Postmodernism is a complex concept to grasp, and although artists frequently create
postmodernist work, a cognitive approach to it is difficult. This study is therefore
unique in its aim to support creative writers in the formation (creation and
representation) of postmodernist characters. Thus, this study contributes to the
theory of creative writing, within the current zeitgeist and associated writing styles.
A zeitgeist is the collective universal subconscious of the world within a specific
epoch and is recognisable in the identity of the people that live during that zeitgeist,
as well as in the art of the time. Postmodernism, as the contemporary zeitgeist,
implies a postmodernist identity (or identities), which can creatively be represented in
the artwork (literary text - prose).
Through an integrated threefold study of Postmodernism (and postmodernist
identity), "character" as covered in literary theory and the "creation and
representation" of character as covered in the theory of creative writing, a paradigm
is postulated to support the creative writer in the creation and representation of
postmodernist characters.
The paradigm manages postmodernist characters within three overlapping
categories that approach characters as (1) icons that represent postmodernist
people, as (2) literary motives that illustrate postmodernist themes and, as (3)
containers of postmodernist discourses.
Such a paradigm is not to be considered a model or recipe, but is instead to be
viewed as an angle of approaching postmodernist characters and as a launch pad
from where the creative writer must further rely on his or her own creativity, talent
and dexterity. The paradigm therefore keeps in mind both the limitlessness of
Postmodernism and the dynamism of the creative process. / Thesis (M.A. (Afrikaans and Dutch))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/1717 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | Lewis, Ruby Christiaan |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
Page generated in 0.0062 seconds