A narratological analysis of the setswana novel Modiri Modirwa by E.M. Makhele

Abstract

This mini-dissertation investigates the central elements and aspects of a narratological analysis of Modiri Modinva (He who sows evil, reaps evil) by E.M.Makhele (1985:l-77). The central problem, the aims and objectives are outlined and motivated in the first chapter. Chapter two outlines Balk theory, which distinguishes between elements, including events, actors, time and place, while the aspects include time, narrating rhythm, frequency, characters, space and focalization and narrative instance. According to Bal (1985:7), the story is regarded as the product of imagination, the text as the result of an ordering. For example, the events are arranged in a sequence, which can differ from the chronological sequence. Temporal order works with the relationship between the succession of events in the story and their arrangement in the text. The actors are provided with distinct traits and individualised and transformed into actors. The locations where events occur also have distinct characteristics and are thus transformed into specific places. In chapter three the study analyses these elements and aspects in the Setswana novel Modiri Modinva. Aspects of Batswana cultural identity are also identified and discussed where appropriate. Chapter four deals with the conclusions, and recommendations for future research. It is concluded that a narratological analysis provides a functional tool for identifying these aspects and that it could be used to extend literary scholarship on other Tswana narratives.