Son of the sun and son of the world: the life and works of R.R.R. Dhlomo.
Date
1984
Authors
Skikna, Shelly Ziona.
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Abstract
This dissertation is a critical biography of the late Rolfes
Robert Reginald Dhlomo, the writer, journalist and editor.
It includes a discussion of the main themes of his English
and Zulu works.
The first chapter outlines Dhlomo's life, and provides
background information about his Sociological, historical
and political context in order to delineate the man, his
reasons for writing, the subject matter of his works, and
his Significance for early twentieth century black literature
and journalism in South Africa. The second chapter of this
dissertation expands on the background to Dhlomo's writing
and ideas through an examination of the aims and work of
the Zulu Society.
The third chapter analyses Dhlomo's use of English and Zulu
in his writing, and suggests the ways in which these languages
influenced each other, as well ag Dhlomo's achievement as an
early black writer in English. The next chapter focuses on
those of Dhlomo' s works which are commonly assumed to be
fiction. This study reveals the writer's moralistic bias,
and his tendency towards didacticism. This tendency as
Chapter Four shows, deprives Dhlomo's works of their apparent
fictitiousness.
Chapter Five is an -overview of Dhlomo's historical works
and an analysis of the writer's perception and presentation
of history. It contains translations from Dhlomo's books
about the Zulu kings from Shaka to Dinuzulu.
The final chapter of this dissertation discusses a theme
which preoccupied the writer throughout his life, that is,
the role of traditional Zulu medicine and religion in
modern society. Although Dhlomo's response to this topic
varied from work to work, his attitude ultimately did not
alter. The chapter demonstrates Dhlomo's desire to retain
that which is traditional, as well as his reluctance to
accept any concept which challenged Christianity.
Description
Dissertation submitted to the Department of English, University
of the Witwatersrand, for the Degree of Master of Arts.
Keywords
DHLOMO, R.R.R. (ROLFUS REGINALD RAYMOND), 1901-1971.