Some aspects of symbolism in D. B. Z. Ntulis's one-act radio plays
The scope of this study will cover twenty one-act radio plays that Ntuli has written from 1965 to 2000. Most of these plays have been broadcast by Ukhozi FM over the years and are available on tapes at the S.AB.C. archives in Durban. Fortunately, most of Ntuli's plays that were broadcast on the radio were later adapted, with very slight changes, and published in various books, thus making them easily accessible. There are, however, some plays that have never been broadcast before and only appear in book form. In analyzing all these one-act radio plays, emphasis will fall on how Ntuli gives symbolic qualities to theme, setting and characterization in a radio play. We propose to approach this study in this manner: Chapter 1 will provide an introduction to this study. An outline of the aim and scope of study will be covered as well as the research methodology and the approaches that will be used in this study. The biographical sketch of D.B.Z. NtuIi will also be provided so as to acquaint us with the man who has created the one-act plays that are the focus of our discussion. Chapter 2 deals with the nature, history and characteristics of radio drama. In this chapter, our focus will be on how Ntuli uses the nature and technical requirements of this medium to portray symbolic attributes of the play. Chapter 3 examines themes and subject matter that Ntuli conveys in his one-act radio plays. In this chapter we will discuss the recurring comments that NtuIi makes through different types of themes and how he depicts symbolism to enhance meaning and message of these themes. Chapter 4 will concentrate on setting as we generally know it. The aim of this chapter is to determine the extent to which Ntuli uses symbols to enhance the significant role of setting in his plays. Chapter 5 shows the literary techniques through which Ntuli depicts characterization in his plays. This chapter will deal with the symbolic features that characters adopt and how this impacts on the plot of the play. Chapter 6 provides a concluding statement. In this chapter we look back at discussions in preceding chapters, comment on our findings and give recommendations and suggestions for future research endeavors.
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