Abstract

The object of this thesis is to explore space and setting as used by South African fiction writers within the ideological framework of apartheid. Apartheid became the regime's preoccupation since 1948 and its ensuing social divisions impacted negatively on the Africans and the country's literature. The thesis consists of four chapters. Chapter One explores issues that inspired apartheid ideology especially the historical factors--from the micro-apartheid of Dr. D. F. Malan to the macro-apartheid of Dr. H. F. Verwoerd; the negative influences brought about by the Land Act of 1913; the opposing statement of the African National Congress; the effects that followed the uprooting of Africans from one location to another and give way for the building of European setting such as Triomf that replaced Sophiatown; the unilaterally decided toponymy of South African towns and cities with the belated African-inspired toponymy that came along with Bantustans; the ninety-nine year leasehold introduced when the four-roomed houses started being sold to Africans; the hardships brought about by the pass laws especially the introduction of the 'book of life' by Dr. Verwoerd. Chapter Two concentrates on Nadine Gordimer's novella Something Out There that points to European people's fear and anxiety originating from the inner self. The characters' pursuit of sabotage of the sensitive power stations whose failure would bring vital works to a halt and revolution shall have been ushered in. Chapter Three explores three short stories written by Can Themba. They are interlaced with journalistic articles on space and setting in South Africa. Chapter Four is the conclusion. It compares and contrasts, where possible, the views of the two authors on space and setting and examines the future of space and setting in the new South Africa.