Research master thesis | Literary Studies (research) (MA)
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Dutch Antillean writer Boeli van Leeuwen is strikingly absent in the study of Dutch postcolonial literature, despite his status as one of Dutch' most important Caribbean authors. Till this day,...Show moreDutch Antillean writer Boeli van Leeuwen is strikingly absent in the study of Dutch postcolonial literature, despite his status as one of Dutch' most important Caribbean authors. Till this day, only a few articles have been devoted to Van Leeuwen's oeuvre. In this thesis, I aim to formulate an answer to the question: in what way do Van Leeuwen's novels 'Schilden van leem' en 'Het teken van Jona' generate meaning? Why is it that 'plain facts' are insufficient to tackle these works? In my analysis I am proposing six possible readings that account for Van Leeuwen's novels that are overflowing with meaning. By studying their use of intertextuality, allegory, irony, Relation, metafiction and 'Caribbeanness,' I attempt to make the abundance productive that the reader encounters. In my conclusion I will argue that Van Leeuwen is ultimately reflecting on knowledge itself, since his writing constantly redirects the reader, without allowing a singular interpretation. The multiple voices, languages and traditions brought forth resist the monotonous and unambiguous discourse of the referential readings. Van Leeuwens fictional reality ultimately points towards itself and demonstrates the fiction hiding behind so-called plain facts.Show less
This paper analyzes intertextuality in Robert Vuijsje's satiric novel 'Alleen Maar Nette Mensen'. The novel's main theme is multiculturalism, a real-world phenomenon the debate over which was...Show moreThis paper analyzes intertextuality in Robert Vuijsje's satiric novel 'Alleen Maar Nette Mensen'. The novel's main theme is multiculturalism, a real-world phenomenon the debate over which was influenced by Dutch politician Pim Fortuyn. In the Netherlands, Fortuyn had a major impact on the political and societal climate regarding the topic of multiculturalism. The paper uses the ideas and theoretical concepts of Mikhail Bakhtin to find out whether and where there exists an overlap between the ideas of Pim Fortuyn and various scenes and passages in the the novel 'Alleen Maar Nette Mensen'.Show less