Meaning in D.B.Z. Ntuli's poetry

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Date
1994
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Abstract
This study has been made possible by our desire to analyse critically p.B.Z.Ntuli's poetic contributions. An examination of the various themes covered by Ntuli in his poetry received our particular attention and scrutiny. Emphasis was, however, on the techniques this literary artist has used to relay meaning to his readers. An attempt was made to assess and evaluate his poetry in order to examine more closely the degree of Ntuli's success in the delivery of meaning to his audience. It is hoped that in the final analysis, this study will spell out some of the devices or techniques that can effectively portray meaning in Zulu poetry. The first chapter gives in brief outline what our aim in this study is. Our concern over the rigid following of Western structural poetic patterns, at the expense of the primary essentials of poetry, has been indicated. An attempt has also been made to map out, in brief, the scope and approach and direction that we shall follow in the scrutiny of meaning in Ntuli's poetry. The second chapter deals with the theme on historic events in mankind - those unforgettable events that befell the people in general or a particular portion of the society. Events through tragic accidents and those religiously based have been treated. In the third chapter we shall look closely into those poems that deal with a musical theme. These range from mere appreciation of music to the glorification of a particular composer. The discussion in the fourth chapter is prompted by the poet's love and appreciation of nature. This chapter therefore, explores those poems on the theme on nature. The fifth chapter handles poems on the religious theme. These range from the ordinary praise of God's creation to fears about the final judgement day. In chapter six we examine poems on water. Rain-water as a source of life as well as severe effects of drought have been given our attention. In the penultimate seventh chapter we shall scrutinise the poems that explore the death theme. The eighth and final chapter will be a general conclusion which will contain the main findings and observations made in this study.
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Submitted in fullfillment of the requirements fot the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of African languages at the University of Zululand, 1994.
Keywords
Poetry, Ntuli D.B.Z. poetry
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