'n Ondersoek na toleransie en abjeksie in Santa Gamka (Eben Venter) en Een schitterend gebrek (Arthur Japin)

Abstract

In this dissertation, research is aimed at the multifaceted concepts of tolerance and abjection, which are becoming increasingly relevant worldwide. The way in which these terms are integrated into literary works is analysed with reference to two novels, namely Santa Gamka (2009) by Eben Venter and Een schitterend gebrek (2003) by Arthur Japin. Both novels include tolerance and abjection as a significant part of their narratives, yet they originate from two different parts of the world, are set in two different periods of time and also differ at historical, social-political and individual levels. In this study, the most signification similarity between the novels is how tolerance and abjection take effect, both independently and together In both novels, tolerance and abjection are, for various reasons, problematised. These reasons include: skin colour, beauty, space and borders. When compared to reality, the manifestation of tolerance and abjection in the novels is also illuminating, because it reflects the actual situations in their respective countries, namely South Africa and The Netherlands. The history and views of tolerance in these two countries can be seen as opposite: South African intolerance is characterised by apartheid, while the praised tolerance of The Netherlands is known worldwide. The analysis of the novels focuses on the influence of tolerance and abjection on the main characters, with the emphasis on the body – not only in terms of physical appearance, but also sexual practises. The study demonstrates that specific spaces, as well as spatial displacement, can be linked directly to tolerance and abjection. In accordance with their spatial migration, the novels show that borders, boundaries and overstepping boundaries are of the utmost importance to the protagonists. Borders that are experienced as limiting and result in rejection and intolerance are often simultaneously a passage to acceptance and tolerance.