Liberal Politics and Liberal Literature

Abstract

This article argues that neither Marxism nor poststructuralism (deconstruction) offers a viable means of conceptualising the relationship between politics and literature in the 1990s. It suggests, instead, that liberalism, properly understood—both as a political philosophy and as a foundation for literary activity—does provide a potentially successful way of approaching this interrelationship. The article begins by offering a liberal critique of Marxism and deconstruction at the level of both their fundamental theoretical assumptions and their practical political and literary implications. It then attempts to clear up some of the confusion and misconceptions which continue to surround liberalism today by presenting a careful account of contemporary liberal political philosophy. Finally, the political analysis is related to the literary domain: a particular purpose is to consider how some of the key principles and concepts which inform modern-day liberal political thought may have pertinent application to literary practice, whether creative or critical. Throughout the article, the discussion is directed towards the question of literary culture in South Africa today.

Opsomming

Nóg Marxisme nóg poststrukturalisme (dekonstruksie) bied 'n lewensvatbare metode om die verhouding tussen politiek en literatuur in die negentigerjare te konseptualiseer, word in hierdie artikel beweer. Die skrywer stel voor dat liberalisme, indien behoorlik begryp - as 'n politieke filosofie en as 'n basis vir literere aktiwiteit - 'n potensieel suksesvolle manier voorsien om hierdie interverwantskap te benader. Die artikel begin met 'n liberate kritiek teen Marxisme en dekonstruksie, beide op die vlakke van hul fundamentele teoretiese veronderstellings en hul prakties politieke en literêre implikasies. Daarna word gepoog om sekere van die verwarring en wanbegrippe wat nog liberalisme omgeef op te klaar deur 'n noukeurige weergawe van kontemporêre liberate politieke filosofie te gee. Ten slotte word die politieke analise betrek in die literêre domein: 'n besondere doel is om na te gaan hoe sommige van die hoofbeginsels en -begrippe waarop hedendaagse liberate politieke gedagtes steun pertinent toegepas kan word in die literêre praktyk, hetsy kreatief of krities. Die bespreking in hierdie artikel is deurgaans direk gerig op die vraag rondom die literêre kultuur in die Suid-Afrika van vandag. 1