The autobiographical mode in the writings of Machabe Mofokeng

Abstract

This study examines the works of one of the most gifted writers of Sesotho, Sophonia Machabe Mofokeng. He wrote SENKATANA, a drama, LEETONG, a collection of short stories and PELONG YA KA, a volume of essays. In this work we trace the link between his writings and his real lived life because we have a hunch that his works are autobiographical. Our informants about his real lived life are his family, friends, and associates. In our analysis, we are guided by the principles and conditions of autobiography. Our emphasis is on the elements of autobiography as presented by Howarth ( 1980) namely, character, technique and theme. We do find that a link exists between the characters in the books written by Mofokeng, and Mofokeng himself. For instance, we do see through the characters Mofokeng the poor man, the achiever, the selfless person, the leader, the teacher, the oppressed man and so on. Secondly, through his style, we are able to see a portrayal of himself. He succeeds to do this because as he establishes his past he 1s at the same time revealing himself to us readers. This goes along with Starobinski's declaration that every autobiography is a self-revelation. Lastly, through his themes, we get to know what Mofokeng's aspirations and visions were. We learn for instance that he longed for freedom, was against evil, was full of hope, was a staunch christian and wished that all should live their lives in full.