In this dissertation, research is aimed at the multifaceted concepts of tolerance and
abjection, which are becoming increasingly relevant worldwide. The way in which these
terms are integrated into literary works is analysed with reference to two novels, namely
Santa Gamka (2009) by Eben Venter and Een schitterend gebrek (2003) by Arthur Japin.
Both novels include tolerance and abjection as a significant part of their narratives, yet
they originate from two different parts of the world, are set in two different periods of time
and also differ at historical, social-political and individual levels. In this study, the most
signification similarity between the novels is how tolerance and abjection take effect, both
independently and together In both novels, tolerance and abjection are, for various
reasons, problematised. These reasons include: skin colour, beauty, space and borders.
When compared to reality, the manifestation of tolerance and abjection in the novels is
also illuminating, because it reflects the actual situations in their respective countries,
namely South Africa and The Netherlands. The history and views of tolerance in these
two countries can be seen as opposite: South African intolerance is characterised by
apartheid, while the praised tolerance of The Netherlands is known worldwide.
The analysis of the novels focuses on the influence of tolerance and abjection on the
main characters, with the emphasis on the body – not only in terms of physical
appearance, but also sexual practises. The study demonstrates that specific spaces, as
well as spatial displacement, can be linked directly to tolerance and abjection. In
accordance with their spatial migration, the novels show that borders, boundaries and
overstepping boundaries are of the utmost importance to the protagonists. Borders that
are experienced as limiting and result in rejection and intolerance are often
simultaneously a passage to acceptance and tolerance. / MA (Afrikaans en Nederlands), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2014
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/10601 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Coertzen, Florence |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | other |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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