Wazha Lopang

The Dynamics of Being: Land as a Catalyst of Political and Cultural Law: A Comparison of Time of the Butcherbird and The Stone Country Wazha Lopang

Scholarly Essay from the year 2014 in the subject African Studies, grade: 1, University of Botswana, language: English, comment: Wazha Lopang is a Lecturer of African Literature in the Department of English at The University of Botswana. He is concerned with the critical issues in modern African literature although his key area is in Oral literature with particular reference to myth and representation of Tswana ethnic groups. , abstract: The Dynamics of Being: land as a catalyst of political and cultural law. A Comparison of Time of The Butcherbird and The Stone Country Abstract In South African literature, more than anywhere else, the land is at the root of everything. The upheaval caused by apartheid and the social dynamics of relationships both within and across the colour line are instigated by the land. Alex La Guma as a realist shows how the South African 'condition' is precipitated by the land. The paper looks at how the landscape holds the society hostage whether one is free or behind bars. The argument is that writers and critics of South African literature cannot fully understand the spectrum of race relations if they overlook the role of the landscape. My analysis of Alex La Guma's texts shows how both whites and blacks mould their identity on the landscape and how their philosophy on life and relationship with one another is buttressed by what it means to have access to this natural resource.