Browsing by Author "Weitz, Zelda"

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    The theme of childhood as a source of inspiration in the works of Arthur Rimbaud and Francois Nourissier
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1999-12) Weitz, Zelda; De Vynck, Jan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of General Linguistics.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: The object of this study is to determine the importance of the child's creativity through the works of 19th century poet, Arthur Rimbaud and the 20th century author, François Nourissier. An attempt is made to present the child's experiences as a central theme in the text. In part one of this thesis, reference is made to Rimbaud's poetry and selected letters, believed to have been written between 1869 and 1891. The collections Une Saison en Enter and Les Illuminations, portraying the child in his creative world, are of importance, along with his masterpiece Le Bateau Ivre (±1871). Themes that refer to his childhood are emphasized. In part two, fourteen of François Nourissier's most important novels are discussed, with specific reference to his autobiographical works. Nourissier believes that his childhood is responsible for the author he has become. In part three the childhood of both authors is compared, illustrating some of the most important themes. It is not common to compare an author's prose with a poet's poetry, but because of Nourissier's poetic language and similar themes, it is made possible. Nourissier needs to delve in his past to find fulfilment in his writing as an adult, while Rimbaud struggles to eternalise the innocence of his childhood in his poetry. The conclusion drawn from this study, is that the child's socialisation in his family and his surroundings will remain deeply rooted in his creative thinking. The author can use negative experiences with success in his works as a therapy or simply as a liberating process by sharing his ideas with society. The value of the author and his writing are often questioned, but when the reader can identify with the text, it can help him to work with his own creative silences, and to channel these into a positive creative process. The child that was· exposed to a limited socialisation does not need to remain a victim of his surroundings, but can freely use his innate creativity as a gifted artist.