M.A. (Afrikaans) / This study explores the nature, role and function of letters (i.e. epistolary communication) in Etienne van Heerden’s novels, In stede van die liefde (In love’s place) (2005) and 30 nagte in Amsterdam (30 nights in Amsterdam) (2008). Existing theoretical insights into the so-called epistolary novel (novel of letters), as well as the role of letters in literary texts, are used as point of departure for an in-depth analysis of each novel. Botha (1987:149) defines the epistolary novel as “a novel consisting entirely or in part of letters, diary fragments or other relevant documentation, while a foreword and/or conclusion by a fictional editor/publisher can also be included” (my translation – FB). Though neither In stede van die liefde and 30 nagte in Amsterdam at first sight seem to be epistolary novels, both meet with the requirements of Botha’s (1987:149) definition in the sense that they partly consist of letters. Botha’s (1987:149) definition also contains no specific indication of exactly how many letters or diary fragments a novel should include to be considered an epistolary novel. From a study of the letters in Van Heerden’s novels it becomes evident that In stede van die liefde and 30 nagte in Amsterdam do not display all the features of the epistolary novel. Some defining characteristics are deliberately deviated from or undermined, while other characteristics are identified in the novels that serve as supplement to existing theoretical approaches to the epistolary novel. In both novels, for example, letters function as catalysts for action, while they are sometimes used as part of the narration or to expose the inner life (thoughts) of characters. In addition letters are also used to provide background information and to act as historical documents. Among other things, it is indicated that most of the letters in In stede van die liefde and 30 nagte in Amsterdam do in fact not fulfil the traditional purpose of letters, as two-way communication is not established in all of them. It can justifiably be argued, therefore, that letters rather reveal something more symbolic about the psyche of the characters who act as letter writers in the novels. A textual analysis of the two Van Heerden novels clearly indicates that both In stede van die liefde and 30 nagte in Amsterdam should be considered innovative with regard to the use of letters. The complexity, richness and literary quality of these novels require many different interpretations, however, with the investigation into the role of letters as only one possible way in which insight can be obtained into these impressive literary achievements.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:11580 |
| Date | 23 June 2014 |
| Creators | Botha, Frederick Johannes |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | University of Johannesburg |
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