Sol Plaatje's Mhudi

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Recommended: History of women in literature

The discourse of feminism has arguably been contested and slandered in the past, and throughout history the feminine voice has had to take a backseat in terms of narration. This relates to the fact that history is usually written by those with privilege and power, and women, especially of African descent, were not endowed with these attributes. However, in Sol Plaatje’s Mhudi we discover a world wherein the feminine voice is shown centre stage, wherein the character of Mhudi breaks free from the stereotypical norms that define women and steps into the realm of men. Moreover, she becomes a model of self-fulfilment as well as independence, and by the end of the story, she is a woman that can stand as equal beside her husband. Sol Plaatje’s Mhudi …show more content…

She knows the “…turtle doves whose language I thought I could almost understand,” and is familiar with the “buzzing language [of the bees]”. (Plaatje, 2010). This again relates to Mhudi’s motherly representation, but also provides us with a characteristic only known to Mhudi – for example, Ra-Thaga, her husband, does not relate to the landscape in the same manner as Mhudi. This is demonstrated when both man and woman observe the land: Mhudi’s view is the only one that is limitless, whereas Ra-Thaga’s is restricted. Mhudi decides to summit a koppie and see’s, “…a wide stretch of country […] and the sight of the outer world fascinated [her] immensely.” (Plaatje, 2010). Though Mhudi is not precisely sure of where she is, she does not lose touch with the landscape and can instead still find familiarity in it. In contrast to this is Ra-Thaga’s view when he ascends his own koppie. The only thing in his sight is, “Lions, six lions, I see!”. (Plaatje, 2010). It is clearly reiterated that Plaatje wrote Mhudi to create a specifically designed space for women. By juxtaposing husband and wife, it becomes irrefutable to the reader that one human is unlimited whilst the other is harassed by fear and, moreover, that the feminine presence is interlaced into almost every area and aspect of the

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