Moelelwa : padinyana ya boitshwaro

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.