Bogosi kupe : padi ya ditshiamelo tsa basadi

Abstract

In this dissertation the rights of women are investigated with special reference to Monyaise's novel, Bogosi Kupe. The description is based on the theory offeminism and womanism. Among those scholars who have discussed theories on feminism are Ashworth (1995), Lovenduski and Randall (1993), Ryan and Van Zyl (1992), Besley and Moore (1989), Nosizwe Mrwebi (1996) and Phindile Xaba (1999). Among those who have advanced theories on womanism are Alice Walker and Chekwenye Okonjo Ogunyemi (1997), Cannon (1995), Lovenduski and Randall (1993), Collins (1990) and Jones e.a. (1994). The main aim of the dissertation is to investigate the two narratologicallevels of the novel, Bogosi Kupe, namely content and plot structure, with special attention to the rights of women. Furthermore, the concept of feminism is discussed as the movement that fights for the rights of women. In this investigation the two concept to define and to interpret are also examined. Furthermore, the examination follows the adapted narratological model of theorists such as Mojalefa and Groenewald. In terms of this model, a literary text operates on three levels: content level, plot level and style level. Bogosi Kupe is discussed within the framework of this adapted narratological model, with the focus being on the first two levels, namely, content level and plot level. The concept topic is highly significant with regard to the content level because it links the events of the content level, coherently. In Monyaise's text, Bogosi Kupe, the topic has been identified as exhorting or inspiring women to fight for their rights. This topic determines the relationship between all the events on the content level. On the plot level, the theme is strongly emphasised as the most important component of the plot structure because it also links the events of the plot level coherently. The events in Bogosi Kupe are arranged and linked by means of specific techniques to highlight the author’s intention. Title, as an element of plot level is also investigated as it plays a significant role in making the reader aware of the distinguishing name of the literary text and also in enunciating the type of the literary text. Another component which is also considered as vitally important when analysing plot structure, is the design which is the framework in which the story is rooted. Furthermore, design has been described as having two parts which determine plot structure of a particular literary text so that the message is highlighted by the theme and thus well disclosed to the reader. In that way, design in the text can be discussed as having two special functions which are firstly, to identify the type of literary work and secondly to examine characterization. It has been observed that Bogosi Kupe, also falls within the category of womanism because it reflects certain features of womanism. F our phases of the plot, namely exposition, development, climax and denouement have also been examined as the pillars of literary text. In the exposition phase, the first conflict is discussed in terms of the technique of fore shadowing to highlight the rights of women for which Matlhodi strives for. The events, in the development phase are arranged and linked by means of nineteen techniques to form a unit. In the climax phase, Monyaise uses three techniques namely, flashback, frequency and contrast, to highlight the power of modernism in contrast to traditionalism. In the denouement phase, the author uses three basic techniques namely, frequency, elision and symbol to reflect the dawn of civilization and the fading out of tradition. Monyaise concludes Bogosi Kupe with an important occasion in which characters celebrate the advent of civilization. These events are also arranged and linked by means of three basic techniques which are related to the theme of this novel.