastics exposes the relationship between the name giver to a person and the power the name gives to its bearer. Womanism is the theory which exposes the social effects, caused by the socio-cultural conflict on females and children as well as on males in certain cases. Chapter Three gives the historical background of AmaXhosa, and the naming of the characters and how these names influence their status in traditional society. ln Chapter Four the violation of women and children's rights is under scrutiny. Chapter Five deals with certain relevant themes. Chapter Six is the final chapter and contains the conclusion of this study.