The portrayal of women during bereavement in selected sesotho sa Leboa novel sello sa mohlologadi and the drama Mahlodi

Abstract

The study investigated the portrayal of women during bereavement in selected Sesotho sa Leboa novel and drama. This research was significant in the fields of literature, gender studies, and African studies as it shed light on the often-overlooked oppression of widows. The study examined how widows were portrayed in the two selected genres, Sello sa Mohlologadi and Mahlodi. The oppression of widows had long been ignored and had not been taken seriously. Patriarchy oppressed women during bereavement, and this had turned into a norm and tradition practised by society. Women who experienced widowhood continued to suffer, especially those from rural areas and tribal lands, where adherence to certain cultural norms was still prevalent. They were perpetually tormented, discriminated against, and oppressed in the name of culture, and were afraid to challenge this status quo. This study employed qualitative research methods, as they allowed the researcher to analyse and evaluate selected texts in their own terms. Data were collected from two purposefully selected Sesotho sa Leboa genres, drama and novel, in line with the research topic. The population of this study consisted of Sesotho ba Leboa literary texts that dealt with widowhood. Sello sa Mohlologadi and Mahlodi are sampled texts. For this study, feminism provided a robust theoretical framework, enabling a critical analysis of widows’ roles and lived experiences in the selected texts. This study promoted gender equity in rural communities were patriarchal norms marginalised women. It sought to provide a platform for rural women to share their experiences and lay the groundwork for future research on women.