System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Accompanied by 4 recitals, recorded Apr. 20, 2008, Aug. 2, 2008 (missing), Mar. 5, 2009, and June 18, 2009. Includes bibliographical references (p. 71-73).

Proefschrift--Rijksuniversiteit te Leiden, 1995. / Résumé en français. Bibliogr. p. 297-326. Index.

Thesis (doctoral)--Rijksuniversiteit, Utrecht, 1980. / Vita. "Stellingen" ([2] p.) inserted. "De oplage is 250 eksemplaren." Includes bibliographical references (p. 485-495).

Thesis (doctoral)--Rijksuniversiteit, Utrecht, 1980. / Vita. "Stellingen" ([2] p.) inserted. "De oplage is 250 eksemplaren." Includes bibliographical references (p. 485-495).

D.Litt et Phil. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

Proefschrift Universiteit van Amsterdam. / Met lit.opg. en reg. - Met een samenvatting in het Nederlands en in het Engels.

Proefschrift--Utrecht. / "Stellingen": [3] p. inserted. Includes bibliographical references.

Proefschrift--Rijksuniversiteit Leiden, 1990. / Résumé en anglais.

The poet of this cycle, Sydney Vernon Petersen, was a man who faced great adversity during Apartheid. The title of this cycle, Alleenstryd, is an Afrikaans term for 'a struggle alone.' Petersen was of mixed heritage or "Coloured" and born in South Africa in 1914. He died in 1987. His most important works in Afrikaans poetry were published between 1948 and 1965. This cycle specifically focuses on the relationship between the poet and his community, the isolation he endured within that community, the depths of despair he felt and how he overcame those obstacles to finally achieve a sense of self-worth. This group of poems, first published as an anthology by Tafelberg Press in 1979, became the source of inspiration for the composer Hendrik Hofmeyr. The purpose of this research is to identify the significant social, political and musical influences on the composer which contributed to the composition of Alleenstryd (1996), especially the significance of his self-imposed exile. Also, the Afrikaans language, a derivative of 17th century Dutch, is a language dear to its speakers but not widely accessible or familiar to most other nations. Hopefully this research will provide more information and make the language, its composers and the story of the dark history surrounding Apartheid and specifically the individuals who excelled through hardship, available to more people.

By way of preface several issues will be dealt with briefly. First, the study of Familism since 1862; second, the problems encountered in the study of Familism; and finally, the significance of the word "mysticism" as used in this study. Following this is an acknowledgement of assistance received by the author.