Realism in Charles Mungoshi's novels
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Authors
Nyandoro, Farayi, 1964-
Issue Date
1994-06
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Realism , Verisimilitude , Novel , Romance , Fantasy , Literary development , Setting , Plot , Characterisation , Theme , Style
Alternative Title
Abstract
Early written Shona narratives like Solomon Mutswairo's Feso [Thorn; name of main
character, 1982] evince fantasy since they emanated from folktales, a genre that
abounds in this element. Contrary to this, Charles Mungoshi attempts to portray life
faithfully in Makunun'unu Maodzamwoyo [Brooding breeds despair, 1977], Ndiko
Kupindana Kwamazuva [How time passes, 1975] and Kunyarara Hakusi Kutaura? [Is
silence not a form of speech? 1983].
This study attempts to show how this realism manifests itself in the components that
constitute each of the works: setting, plot, characterisation, theme and style.
Mungoshi's characters, for instance, are not one-sided supernatural beings who
perform fabulous acts. Instead, they have strengths and limitations like people in
everyday life. Their actions and speech are consistent with their social backgrounds.
By injecting realism into the Shona narrative, Mungoshi has contributed towards its
development. Due to this realism, the works deserve the label "novels" as opposed to
"romances".
Description
Citation
Nyandoro, Farayi, 1964- (1994) Realism in Charles Mungoshi's novels, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/15682>