Erotiek, geweld en die dood in 'n Gelyke kans van Jeanne Goosen

Date
2005-03
Authors
Loubser, Henriette
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between eroticism, violence and death as it occurs in Jeanne Goosen's short story collection, ' n Gelyke kans. The research is based upon the hypothesis that these stories express in a particular manner the transgressive role of eroticism in breaking through social conventions and barriers. As a possible framework for discussion reference is made in the first place to George Bataille's theories on the subversive nature of eroticism, Julia Kristeva's semiotic and pre-Oedipal theories, and Mikhail Bakhtin's notion of the carnivalesque. Subsequently a reading strategy was designed by means of an in-depth analysis of ten stories from the collection in accordance with general formalistic principles. The conclusion is reached that Goosen with non-judgmental sympathy exposes man's inborn, continuous search for the illusion of perfect happiness. This state of bliss is sometimes achieved by the violent "incorporation" of the beloved/desired “other", and the final outcome is a concomitant and inevitable decline into an unwholesome, destructive, and fatal erotic power play.
Description
Thesis (MA (Afrikaans and Dutch))—University of Stellenbosch, 2005.
Keywords
Goosen, Jeanne -- Criticism and interpretation, Goosen, Jeanne -- Gelyke kans, Eroticism in literature, Violence in literature, Death in literature, Dissertations -- Afrikaans literature, Theses -- Afrikaans literature
Citation