N.P. van Wyk Louw, D.J. Opperman and the Afrikaans Literary Tradition
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2006
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Zakład Studiów Niderlandzkich i Południowoafrykańskich, Wydział Anglistyki UAM / Wydawnictwo Naukowe Exemplum
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Abstract
In this paper a brief sketch is given of the development of the Afrikaans language
and the literary tradition before the arrival of the two major poets of the mid twentieth century: N.P. van Wyk Louw and D.J. Opperman. These two poets created a type of poetry in which every word and image were functional and illustrated their craftmanship and professionalism. As examples of their poetry two poems are discussed, one by each of the two poets: the centre piece of Louw’s choric drama Die dieper reg and Opperman’s “Nagwaak by die ou man.” Whereas Louw’s poem uses words which are marked by their intensity and poetic grandeur, that of Opperman illustrates his sober and economic style and the way in which he employs the short-circuiting metaphor and different layers of
meaning. Both poets were able to “think” in terms of African images and to make the
geography and history of their continent subservient to a greater purpose.
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Werkwinkel, 2006 (1)1, pp. 117-126