A study of some aspects of K.P.D. Maphalla's poetry

This study is an investigation into three aspects of K.P.D. Maphalla's poetry: influences at work in his poetry; the nature and significance of imagery employed; and the theme of protest as conveyed through poetic aestheticism. Influence constitutes one of the main poetic devices which give amplitude to the poet's compositions. His imagery is a window through which the reader catches a glimpse of the poet's mind. The reciprocal relationship between the theme of protest and poetic artistry is also discussed. Nowhere in Sesotho literary studies have the three aspects mentioned above been treated in the manner this study does. In this way the study breaks new ground. We describe, analyse and interpret extracts from Maphalla's poetry by borrowing tools freely from the various literary theories. We do not tie ourselves to a particular theory. Our approach can also be described as both extrinsic and intrinsic. The study makes a contribution in three respects. First, it illustrates how a knowledge and understanding of some material from both oral tradition and Western acculturation can make a significant contribution to a proper analysis and interpretation of Sesotho poetry. Secondly it demonstrates how imagery also reveals both the poet's attitude towards his subject matter and his world-view in general. Thirdly, the study indicates that protest can be voiced through the dignified genre of poetry. In short, the study shows that whilst Sesotho poetry is functional in its thrust, it also preens itself with poetic aestheticism. We hope that this study will add to the existing universal principles of literary criticism.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

African Languages and Literatures

Year dc:date.issued

1988

Author dc:creator

• Moleleki, Albert Mohlomi

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Chaphole, Solomon Rampasane

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/17681

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/17681