Portrayal of poverty in selected Namibian plays by Hangula, Molapong, Thaniseb and Philander
Loading...
Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
This research study analysed poverty as portrayed in ‘King of the dump’ by Frederick Philander, ‘The show isn’t over until’ by Vickson Hangula, ‘To live a better life’ by Axaro Thaniseb and ‘The horizon is calling’ by Keamogetse Joseph Molapong. The four plays were selected because of the theme of poverty which is emphasised throughout the plays. The researcher employed the post-colonial and realism theories in this research study. This research study aimed at portraying and unearthing poverty according to the plays as represented by the selected playwrights. The study was a desktop qualitative research and employed content analysis in interpretation and analysis of the chosen texts. The study revealed that unemployment is a major cause of poverty as portrayed by the four plays under scrutiny. Furthermore, this study revealed that unemployment not only leads exclusively to poverty, but it is also a major cause of criminal activities and suffering. Equally, the study revealed that poverty leads to malnourishment causing those affected to turn to ill activities such as eating from the dump and using their bodies in exchange for favours to alleviate themselves from the yoke of poverty. The study recommends future researchers to also consider studying other Namibian literature which portray poverty and how it is portrayed. Further, the study recommends studies on ways and means on how poverty can be eradicated from our societies. Lastly, the researcher recommends a study on how poverty affects people from a gender perspective.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in English Studies
Keywords
Poverty