Browsing by Author "Mlondo, Anthony"

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    An analytic study of sonnets in Zulu
    (1987) Mlondo, Anthony; Ngcongwane, S.D.
    This study has been made possible by our desire to look into the feasibility and effectiveness of the Western poetic devices in the writing of sonnets in Zulu. In chapter one the aim of this study is clearly spelt out. We hope that at the end of the investigation, we shall come out with some suggestions and possibilities of a Zulu type of a sonnet, for, we feel that there was a reason for the English to choose a different style from the Italian. The second chapter deals specifically with the definition of terms. These include, inter alia, the concept "sonnet" as espoused by various linguists; iambic pentameter and the rhyme scheme. In chapter three we firstly defined the major characteristics of sonnets. These major structural features of a sonnet are clearly depicted in Kreuzer's (1955:224) definition of a sonnet, that a sonnet is: a fourteen-line lyric poem, in iambic pentameter, following one or more rhyme schemes. It is clear, therefore, that a sonnet should consist of fourteen iambic pentameter lines and should follow a required rhyme scheme. Furthermore, in this chapter, the two types of sonnets were briefly outlined, namely the Petrarchan or Italian and the English or Shakespearean. The fourth chapter dealt with the formal elements of the three selected poets* sonnets in this investigation, namely, Ntuli, Masuku and Nxumalo. We looked closely into the division into fourteen lines, the iambic pentameter as well as the rhyme scheme that is being followed. As we scrutinised all the sonnets, these poets have contributed, with regard to these three external structural features, we also paid particular attention to their significance, that is, whether they contributed anything towards the delivery and portrayal of ideas contained in each sonnet. Content in Ntuli's,. Masuku's and Nxumalo's sonnets is analysed in the fifth chapter. In our analytic study of content, we looked closely into what each poet was writing about - the proposition each was advancing or the story each poet was telling in each sonnet. We came across a variety of subjects ranging from those discussing death to those that were purely social and political, and those with a religious background. We also looked closely into the approaches and artistic devices which the sonneteers employed in the portrayal of the ideas in their works of art. We noticed that these ranged frcm the less effective straight-forward prosaic narration to the more concentrated use of vivid imagery coupled with the rich and well-chosen words and ideophones. In this chapter we also examined the effectiveness of rhyme in the portrayal of content. In chapter six we analysed Ntuli's, Masuku's and Nxumalo's sonnets with particular attention on the meaning that is conveyed in each of the sonnets they have contributed. We also looked very closely into the techniques the poets employed to relay the four aspects of meaning to the readers, namely, Sense, Intention, Feeling and Tone. We also examined the effectiveness of Masuku's rhyme in the conveyance of the meaning in the sonnets whether it was contributory or not. The possibility of a Zulu type of a sonnet is dealt with in the seventh chapter. The last chapter is the general conclusion where all our observations and suggestions are summarised.
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    Meaning in D.B.Z. Ntuli's poetry
    (1994) Mlondo, Anthony; Hlongwane, J.B.
    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.