Naming : an aspect of character portrayal in Dintshontsho tsa lorato by L.D. Raditladi

Abstract

The basic aim of this mini-dissertation was to investigate naming as an aspect of character portrayal in Dintshontsho tsa lorato against the background of Batswana cultural life. The aims and central problem were outlined and motivated in the first chapter. The second chapter reviewed different aspects of naming, viz. names in general and in literature and drama, their functions and their role in character portrayal and in the structure of a play. The third chapter examined naming as a structural part of Dintshontsho tsa lorato. The meaning of the names in the play were explored and related to characterization and to the action and theme of the play. The analysis revealed that characters act in accordance with the meaning of their names, but also sometimes flout the expectations raised by their names (like Mmamotia did). The names become associated with the different kinds of love that form the central conflict ofthe play. Only Kalafi's name (which means "healer") in fact indicates the caring healing love he personifies. The actantial patterns in the play clearly show up the conflict between different kinds of young love and love for tribal custom. Chapter 4 explored the social and cultural meaning of the names used in Dintshontsho tsa lorato. Traditional Setswana names are used in the play, thereby continuing the Batswana tradition. A central aspect of the plot is the conflict between the tribe and foreigners. This can probably be related to Raditladi's own experiences as an exile. Biblical names are not used, but some characters, like Kalafi who plays the role of a Good Samaritan, seems to be based on Biblical models. There are strong similarities between Dintshontsho tsa lorato and Romeo and Juliet, but this influence did not extend to the names directly. In general it was concluded that naming plays an important part in Dintshontsho tsa lorato and can be used to unlock the meaning of the play. The names get their significance not from social of cultural forces, however, but rather from the structural patterns that are set up in the play and from the very literary theme of love. The play embodies the theme indicated by its title: "Deaths caused by love".