The black woman in South African English literature

Abstract

The article examines representations of black women in South African writing from the seventeenth century to the present. It is suggested that both race and gender are important factors in the formulation of several stereotypical depictions that recur in the work of white authors. These types are variously classified as "untouchables", "unattainables" and "destroyers". The article concludes with a brief consideration of the "Mother Africa" figure created by black male authors.

Opsomming
Die artikel ondersoek die uitbeelding van swart vroue in Suid-Afrikaanse geskrifte sedert die sewentiende eeu. Daar word aan die hand gedoen dat sowel ras as geslag belangrike faktore is in die formulering van verskeie stereotipe uitbeeldings wat herhaaldelik in die werk van blanke skrywers voorkom. Die onderskeie tipes word geklassifiseer as die "onaantasbares", die "onbereikbares" en die "verwoesters". Ten slotte word die "Moeder Afrika-figuur" wat deur swart manlike skrywers geskep is, kortliks oorweeg.