Matlhoko, Matlhoko : a stylistic analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to make a critical evaluation of R.M. Malope's celebrated Matlhoko, Matlhoko, a setswana novel, by applying some aspects of Emmanuel Ngara's three dimensional Theory of Stylistic Criticism. The views of different critics, scholars and authorities will as well be entertained. Ngara's theory is applied here in keeping with his credo that criticism based on sound aesthetic purpose will forever be useful and his humble acknowledgement that his theory may well be overtaken in future by satisfactory well-brewed ones, but it will, so he asserts, undoubtedly remain the basis for further developments. Chapter one features the introduction, i.e. aim, definition of concepts and a review on style. scope, Chapter two revolves around Ngara's Theory of Stylistic Criticism, a tool by means of which Malope's work will be analysed. Amongst others, focus of attention will fall on the following: Introduction to the theory The theory itself; its three -dimensional nature as f ound in: * The constituents of a work of art. * Evaluation Criteria and * Critical Terminology. Chapter three deals with the application of the first dimension of the stylistic criticism theory namely, the constituents o f a work of art with particular reference to : Characterization The Linguistic format which encompasses: Application of Linguistic and paralinguistic stylistic devices and * Determinants of a Linguistic format. Chapter four boasts the Evaluation Criteria, the second dimension thereof whereupon the readability of the text, the appropriateness and effectiveness of the writer's linguistic choices and content value and aesthetic quality will receive top priority attention. Chapter five cascades to the summary of the observations made in this study and the concluding remarks which wrap it off.