This study intends to compare the portrayal of conflict in Ferdinand Oyono’s „Houseboy“ and Nadine Gordimer’s „July’s People“. Specifically, it looks at how the black servant is forced to balance the loyalty he has for the white employer and for his African roots. The analysis of „Houseboy“ will focus on how conflict is represented between whites and blacks, how it can satirically have a positive influence on others and lastly, how conflict among the blacks can be very destructive. „Houseboy“ shows how conflict can be prompted by stereotypes; how it can be a shield from other pressing concerns and even how conflict itself can provide an outlet for humour.
The analysis of „July’s People“ will on the other hand focus on how people can live together under pretences that they are at peace with one another when in actual fact they are not; how the black servant can be in conflict with people of other races or their traditions as well as how that servant can be in conflict with fate or destiny. In conclusion it will be shown how „Houseboy“ is more explicit in portraying conflict than „July’s People“ due to the events that happened in the two texts. An argument can be made therefore if conflict experienced by black servants during the colonial period was more in the open as opposed to that of apartheid South Africa.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Analysis of Houseboy
- July's People
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This study compares the portrayal of conflict in Ferdinand Oyono's Houseboy and Nadine Gordimer's July's People, focusing on the black servant's divided loyalties between white employers and African roots. The analysis aims to explore how conflict is represented in these racially stratified societies, considering both interracial and intraracial dynamics.
- The portrayal of conflict between black servants and their white employers during colonialism and apartheid.
- The exploration of the complexities of loyalty and betrayal within a racially charged environment.
- The role of stereotypes and prejudices in shaping conflict and relationships.
- The impact of social and economic inequalities on interracial and intraracial conflicts.
- The different ways conflict is expressed and experienced in colonial and post-colonial contexts.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter lays the groundwork for the study by establishing the historical context of race relations in African literature, tracing its roots in Eurocentric texts like Conrad's Heart of Darkness and Haggard's King Solomon's Mines. It highlights the shift in African literature towards a more holistic representation of conflict, moving beyond simple black-white dichotomies to examine intra-racial conflicts within a colonial setting. The chapter introduces key theoretical concepts of conflict, drawing on the work of Muller and Giddens, emphasizing the existence of both overt and covert conflict in racially stratified societies. Marx's ideas on class struggle and Feagin's analysis of economic exploitation within racial hierarchies are also incorporated to contextualize the dynamics explored in Houseboy and July's People.
Analysis of Houseboy: This section delves into Ferdinand Oyono's Houseboy, analyzing how conflict is depicted between whites and blacks, highlighting the satirical and destructive aspects of these conflicts. It examines how stereotypes trigger conflict, how conflict serves as a shield against pressing concerns, and how it can even become a source of humor. The chapter uses examples from the novel, such as the prison director's prejudiced judgment of Toundi, to illustrate the formation of opinions based on stereotypes and their consequences for interracial relationships.
Keywords
Conflict, race, apartheid, colonialism, loyalty, betrayal, stereotypes, social inequality, interracial conflict, intraracial conflict, Houseboy, July's People, Ferdinand Oyono, Nadine Gordimer.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Analysis of Conflict in Houseboy and July's People
What is the main focus of this study?
This study compares how conflict is portrayed in Ferdinand Oyono's Houseboy and Nadine Gordimer's July's People. It specifically examines the complexities of loyalty and betrayal experienced by Black servants caught between their white employers and their African roots within racially stratified societies. The analysis explores both interracial and intraracial conflicts.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
The key themes include the portrayal of conflict between Black servants and their white employers during colonialism and apartheid; the complexities of loyalty and betrayal in a racially charged environment; the role of stereotypes and prejudices in shaping conflict and relationships; the impact of social and economic inequalities on interracial and intraracial conflicts; and the different ways conflict is expressed and experienced in colonial and post-colonial contexts.
What is covered in the Introduction chapter?
The Introduction establishes the historical context of race relations in African literature, referencing Eurocentric texts like Conrad's Heart of Darkness and Haggard's King Solomon's Mines. It highlights the shift towards more holistic representations of conflict in African literature, moving beyond simple black-white dichotomies. Key theoretical concepts of conflict from Muller, Giddens, Marx, and Feagin are introduced to contextualize the dynamics explored in Houseboy and July's People.
How does the study analyze Houseboy?
The analysis of Houseboy delves into the depiction of conflict between whites and Blacks, highlighting the satirical and destructive aspects. It examines how stereotypes trigger conflict, how conflict acts as a defense mechanism, and how it can even become a source of humor. Examples from the novel, such as the prison director's prejudiced judgment of Toundi, are used to illustrate the formation of opinions based on stereotypes and their consequences.
What are the chapter summaries included in the preview?
The preview includes summaries for the Introduction and the chapter analyzing Houseboy. It mentions that a chapter on July's People and a Conclusion are also included in the full text.
What are the keywords associated with this study?
Keywords include: Conflict, race, apartheid, colonialism, loyalty, betrayal, stereotypes, social inequality, interracial conflict, intraracial conflict, Houseboy, July's People, Ferdinand Oyono, Nadine Gordimer.
What is the overall purpose of this text preview?
This preview provides a comprehensive overview of the study, including the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It is intended for academic use, facilitating the analysis of themes in a structured and professional manner.
- Quote paper
- Wazha Lopang (Author), 2015, Conflict and the black servant in Oyono's "Houseboy" and Gordimer's "July's People", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/311155
