Patriarchy and its resistance in three Sesotho dramatic texts

Abstract

This research project is entitled Patriarchy and its resistance in three Sesotho dramatic texts. The women characters in most Sesotho dramatic texts have been portrayed as voiceless, as they are marginalised in every aspect of life. This study will discuss and describe how women characters resist patriarchy. Chapter one is the introductory chapter and it presents the contextualisation, problem statement, aims of the study, methodology, literature review as well as the contribution and challenges of the study. The second chapter provides the study with the theoretical framework. This study is guided by feminism. Feminists oppose the abuse and oppression of female characters in the three selected dramatic texts. The third chapter gives a clear picture of Khaketla (1983), demonstrating how ’Mateboho resists patriarchy by not allowing her husband Papiso to fall in love with her elder sister Khopotso. The fourth chapter discusses how Rankakata in Mosuhli (1989) forces his wife, Kesentseng, to accept patriarchy; but she resists by fighting with Rankakata’s concubine, Mmasebueng. The fifth chapter discusses how Tlharantlhope resists patriarchy in Mokhele (2015) as demonstrated by the male police in the workplace. The sixth chapter is the concluding chapter and makes suggestions and recommendations regarding patriarchy.