Masters Degrees (Afrikaans and Dutch)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Afrikaans and Dutch) by Subject "Afrikaans fiction"

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    'n Literêr-gerontologiese beskouing van "Die dao van Daan van der Walt" deur Lodewyk G. du Plessis (2018)
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-03) Du Plessis, Annette; Visagie, A. G.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Afrikaans and Dutch.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The focus in literary gerontological research is on literary work wherein the ageing protagonist experiences his own ageing (and in some cases writes about it as well). This induces not only sympathy for the ageing character, but it also creates insight for the reader into the problematic (bodily, sociological and psychological) world of the aged. Although situations in real life may be portrayed in literature, it remains a representation of reality and cannot mirror society. The representation of ageing in literature might be powerful in creating better understanding of ageing, but only when literature is studied as one among many other cultural, sociological or psychological factors. The insight thus created cannot be equalled by gerontologists, psychologists or by the medical profession. It is important, however, that the prime focus is on literature as a form of art and not on gerontology. The themes that have been selected for study in Die dao van Daan van der Walt by Lodewyk G. du Plessis (pseudonym of Andries Buys) are all associated with ageing: transience, religion, relationships, identity, sexuality and loss. The focus in this research is on the portrayal of the main character’s (Daan) inner conflict in resolving his homosexual identity by acknowledging and realizing it. To find inner peace by confronting the heterosexist society and the dictations of the church, required a complicated and long journey for Daan (seventy years old). The word dao (way/journey) in the title of the novel creates the expectation that the text will be devoted to this journey. Research on male subjectivity forms an integral part of this investigation in understanding Daan’s struggle, as he was married to Magrieta while not realizing his homosexuality. The church, the Bible and daoism are all major influences in his eventual transformation. The insight he gained into his identity and comprehension and acceptance of other people’s views and cultures, contribute to the hope and wisdom with which he approaches his final years. It is important to notice that a transformed conception of ageing is a powerful basis for the fight against ageism. The hybrid nature of the novel opens interfaces with a variety of genres, such as the farm novel, metafiction and the Reifungsroman. Since Daan is writing his memoirs, his Historia, the novel acquires a confessional tone. References to mythology, history, the Bible and literature are included in the Historia, thereby opening new perspectives on political and ecclesiastical issues. The novel is a valuable contribution to the genre of the Reifungsroman, as there is (especially in Afrikaans literature) a lack of novels with an ageing male protagonist in the narrative. The portrayals of the coming out of ageing homosexuals are almost non-existent. This study is concluded with a discussion of the novel as the late work of Andries Buys.