Abstract:
In any phenomenon, structure contributes in interpreting or analysing it. Society is a structure, which consists of many elements that brings forth the functions of each participants or individual living within it. Therefore, if any element of the concept (structure), is ejected society or the structure created becomes dysfunctional.
In literature or any narrative text (a novel), the same approach is applied. In this case such structure compromises of what is called the elements of literature analysis (characters, places, times, events, conflicts and themes). These elements together, contributes towards the production and realisation of meaning of the specific piece of literature. One element cannot be cited without inclusion of the others, to create meaning of what is written.
Very little research, inter alia Strachan (1991), Ntombela (1994) and Boshego (1995) has been conducted with regards to the applicability of structuralism in the indigenous African literature. Therefore, this study aims to analyse selected novels within the framework of structuralism and reveal how the elements of the novel namely, character, environment, time, theme, and conflict can be analysed to the compatibility of a structure. It is of principal importance to look at how characters relate to the environment in which they find themselves. With specific focus on the Sesotho novels, Nna Sajene Kokobela CID by Ntsane (1986) and Nna ke mang? by Maphalla (1991), which will be done within the framework of structuralism.
The literature consulted gave definitions of the elements of literature (characters, environment, event, theme, time and conflict). These elements perform a particular function for the survival of other elements, they are interchangeable. The scholars agree that elements of the novel work together in the production and towards the realisation of meaning. This means that elements of a narrative act as a functional structure for a meaningful and functioning novel. The structuralist approach is discussed in detail. And the analysis of the texts is based on the structuralist exploration of the structure of a narrative text. The structuralism theory supports the literary texts that are subject for interpretation.
The final chapter concludes the research study with findings that reveal that though Structuralism originates from a different soil, Europe, it has the capacity to analyse and interpret the texts that originate from Africa.
