Moral degeneration as portrayed in selected Zulu literature

Abstract

Literature is a powerful tool that is used by writers to convey their observations, thoughts, and challenges in their societies. In their works, they may acclaim positive things occurring in their societies or they may castigate those that are negative. Among the negative things which they often write about is moral degeneration. Moral degeneration is a societal phenomenon that is rampant in modern societies. This study highlights the role that Zulu writers have played in exposing some elements of moral degeneration in their works. The three Zulu literary works that have been chosen for analysis are Impi Yabomdabu Isethunjini (2015), a novel by JC Buthelezi, Kudela Owaziyo (2009), a play by BP Maphumulo and a novel titled Ngaze Ngazenza (1994) by MM Masondo. The analysis delves on the characters which the writers have used to highlight the elements of moral degeneration and their environment which gives meaning to the reasons of their actions. Elements of moral degeneration which are dealt with in these literature books are lack of ubuntu, lack of respect, lack of moral values in child-upbringing, theft, alcohol abuse, xenophobia, corruption, gender-based violence, intimidation, deception, infidelity, and crime. Symbolic interaction which is a theoretical perspective that addresses the way in which society is generated and maintained through face-to-face, repeated, meaningful interactions among individual supports the discussions that are presented in the study. The study concludes that the writers of the above-mentioned literary works effectively chose characters who successfully depicted the elements of moral degeneration which they wanted to shed light on.