Browsing by Author "Pheiffer, Roy H"

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    Die literêre soortlikheid van die fantasie, met spesiale verwysing na die Narnia-verhale van C.S. Lewis, die Huppelkind-reeks van W.O. Kühne en Ken jy die Kierangbos? van Freda Linde
    (1986) Whitfield, Lesley; Snyman, Lydia; Pheiffer, Roy H
    This study is an investigation regarding the nature of the fantasy as a literary form, with special reference to children's literature. In Chapter 1 some recent theories on fantasy are examined in order to establish a theoretical basis for the study. A model is proposed in which the fantasy element is seen as the defining quality of the fantasy tale. This element consists of the depicting of events that are by nature "outside" of reality. In Chapter 2 the theory discussed in Chapter 1 is applied to three literary works traditionally regarded as fantasies. They are: the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis; Huppel en sy maats by W.O. Kuhne and Ken jy die Kierangbos? by Freda Linde. Although these works do not all conform to the theories discussed in Chapter 1, it can be concluded that the fantasy element is central in each one and that they can therefore be defined as fantasies. In Chapter 3 the role of symbolism in the fantasy is considered. It is found that although symbolism is often used in this literary category, it is not a distinguishing quality of the fantasy. In Chapter 4 the specified works are examined as literature for children, with the aim of determining the relation between the fantasy and children's literature. It is concluded that the nature of the fantasy as a literary form makes it especially suitable for children because of the child's perception of reality. Chapter 5 consists of a summary of the findings in the previous three chapters. In conclusion the model proposed in Chapter 1 is re-examined. Fantasy is seen as a comprehensive literary category wi th sub-categories providing for the variety of literary works classified as fantasies according to the definition proposed.
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    Die ontwikkeling van die relatief in Afrikaans, 1652-1900
    (1984) Basson, Maria Elizabeth; Pheiffer, Roy H
    The aim of this thesis was the systematic investigation of the relative pronoun in South African texts from 1652 to 1900 to ascertain when the first divergences from the Dutch occurred, to what extent these increased and how far the use of the Afrikaans relative pronoun was established by 1900.
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    Die referensialiteit van literêre taalgebruik, meer spesifiek die implikasieverskynsels en die rol daarvan vir die interpretasie en evaluering van 'n literêre teks
    (1983) Snyman, Henning J; Pheiffer, Roy H
    This thesis is, in a sense, a continuation of the literary theories of the Prague school, especially those of Jakobson and Ehrlich. It explores the role of the implication in the interpretation of a poem, and also points out the referencialities of implicati.o n which could influence the evaluation of a literary text. The study largely concerns itself with theory, but the theoretical points of view are constantly tested against specific Afrikaans texts. On the whole, fairly well known texts are dealt with. In this way the theoretical points of view which are introduced in this thesis can be gauged against recognized interpretations of the texts concerned. The problems which the study concerns itself with are: (a) the ways in which the implications in a poem can be recognized (b) the various forms of implication which can occur in a poem, and (c) the relationship between these respective phenomena. In the first chapter the term implication is defined within the framework of linguistic referencialities; in chapter two the implication is examined in conjunction with the formal characteristics of a poem; in chapter three the phenomena of metaphor, metonymy and symbol are examined in conjunction with each other; in chapter four the diverse forms in which the metaphor manifests itself are examined; in chapter five the interaction between the metaphor and the symbol within a volume of poems is analyzed. In chapter six the relationship of irony with regard to hyperbole, understatement (litotes), satire, sarcasm and parody is investigated. At the end of this chapter the connection between irony and metaphor is carried through. The last chapter, i.e. chapter seven, points to the literary evaluative qualities of the implication references. As a whole this study belongs to the relatively new literary science called Literary Semantics. As such it has few precedents in English as well as in Afrikaans. Being a pioneering work, it does not lay claim to final answers, but wishes to act as a stimulant to further research.
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    'n Ondersoek na die dualisme tussen vitalisme en mortalisme in die poësie van die Nederlandse digter Hendrik Marsman
    (1985) April, Terrance Kyrle Isaac; Pheiffer, Roy H
    This study is an investigation of the two themes, vitalism and mortalism, in the first four anthologies of Hendrik Marsman. In the Introduction a brief explanation of the terms vitalism and mortalism is given. In Chapter 1 poems of the anthology Verzen are discussed. The speaker expresses his feeling for vitalism in cosmic terms and strives for the ultimate individuality. The poems about the cities are in the style of Expressionism. In Chapter 2 the poems of the anthology Paradise Regained are discussed. The speaker strives for a perfect relationship with his lover in order to protect him from death. This union appears to be ineffective against the powers of the night, darkness and death. In Chapter 3 the poems of the anthology Witte Vrouwen are discussed. The art of poetry is used in shielding against the attack from the forces of death in the funereal poems of this anthology. In Chapter 4 where the poems of the anthology Porta Nigra are discussed, a revival of vitalism occurs, but now in earthly terms. Death is then also seen as a portal to a new life. The study is concluded with the Summary where the belief that Marsman can no longer be seen as the poet who concerns himself with vitalism only, but that mortalism as a theme is more prominent in the work of Marsman, is expressed.
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    'n Ondersoek na die tydruimtelike aspek in Voetskrif van Breyten Breytenbach
    (1981) Conradie, Pieter Jacques Jan; Gilfillan, F R; Pheiffer, Roy H
    Voetskrif was written in 1975 while the poet Breyten Breytenbach was awaiting trial in Pretoria. The anthology itself was published in 1976 and reflects the poet's seclusion in space and time. As such, the theme of exile once again comes to the fore in the work of this Afrikaans poet. Estranged from all immediate contact with the outside world, the poet looks inwards. In order to fill the void, he relies on his memory to conceptualize a world in terms of a reality of words. The exploration of space-time is done through the medium of imagination. Dreams and memories must suffice to reach beyond the boundaries of imprisonment. The poet's imagination also enables him to "mark time". He needs to breathe in death's house - the prison - and this is done by manipulating the word. The absence of time in the prison is transformed into the timelessness of thought as the poet strives through one poem after the other, to adapt himself and alleviate his distress. Each poem can be seen as an interlude delaying the flow of time. The typography of the poems may suggest that the lyric moment abolishes time. However, Breytenbach's existence in time and space cannot be ignored and the "here and now" always refers to the prison-cell. The use of the Zen-Buddhistic concept of time and the "here and now" may convey a sense of apathy to the Western mind, yet the poet is clearly preoccupied with time and space.