Centrifugal Force: Some Remarks on Vagrants in Three Texts by Lettie Viljoen/ Ingrid Winterbach

Abstract

In her various novels, Afrikaans author Lettie Viljoen (pseudonym of Ingrid Winterbach) uses a large array of characters that could be described as marginal. These characters contrast strongly with the focaliser(s) in each text and in this way help to highlight the social differences caused by apartheid and the toll it took on both the haves and the have-nots. The struggle between the centre and those living at the margins – and particularly the manner in which the centre tries to co-opt or erase the margin – therefore becomes important. Viljoen/Winterbach also puts fewer and fewer words in the vagrant characters’ mouths, paradoxically silencing them to prevent herself from becoming a spokesperson for the marginalised. All of the above will be demonstrated in an analysis of three texts by Viljoen/Winterbach: Klaaglied vir Koos ([1984]1987), Erf (1986) and Buller se plan (1999).

Opsomming

 Die Afrikaanse skrywer Lettie Viljoen (skuilnaam van Ingrid Winterbach) gebruik in haar romans ’n groot verskeidenheid karakters wat as randfigure beskryf sou kon word. Hierdie karakters vorm ’n skerp kontras met die fokaliseerder(s) in elke teks en help só om lig te werp op die maatskaplike verskille wat deur apartheid meegebring is en die tol wat dit van bevoorregtes sowel as benadeeldes geëis het. Die stryd tussen die kern en diegene op die kantlyn – en veral die wyse waarop die kern poog om die randfigure te koöpteer of uit te wis – word dus belangrik. Viljoen/Winterbach laat die swerwendes al hoe minder en minder praat – sy maak hulle op ’n paradoksale wyse stil om te verhoed dat sy die randfigure se segsvrou word. ’n Ontleding van drie tekste deur Viljoen/Winterbach, naamlik Klaaglied vir Koos ([1984]1987), Erf (1986) en Buller se plan (1999), werp verder lig op die bogenoemde.