Direct Characterisation and the Depiction of HIV/Aids Theme in the Zulu Novel, Ngidedele Ngife

Abstract

This paper aims to explore how E.D.M. Sibiya uses direct characterisation in presenting the theme of HIV and Aids in his Zulu novel, Ngidedele Ngife (2006). Although Sibiya uses both the direct and indirect methods of character delineation in his novel, the focus of this paper is on the direct method. And, as we intend to argue, his strategy seems to be effective as it enables him to present the intended themes successfully. The HIV/Aids theme is one of the sensitive themes from which writers shy away, but Sibiya manages to explore it to educate people. A narratology theory is used to examine the effect of characterisation in the presentation of theme, and the focus is on personality traits and physical appearances of characters. This paper reveals that Sibiya successfully handles direct characterisation to educate people about the HIV and Aids symptoms, how they manifest, and the stereotypes linked to the HIV/Aids pandemic.