Abstract:
In this dissertation, the art of the short story as practised by S.N. Nkadimeng (Mmantshaotlogele) is investigated in accordance with the narratological descriptive model. According to this approach the literary work is divided into three levels, namely, content level, plot level and style level. The level of style, however, is not discussed in detail in this dissertation. In this study, Nkadimeng's art is placed within the framework of a brief discussion of the Northem Sotho short story as an art form. Furthermore, the aim of this investigation is formulated. Thereafter the relevant concepts which are discussed in this dissertation are also illustrated. In the second, third and fourth chapters attention is paid mainly to the analysis of a single short story, that is 0 nyalwa lenyalo mang .. . ; however, the other short stories in this collection, among others Nna nka se je dipute and Thapelo ya pula are referred to as examples. In the last chapter, Nkadimeng's work, particularly with regard to his ironic stories, is compared to Mpepele's and Matsepe's work. Nkadimeng writes with compassion about his people; his irony is delicate and mocking without venom, which differs from that of Matsepe and Mpepele. Whereas Matsepe mocks important figures in the society, such as leaders, kings, the rich and so forth, Nkadimeng's and Mpepele's mocking is aimed at the weaknesses of the ordinary people.
