J. J. Moiloa - the dramatist
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Date
1982-05
Authors
Emslie, Clarence Field
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Chapter one deals with the structure of drama in general: the
introduction, the beginning, the expositon, the theme, the
complication, the development, the crisis, the climax and the
dénouement. The action-complexes and their function in both
Jaa ... , .and Molomo ..., are discussed in detail. Examples
from the two dramas under discussion are then quoted and as far
as is possible it is shown how the two dramas employ a general
structure.
Chapter two on characterization discusses different methods a
playwright employs to portray his characters to the audience
like characterization by appearance, characterization through
other characters, characterization through praise-poems, characterization
by the playwright and characterization by action.
A character-analysis of all the characters in the two dramas
under discussion concludes this chapter.
Chapter three is an in-depth discussion on all aspects of dialogue
used in these dramas. Matters such as functions of dialogue,
indirect and dramatic dialogue, the aside, the soliloquy, Moiloa's
style, irony, humour, puns, vulgar language, religious tones,
praise-poems, figures o£ speech, the use of other languages
English, Afrikaans and Fanagalo in Moiloa's dramas are discussed.
The function of the many idioms and proverbs used in Moiloa's
dramas is also discussed.
Chapter four is a discussion of extrinsic conventions which include:
what holds an audience's attention in a drama and how
Moiloa has attempted to hold his audience's attention in both
Jaa o siele motswalle and Molomo wa badimo. What appeals to
an audience is also discussed. A lengthy part of the chapter
is taken up by para-textual infuences on a drama. with regard
to the two dramas in question, the following para-textual influences
receive attention: working on the mines, Bantu marriage
customs, the abduction of a bride, child discipline, medicinal
practice and beliefs, the witchdoctor, the initiation "schools",
the ancestors, the spirits of the dead, the wedding in traditional
style. Two minor para-textual influences discussed are
that of spitting and the surname a girl takes when getting married.
The researcher has come to the conclusion that the two dramas
can be classed as relatively successful Sesotho dramas.
Description
Keywords
Thesis (D.Litt. (African Languages))--University of the Orange Free State, 1982, Moiloa, J. J. -- Criticism and interpretation, Dramatists, Sotho (African people)