Abstract
The writing of this thesis has been stimulated by the clear understanding of the poet’s resources are
vitally important for those who intend to train others in Poetry Creative Writing. We suppose we
think euphemistically that all creative writers write because they have something to say that is
truthful and honest and pointed and important.
This thesis is informed by creative voices of L.S. Booysen; C.L.J. Mophethe; N.S. Litabe and
P.T.P.K. Maboea. During the interview each one of them was asked questions based on creativity
and art as well as questions based on their poetry. Chapter one introduces the study and looks at
the key concepts. Chapter two is the literary framework and focuses on the deconstructional
approach and multiplicity of meaning in poetry. Chapter three looks at the creativity and art in the
poetry of L.S. Booysen; C.L.J. Mophethe; N.S. Litabe and P.T.P.K. Maboea. In chapter four we
discuss style in relation to Litabe. Chapter five looks at theme in Maboea’s poetry. In chapter six
we focus on intertextuality in relation to Booysen and influence in relation to Mophethe. Chapter
seven is a concluding statement that looks back into the first six chapters and also gives
suggestions for future research.
Our review of this thesis on creative writing has identified a number of factors that seem to foster
people to write. But no one can influence people to become creative writers or poets or make them
write well. The best one can do is to suggest to them some guidelines for creative writing.
(vii)
Many people wish to be proficient in poetry creative writing but to achieve this, one should be able
to breathe into his work the true poetic spirit that pulses in the composition. This life cannot be
created to order because it flows from the mind and soul of the poet and always without his being
aware of what is happening, inspires and directs his art. Poetry is also a language that has been
condensed, compacted, and trimmed to spark the lightning flash of insight.
Poets are more attuned to the connection between language and things, existence and experience.
Words have the capacity for poets to change reality, to deepen it, to make it more meaningful. For
poets composition is a form of ritual magic.
Prof. R.S. Chaphole