Masters Degrees (English)

Permanent URI for this collection

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1

A poetry of remembrance : a study of Tatamkhulu Afrika's Nine Lives, Dark Rider and Maqabane
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-12) Radloff, Adeline; Gagiano, A. H.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of English.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis looks closely at three volumes of Tatamkhulu Afrika's poetry (Nine Lives, Dark Rider and Maqabane), to find that his work reflects a deep understanding of South African society and the different forces and conflicts inherent therein. I argue that although Afrika's poetry is presented as a recount of personal experience through the voice of a first person participant and observer, it is more than mere autobiography. This is because his poems resonate further (by means of vividly detailed descriptions, powerful metaphoric images and a mix of varied perspectives) to encompass not only his own life but also the lives and experience of many ordinary South Africans. In particular, his political poetry humanizes the abstractions of political discourse to show the impact that the greater political situation has had on the lives of ordinary South Africans. I conclude by arguing that although Tatarnkulu Afrika's insights are filtered through a moral perspective based on his religious views and his belief in a basic humanity shared by all people, his work cannot be described as "traditionalist" as he constantly unsettles and recasts settled beliefs in an imaginary way.