Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2004 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigates the binary oppositions in Dalene Matthee's historic novel,
Pieternella van die Kaap, and the extent to which it correlates with the
perspectives on "the other" and the influence of the spatial context on the two
main characters, Eva-Krotoa and Pietemella. The study ascertains in which way
Matthee's novel falls within the post-colonial framework; whether a tendency
towards hybridity can be found and in which cases the binary opposition of "the
self" versus "the other", is consequently suspended. Attention is also given to key
concepts associated with this, like stereotyping and convention.
After exploring the term post-colonial literature, a number of related elements
are discussed, such as the post-colonial focus on identity. Via the focalisation of
PietenelIa the novel firstly presents a general view of her experiences in the
Cape, on Robben Island, on the ship the Boode, and on Mauritius. In the process
it also foregrounds the life of her mother, Eva-Krotoa. Both of them are so much
affected by the binary oppositions relating to their existence within different,
contrasting spaces, that it is justified to call them "two-head" women. While Eva-
Krotoa's life is torn apart by the binary oppositions, there are indications that
Pietemella moves in the direction of a growing hybridity, that brings about a
synthesis between the oppositions and allows her to reconcile herself with her
own identity. This is even more pronounced in the case of her daughter, Maria.
The study comes to the conclusion that stereotyping is based on convention and
that time, place and circumstances determine whether and to what extent the
binary opposition of "the self'/"the other" is suspended. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie ondersoek die binêre opposrsres in Dalene Matthee se
historiese roman Pieternella van die Kaap en die mate waarin die
perspektiewe op 'die ander' en die invloed van die ruimtelike konteks op die
twee vernaamste karakters, Eva-Krotoa en Pieternella, hiermee in verband
gebring kan word. Daar word vasgestel in watter mate hierdie roman binne 'n
postkoloniale raamwerk val, in watter opsigte sprake is van hibriditeit en in
watter gevalle die binêre opposisie van 'die ek'teenoor 'die ander' gevolglik
opgehef word. Aandag word ook bestee aan sleutelbegrippe wat hiermee
saamhang, soos stereotipering en konvensie.
Na 'n verkenning van die term postkoloniale literatuur word verskeie elemente
wat hiermee verband hou bespreek, soos die postkoloniale fokus op identiteit.
Die roman bied eerstens, via die fokalisasie van Pieternella, 'n oorsig oor haar
lotgevalle aan die Kaap, op Robbeneiland, op die skip die Baade en op
Mauritius, maar stel in die proses ook die lewe van haar moeder Eva-Krotoa
voorop. Beide word in so 'n mate geaffekteer deur binêre opposisies van hulle
bestaan binne verskillende, kontrasterende ruimtes, dat hulle tereg
'tweekopvroue' genoem kan word. Waar Eva-Krotoa ten onder gaan aan die
binêre opposisies is daar met betrekking tot Pieternella aanduidings van 'n
groeiende hibriditeit wat 'n sintese bring tussen die opposisies en haar met
haar eie identiteit laat versoen. Dit is in In nog groter mate die geval met haar
dogter Maria.
Die studie kom tot die slotsom dat stereotipering berus op konvensie en dat
tyd, plek en omstandighede bepaal of en in watter mate die binêre opposisie
van ekl'ander' opgehef word.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/53728 |
| Date | 03 1900 |
| Creators | Symington, Cornelia Isabel |
| Contributors | Van Zyl, D. P., Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Afrikaans & Dutch. |
| Publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | af_ZA |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 92 p. |
| Rights | Stellenbosch University |
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