Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch Universiteit, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this study the role played by literature or fiction in historiography is investigated. Firstly, the problem of representing an "objective reality" is outlined, and subsequently applied to the domain of historiography by questioning terms such as "objectivity", "reality" and "truth". Due attention is given to changing perceptions about the nature of history writing. It is indicated that historiography cannot render or recreate the past as something which is present here-and-now and, therefore, that history writing is of necessity always an interpreted and subjectively construed representation of an ephemeral "reality". Against this background the thesis focuses on that part of South African history (slavery) which for a variety of reasons lacks a formalised historiography. It is indicated how the "gaps" created by the failures of formalised historiography can be "filled" by the suggestive power of the literary imagination. Wilma Stockenstrëm's Die kremetartekspedisie (1981) is used to exemplify the above claims by specifically noting how the personal slave experience is described through the literary imagination in Die kremetartekspedisie. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie studie word daar ondersoek ingestel na die moontlike rol wat letterkunde of fiksie kan speel in die geskiedskrywingsproses. As agtergrond word die problematiek rondom die bestaan en voorstelling van 'n 'objektiewe werklikheid' bespreek en uitgebrei na die terrein van die historiografie deur die bevraagtekening van terme soos 'objektiwiteit', 'werklikheid' en 'waarheid'. Daar word aandag geskenk aan verskuiwende persepsies oor die aard van geskiedskrywing en aangedui dat historiografie nooit die verlede teenwoordig kan stel nie en dat geskiedskrywing altyd 'n geïnterpreteerde en subjektief-gekonstrueerde representasie van 'n verbygegane 'werklikheid' is. Teen hierdie agtergrond word daar spesifiek gelet op 'n gedeelte van die Suid-Afrikaanse geskiedenis wat, as gevolg van verskeie redes, 'ontbreek' in formele geskiedskrywing, naamlik slawerny. Daar word aangedui hoe hierdie gapings op suggestiewe wyse deur die literêre verbeelding 'gevul' kan word. Die kremetartekspedisie deur Wilma Stockenstr6m dien as voorbeeldteks om bogenoemde punt te illustreer deur spesifiek te let op die wyse waarop 'n slavin moontlik haar persoonlike ervaring van haar slaafskap sou kon verwoord soos dit in Die kremetartekspedisie deur die literêre verbeelding gedoen word.

Thesis (MA)- Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In fulfilment of the degree of Magister in Creative Writing: Afrikaans, a novel titled Sirkus (Circus) is presented in which the main character figures as an idiot. It is accompanied by a perspicacious formal essay which maintains the relationship between theory and novel. The essay titled "Die idioot: spieël en skadu" (The idiot: mirror and shadow) reflects on the problematics concerning the representation of the idiot in literary texts. The essay investigates the phenomenon of the idiot in literature according to well-known literary texts presenting idiots. What these texts have in common is that the narrator acts on behalf of a character who does not have the ability nor the will to narrate himself. The problematics is viewed from a thematic as well as writing technique niveaux, according to insights gleaned from literature, philosophy, narratology and psychology. The argument concludes by reflecting on the responsibility of the author and the ethics of creating an effigy of the idiot. The novel Sirkus, (Circus), focuses on an idiot character with webbed hands and feet, Siegfried Landman. It is an exposition of his journey to hell starting on a farm in the Karoo. It takes him through a grotesque urban landscape where he eventually ends up in a circus of freaks. The text starts with the death of Siegfried's father and is in the form of a quest narrative, a quest for the vague image of his uncle Fischer. The tale emanates predominantly from Siegfried's consciousness. During the course of the text he is accompanied by varioius travelling companions who each fmd a voice in the text. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING Ter vervulling van die graad van Magister in Kreatiewe Afrikaanse skryfkunde is 'n roman getiteld Sirkus voorgelê waarin die hoofkarakter 'n idiotefiguur is. Dit word vergesel met 'n verbandhoudende beskoulike werkstuk: "Die idioot: spieël en skadu", wat die vorm aanneem van 'n essay oar die problematiek rondom die representasie van die idioot in literêre tekste. In die werkstuk word die verskynsel van die idioot in die letterkunde ondersoek aan die hand van bekende literêre tekste waarin idiotefigure gerepresenteer word. Hierdie tekste het dit gemeen dat die verteller optree namens 'n karakter wat nie die vermoë óf die wil het om self te vertel nie. Die problematiek word beskou op tematiese sowel as skryftegniese vlakke aan die hand van insigte uit die letterkunde, filosofie, narratologie en sielkunde. Die argument sluit uiteindelik af met 'n besinning oor die skrywerlike verantwoordelikheid en 'n skrywerlike etiek ten opsigte van die uitbeelding van die idioot. Die roman Sirkus fokus op 'n idiote-karakter met gewebde hande en voete, Siegfried Landman. Dit is 'n uitbeelding van sy hellevaart wat begin op 'n plaas in die Karoo en hom voer deur 'n groteske stadslandskap voor hy uiteindelik opeindig in 'n sirkus van fratse. Die teks begin met die dood van Siegfried se vader en is in die vorm van 'n soektognarratief, 'n soektog na die vae beeld van sy oom Fischer. Die verhaal word grotendeels vanuit Siegfried se bewussyn vertel. Hy word deur die verloop van die teks vergesel deur verskeie reisgenote wat elk ook 'n eie stem in die teks verkry.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 1998. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Elsa Joubert initially acquired her reputation for her travel writing which is mainly about Africa during the fifties. In her texts she not only focusses on the curiosities and visually attractive sites of the countries she tours, but also conveys her extensive knowledge of the history and her special interest in the intimate human aspects of the people. Ons wag op die kaptein (1963) established her name as startling novelist of Southern-African themes. Missionaris (1988) and Die reise van Isobelle (1995) are based on identifiable SouthernAfrican historical information and subtly place historiography under scrutiny. In these texts Joubert thematizes and problematizes historiography, which she finds lacking in its ability to convey a true representation of events. Photo's, recorded visions or other images of an experience of reality still only remain representations of that "reality". Through the process of fictionalization (as in a novel) "a truth" comes to the light, but at the same time the one-sided and relative nature of canonised history is exposed. Through this critical glance at the status quo and canonised white history, which originated under the pressure of anti-colonialism, Joubert has sided with writers such as Jan Rabie and Andre P. Brink in their opposition to Apartheid and desire to contribute toward the constitution of a new South-Africa. In Die reise van Isobel/e Joubert comments, through the use of characters in a family cronicle, on the manner in which people are affected and shaped by their context. The author, through the use of Leonora as sceptical narrator, focalisator and manipulator, ironises for example the steadfast convictions of the patriotic Josias and Agnes, and thereby confers a critical view of politicalideological problems. The romance between Belle, as group bound Afrikaner girl, and the interesting foreign Indian Hussein Badir, which ends in his death, illustrates the discord when racist prejudice clashes with personal experience. Leo serves as a model of freedom and hope which coincides with detachment from conventional political convictions. Different kinds of journeys can be identified in coherence with the characters, e.g. physical, literal journeys, religious journeys and political journeys. The family chronicle eventually becomes an example of Afrikaner society's emancipation or journey from a patriarchal to a free independent way oflife. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Elsa Joubert het aanvanklik bekendheid verwerf vir haar reisverhale oor veral Afrika uit die vyftigetjare. Sy is in die tekste nie slegs toeristies ingestel op die wetens- en besienswaardighede van die Iande wat sy besoek nie, maar toon, naas 'n omvattende kennis van die geskiedenis, ook aandag vir die intiem menslike doen en late. Ons wag op die kaptein (1963) het haar naam gevestig as opspraakwekkende romanskrywer oor Suider-Afrikaanse temas. Ook Missionaris (1988) en Die reise van Isobelle (1995) is op herkenbare gegewens gebaseer en plaas geskiedskrywing op 'n subtiele manier in die soeklig. In hierdie tekste tematiseer en problematiseer Joubert die geskiedskrywing, wat volgens haar tekortskiet om 'n oortuigende beeld te gee. Foto's, opgetekende visioene of andersoortige weergawes van 'n werklikheidsbelewing bly steeds representasies. Deur die_ proses van fiksionalisering (soos in 'n roman) kom minstens "'n waarheid" aan die lig, maar dit bevestig terselfdertyd die eensydige en relatiewe aard van die gekanoniseerde geskiedenis. Deur hierdie kritiese blik op die status quo en die gekanoniseerde wit geskiedenis, wat onder andere weens die druk van die anti-kolonialisme ontstaan bet, sluit Joubert haar aan by skrywers soos Jan Rabie en Andre P Brink se opposisie teen Apartheid en versugting om by te dra tot die totstandkoming van 'n miwe Suid-Afrika. In Die reise van lsobelle lewer Joubert, deur die gebruik van karakters in 'n familiegeskiedenis, kommentaar oor die wyse waarop mense geraak en gevorm word deur bulle konteks. Die skryfster ironiseer deur die gebruik van Leonora as skeptiese verteller, fokalisator en manipuleerder, byvoorbeeld die vaste oortuigings van die patriotiese Josias en Agnes en gee sodoende 'n kritiese blik op polities-ideologiese vraagstukke. Die liefdesverhouding tussen Belle as groepsgebonde Afrikanermeisie en die vir haar interessant-vreemde Indiese Hussein Badir wat op sy dood uitloop, illustreer die tweespalt wanneer rassistiese vooroordele bots met eie ervaring. Leo dien as voorbeeld van vryheid en hoop wat gepaardgaan met die losbreek uit konvensionele politieke oortuigings. Verskillende soorte reise kan in samehang met die · karakters onderskei word, naamlik fisiese, letterlike reise, geestelik-godsdienstige reise en politieke reise. Hierdie familiegeskiedenis word uiteindelik eksemplaries van die Afrikanersamelewitig se emansipasie of reis van 'n patriargale tot 'n vrye, onafhanklike tipe leefwyse.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: No abstract / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 1998. / Blog by Johann de Lange: http://johanndelange.blogspot.com/ / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie stel hom ten doel om die 19de-eeuse kulturele fin de siecle-intertekste in Johann de Lange se poësie, wat grotendeels postmodernisties van aard is, na te gaan ten einde die hipotese te toets dat sy werk sterk ooreenkomste met die kunsuitinge van die vorige eeuwending openbaar. Hieruit blyk duidelik 'n korrespondensie of ekwivalensie tussen die tydsgees en diskoers van die huidige fin de millennium en die van die 19de-eeuse fin de siecle. Die titel van die tesis is ontleen aan die gedig "Greenwichtyd" uit Snel grys fantoom (1986:29): Dit als terwyl ek stil slaap anderkant die horison, klein doen in 'n wêreld waar eeue wegtik met elke oogknip, 'n dag gebeur tussen een asemteug en die volgende [...] Omdat al sewe bundels van die digter ondersoek is, kon slegs drie gedigte in diepte geanaliseer word, naamlik "Correspondences" uit Wordende naak (1990:22), "Studie van 'n portret van 'n man" uit Snel grys fantoom (1986:56) en "Vlees van die berg" uit Vleiswond (1993:51-52). Die gedig "Correspondences", wat seminaal is vir die hipotese wat in hierdie studie gestel word, kom in 'n eie hoofstuk aan bod; "Studie van 'n portret van 'n man" is aanvullend tot die hipotese dat De Lange hom met die kunstenaars van die fin de siecle vereenselwig; terwyl "Vlees van die berg" op vele wyses De Lange se digterlike preokkupasies weerspieël. Enkele aspekte van die kunsstrominge van die Dekadentisme, Estetisisme en Simbolisme, wat in die eeuwending voorkom en ook in De Lange se verse neerslag vind, word in afsonderlike hoofstukke bespreek. Die digter se sosiopolitieke betrokkenheid wat deur die meeste kritici in die verlede misken is, word bevestig. As gevolg daarvan dat mistisisme en metapoësie by De Lange dikwels in 'n enkele gedig saamsmelt, word hierdie aspekte ten slotte in 'n afsonderlike hoofstuk onder die loep geneem. Daar word deurgaans gebruik gemaak van verwysings na geselekteerde gedigte uit De Lange se oeuvre, telkens gesitueer binne die konteks van die postmoderniteit. Ten einde die dinamika van intertekstuele en interdiskursiewe prosesse te demonstreer, word intertekstuele ekskursies of intertekstuele cruising dikwels onderneem. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigates the 19th century cultural fin de siecle intertexts in Johann de Lange's predominantly postmodernistic poetry in order to test the hypothesis that his work reveals strong correspondences to art forms of the previous turn of the century. As a result a correspondence or an equivalence between the cultural climates and discourses of the relevant ages, viz. the present fin de millennium and the fin de siecle of the 19th century, is indicated. The origin of the title of the thesis is the poem "Greenwichtyd" from Snel grys fantoom (1986:29): Dit als terwyl ek stil slaap anderkant die horison, klein doen in 'n wêreld waar eeue wegtik met elke oogknip, 'n dag gebeur tussen een asemteug en die volgende [...] The volume of work involved in the examination of the poet's entire oeuvre of seven volumes precluded the exhaustive analysis of vast numbers of poems. For this reason only three poems have been analysed in any depth. These are "Correspondences" from Wordende naak (1990:22), "Studie van 'n portret van 'n man" from Snel grys fantoom (1986:56) and "Vlees van die berg" from Vleiswond (1993:51-52). The poem "Correspondences" which is seminal to the hypothesis posed in this study is discussed in a separate chapter; "Studie van 'n portret van 'n man" is supplementary to the hypothesis that De Lange identifies with the artists of the fin de siecle; while "Vlees van die berg" reflects many of De Lange's poetic preoccupations. A few aspects of decadence (in the cultural sense), aestheticism and symbolism, schools of art prevalent at the turn of the century which all find expression in De Lange's poems, are examined in separate chapters. The sosio-political commitment of the poet, unrecognised by most critics in the past, is confirmed. Because De Lange often merges mysticism and metapoetry in a single poem, these aspects are finally investigated together in one chapter. Reference is made throughout to selected poems from De Lange's oeuvre as situated within the context of postmodernity. In order to demonstrate the dynamics of intertextual and interdiscursive processes, intertextual excursions or "cruises" are often undertaken.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000. / Blog by Johann de Lange: http://johanndelange.blogspot.com/ / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die term voyeurisme hoort normaalweg tuis binne die sielkunde, waar dit dui op 'n seksuele abnormaliteit en afwyking. Hierdie siening stigmatiseer egter die fenomeen voyeurisme as 'n perverse handeling. In die eerste hoofstuk van hierdie studie word 'n poging aangewend om die begrip voyeurisme te verruim. Die voyeurisme wys nie net op 'n seksuele afwyking nie, maar vorm 'n sentrale deel van die eietydse samelewing. Die voyeurisme is dus ook van kardinale belang vir die letterkunde. In hierdie tesis word die voyeuristiese elemente in die poësie van Johann de Lange ondersoek. Aan die hand van tekste uit De Lange se oeuvre word die hipotese getoets dat die voyeurisme 'n voorwaarde vir die letterkunde is. Voorts word daar beweer dat die voyeurisme 'n onmisbare funksie in die skryf-en-lees-proses vervul; dat nie net die digter nie, maar sowel die teks as die leser noodwendig deel in die voyeuristiese handeling. Die letterkunde is dus, volgens hierdie hipotese, te danke aan die perspektiwiese kompleksiteit van die voyeurisme. Om die sprong van die sielkunde na die letterkunde te maak, word daar eerstens aandag bestee aan die werk van die teoretici Jean-Paul Sartre, Jacques Lacan en Michel Foucault en die bydraes wat hulle tot die teoretisering oor persepsie lewer. Voorts word vier gedigte geanaliseer met konsentrasie op aspekte van die voyeurisme soos wat dit in De Lange se oeuvre manifesteer en funksioneer, naamlik: die skilderkuns, die fotografie, die religie en die verhouding tussen vader en seun. Hoewel hierdie tesis uitsluitlik oor die werk van Johann de Lange handel, wil dit 'n gesprek oor die voyeurisme in die Afrikaanse letterkunde tot stand bring. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The term voyeurism normally belongs to the field of psychology, where it is used to describe a sexual abnormality and deviation. However, this view stigmatises the phenomenon of voyeurism as a perverse act. In the first chapter of this study the author attempts to broaden the notion of voyeurism. Voyeurism not only indicates sexual deviation, it also forms a central part of contemporary society. Voyeurism is therefore also of the utmost importance in literature. In this thesis the voyeuristic elements in the poetry of Johann de Lange are examined. Using texts from De Lange's oeuvre the hypothesis that voyeurism is a condition for literature is tested. It is further argued that voyeurism fulfils an essential function in the reading and writing process; that, not only the poet, but both the text and the reader inevitably share in the voyeuristic action. Literature according to this hypothesis, has its origins in the perspective complexity of voyeurism. To explain the connection between psychology and literature attention is firstly devoted to the works of the theorists Jean-Paul Sartre, Jacques Lacan and Michel Foucault and the contributions they made on perception. Further four poems are analysed in detail, with emphasis on aspects of voyeurism as they manifest and function in De Lange's oeuvre, namely: the art of painting, photography, religion and the relationship between father and son. Although this thesis deals exclusively with the work of Johann de Lange, it wants to bring about a discussion on voyeurism in the Afrikaans literature.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation investigates the increase in Afrikaans novels set in the future at the time of publication in the period after 1999. The following seven Afrikaans futuristic novels were published in this time: Oemkontoe van die nasie (2001) by P.J. Haasbroek, Hotel Atlantis (2002) and Raka die roman (2005) by Koos Kombuis, Miskruier (2005) by Jaco Botha, Die nege kerse van Magriet (2006) by Barend P.J. Erasmus, Horrelpoot (2006) by Eben Venter and Wederkoms – Die lewe en geskiedenis van Jannes Hoop (2009) by Louis Krüger. These novels are discussed within the framework of dystopian literature since they all portray a future South Africa that is worse off than it was at the time of the novels’ publication. It is discussed whether the socio-political climate in South Africa after 1999 contributed to the increasing popularity of the dystopian genre in Afrikaans in this time. Dystopian literature in general comments on the present rather than the future. The social commentary in these novels is therefore also discussed. The following aspects of dystopian literature, as identified by critics such as Raffaella Baccolini, Fredric Jameson, Tom Moylan, Lyman Tower Sargent and Brian Stableford, is focused on in the analysis of the seven novels: the typical narrative in dystopian works; the distinction between the classical dystopia, critical dystopia and pseudo-dystopia; the connection between dystopian literature and apocalyptic literature, and common themes within dystopian literature (for example the control of language and the media, history and ecological issues). This dissertation highlights the similarities to as well as differences between the seven Afrikaans dystopian novels and typical dystopian works. It is also discussed how the context of a postcolonial and post-apartheid South Africa makes these novels unique. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie proefskrif ondersoek die toename van Afrikaanse romans in die tydperk ná 1999 wat ten tyde van publikasie in ʼn toekomstige Suid-Afrika afspeel. Die volgende toekomsromans verskyn in hierdie tyd: P.J. Haasbroek se Oemkontoe van die nasie (2001), Hotel Atlantis (2002) en Raka die roman (2005) deur Koos Kombuis, Miskruier (2005) deur Jaco Botha, Eben Venter se Horrelpoot (2006), Die nege kerse van Magriet (2006) deur Barend P.J. Erasmus en Louis Krüger se Wederkoms – Die lewe en geskiedenis van Jannes Hoop (2009). Dié sewe romans word binne die raamwerk van distopiese literatuur bespreek omdat hulle voldoen aan Lyman Tower Sargent se definisie van ʼn literêre distopie: hulle beeld almal ʼn toekomstige Suid-Afrika uit waarin dit slegter gaan as die tyd waarin die romans gepubliseer is. Daar word ondersoek of die sosio-politiese konteks waarin die toekomsromans van ná 1999 verskyn, moontlik ʼn bydrae gelewer het tot die toename van hierdie tipe roman in die tydperk. Toekomsvoorstellings binne distopiese literatuur lewer dikwels eerder kommentaar op die tyd waarin die werke verskyn as op die toekoms. Daar word ondersoek of dit ook die geval is met die Afrikaanse distopiese toekomsromans van ná 1999. Na aanleiding van teorieë rondom distopiese literatuur deur kritici soos Raffaella Baccolini, Fredric Jameson, Tom Moylan, Lyman Tower Sargent en Brian Stableford word daar op die volgende aspekte van distopiese literatuur gefokus in die analise van die sewe romans: die handeling in tipiese distopiese werke; die onderskeid tussen die klassieke distopie, kritiese distopie en pseudo-distopie; die verband tussen apokaliptiese en distopiese literatuur en algemene temas binne distopiese literatuur (byvoorbeeld die beheer van die taal en media, die geskiedenis en ekologiese vraagstukke). In die bespreking word daar gewys op die ooreenkomste, maar ook die verskille, tussen die sewe Afrikaanse distopiese romans en tipiese distopiese werke. Daar word ook bespreek hoe die konteks van ʼn postkoloniale en postapartheid Suid-Afrika ʼn uniekheid verleen aan dié werke.

Thesis (MA (Afrikaans and Dutch))—University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between eroticism, violence and death as it occurs in Jeanne Goosen's short story collection, ' n Gelyke kans. The research is based upon the hypothesis that these stories express in a particular manner the transgressive role of eroticism in breaking through social conventions and barriers. As a possible framework for discussion reference is made in the first place to George Bataille's theories on the subversive nature of eroticism, Julia Kristeva's semiotic and pre-Oedipal theories, and Mikhail Bakhtin's notion of the carnivalesque. Subsequently a reading strategy was designed by means of an in-depth analysis of ten stories from the collection in accordance with general formalistic principles. The conclusion is reached that Goosen with non-judgmental sympathy exposes man's inborn, continuous search for the illusion of perfect happiness. This state of bliss is sometimes achieved by the violent "incorporation" of the beloved/desired “other", and the final outcome is a concomitant and inevitable decline into an unwholesome, destructive, and fatal erotic power play.

Thesis (MA)-- Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The establishment of literary festivals as a type of event that is presented both nationally and internationally has expanded tremendously in recent years, but it has not as yet received the necessary attention to fully understand its impact on and sociocultural function in a host community. This thesis attempts to formulate a working definition for the phenomenon, in order to gain more insight in its sociocultural function and impact in a host community and thus to contribute towards a more substantial discourse on the subject. The hypothesis is firstly that literary festivals come into existence due to specific needs in the host society and secondly that the strategic application of rhetorical strategies have a positive sociocultural impact. It is argumented that literary festivals function according to the principles of Aristotle’s rhetoric, by convincing festival visitors that books, reading, writing, debating and freedom of speech are of great aesthetic, moral and educational value. The eventual aim is to cause festival visitors to show greater appreciation for literary texts, as illustrated by their increased participation in reading, writing and other literary activities. The following theories serve as points of departure: the system theory as expounded by Itamar Even-Zohar, Gerard Hauser’s application of rhetorics to the public sphere, the ritual theories of Victor Turner and Jeremy Boissevain, as well as festival theories by Mikhail Bakhtin, Donald Getz, Henri Schoenmakers, Paul Kaptein, William Sauter, Don Handelman, Temple Hauptfleisch and Michael Kamp. The programmes, festival contents and other relevant texts that form part of two selected literary festivals, i.e. the Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Wordfest (Woordfees) and the Amsterdam Weerwoordfestival, are scrutinised in order to prove that these festivals are strategically constructed to have a persuasive effect on festivalgoers. A festival’s survival and sustainability is determinated by its establishment of a strong own character; good management (also in times of crisis); effective networks; and the persuasion of both target groups and interest groups that supporting the festival is to their own advantage. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die literêre fees, as tipe gebeurtenis wat toenemend nasionaal én internasionaal aangebied word, het tot dusver min aandag van navorsers geniet. Ten einde die sosio-kulturele funksie en krag daarvan in ’n gasheergemeenskap te probeer vasstel en te omskryf, asook om by te dra tot ’n meer omvangryke diskoers oor hierdie fenomeen, word bestaande teorieë oor feeste in die algemeen dus in hierdie studie as vertrekpunt gebruik en aangepas by literêre feeste. Die hipotese is eerstens dat literêre feeste ontstaan in reaksie op behoeftes in die gasheergemeenskap en tweedens dat die aanwending van retoriese strategieë in literêre feeste ’n positiewe sosio-kulturele impak tot gevolg kan hê. Na aanleiding van Aristoteles se uitgangspunte oor die retorika word voorgestel dat die funksie en werking van literêre feeste retories van aard is: Die organiseerders wil feesdeelnemers oorreed dat lees, skryf, debattering en vrye meningswisseling esteties, opvoedkundig en moreel waardevol is, om sodoende ’n groter belangstelling in en deelname aan literêre aktiwiteite te probeer bewerkstellig. Die volgende teoretici se uitgangspunte word veral gebruik: dié van Itamar Even-Zohar oor die sisteemteorie, Gerard Hauser se toepassing van die retorika op ’n openbare sfeer, ritueelteorieë deur Victor Turner en Jeremy Boissevain, sowel as feesteorieë van Mikhail Bakhtin, Donald Getz, Henri Schoenmakers, Paul Kaptein, William Sauter, Don Handelman, Temple Hauptfleisch en Michael Kamp. Deur ’n vergelykende studie van die ruimer konteks, feesprogramme en ander relevante tekste wat deel uitmaak van twee literêre feeste, naamlik die Universiteit Stellenbosch Woordfees en die Amsterdamse Weerwoordfestival, word nagegaan hoe hierdie feeste strategies en oorredend funksioneer deurdat beide literêre én nie-literêre elemente geselekteer (inventio) en gekombineer (dispositio) is om ’n sterker positiewe eventiserende betekenis oor te dra as in die alledaagse lewe. Die gevolgtrekking is dat effektiewe retoriese strategieë sterk afhanklik is van die konteks waarbinne feeste plaasvind. Die voortbestaan en volhoubaarbaarheid van literêre feeste word veral bepaal deur die vestiging van ’n sterk eie identiteit; goeie bestuur (ook in krisisse); doeltreffende netwerke, asook deur die oorreding van beide teikengroepe én belanghebbers dat hulle wen deur die fees te ondersteun.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / Two separate texts are submitted towards the degree of MA in Creative Writing. The first is this essay, A Reading of Blood Meridian. The second is a novel, The Book of War. Essay The general focus of the essay is the theme of free will in Blood Meridian and the techniques with which the narrative elements of character, story, style and voice are deployed to focus the reader's mind on this theme. The central question: is the meaning, the final message, of Blood Meridian that as individuals human beings lack agency and that as groups they are shackled to a common destiny? The hypothesis is that Blood Meridian contains significant patterns, oppositions and dialectics, designed to place arguments for and against agency in the mind of the reader, but that the book's response to the theme is inherently and structurally ambiguous. Novel The novel was written before the essay. It was written in direct response to Blood Meridian and to the realization that Blood Meridian was a text rooted in history. Like Blood Meridian, The Book of War is based on, grows out of, first person accounts, specifically Stephen Bartlett Lakeman's What I saw in Kaffir-Land (1880) and William Ross King's Campaigning in Kaffirland: Or Scenes and Adventures in The Kaffir War of 1851- 1852 (1853). The novel takes characters devolved from Lakeman and places them in King’s journey through the war. These characters create, around a child called the kid, the social backdrop of a coming of age tale. The novel uses its source texts as a lens through which to view, and tell the story of, the War of The Prophet (Eight Frontier War 1850-53). Readers seeking to answer the question: Why is South Africa a violent society? might find at least part of the answer in the nature of, and the relationships between, English, Xhosa, Dutch, Khoi and Mfengu cultures in the 19th Century.