Oopte en afbakening: ruimtes en rame in die oeuvre van Lettie Viljoen

Abstract

In this reading of the novels of Lettie Viljoen, spatiality is used as a point of departure.  The relation between spatiality and temporality in the novels is discussed and the specific use of spatial aspects in the novels indicated. The article argues that these texts, particularly Landskap met vroue en slang (1996), foreground metaphysical concerns and that spatio-temporal relations play an important role in emphasising these matters. The Heideggerian concept of Dasein is used in an attempt to clarify the manner in which the main character in the novel experiences space. The introduction of frames in the novel is seen not only as a technical procedure but also one through which the characters and the text interact with the enormity and infinity of reality. In conclusion the novel is seen as a profoundly poetic text in which the establishment of meaning is enacted by means of the word.

Opsomming

In hierdie artikel word ruimtelikheid as vertrekpunt geneem in ‘n lesing van die romantekste van Lettie Viljoen. Die verband tussen die ruimtelike en temporele aanduidings en strategieë in die teks en die implikasies van ‘n bepaalde siening van ruimtelike ervaring word bespreek. Die stelling word gemaak dat dit in hierdie tekste, maar veral in Landskap met vroue en slang (1996), primêr gaan om die stel van synsvrae en dat tyd-ruimtelike belewenis hierin ‘n belangrike rol speel. Die begrip Dasein van Heidegger word by die gesprek oor en met die tekste betrek, asook die verhouding tussen tyd-ruimtelikheid en syn. Daar word gerede­neer dat in die teks van beraming gebruik gemaak word om ‘n hanteerbare afbakening in die oneindig­heid van die werklikheid te bewerkstellig en dat dit gaan om sowel ‘n poëtiese procédé as om ‘n manier om die synsvrae romanmatig te hanteer. Ten slotte word die roman as ‘n poëtiese teks in verband gebring met Heidegger se omskrywing van die kunswerk as die vind van ‘n nuwe denkweg.