Abstract:
Moelelwa is one of the first narratives to have appeared in Sepedi and was written by
M.M. Sehlodimela. This dissertation examines the arrangement of the novelette.
Special attention is paid to the content level and the structure level. The author's style
does not feature in the discussion.
Discussion and interpretation make up the method adopted in the dissertation.
With regard to the content level, the topic of the narratives is discussed first. The
different elements making up the content are then discussed. These elements are
characters and their mutual relationships, events, time and place.
The theme of the work is discussed prior to an investigation of the structure level. The
function of the different elements is then investigated. This leads to a detailed
discussion of the concept 'technique'. 'Technique' refers to relationships between
different entities. The author uses techniques to convey the theme of his work and this
brings about unity in the narrative. Sehlodimela primarily made use of the following
three techniques: hyperbole, contrast and comparison. Hyperbole has been used
mainly in the exposition in connection with the characterisation of the character
Moelelwa, while contrast has been used in the development of the plot and in the
climax.
Finally, Moelelwa was discussed as a tragic work. The most important characteristics
of the tragedy are juxtaposed with the most important characteristics of the pathetic
narrative in this regard. There is a great deal of pathos in this narrative and the
novelette could just as well have been classified as a pathetic narrative.
