Introduction
The concept of intertextuality has been in use since the 1960s. Since then the concept has undergone some changes, in name as well as in content and definition. The first one, who mentioned an intertextuality-like concept was Mikhail Bakhtin. His theory was called dialogism and it was quite similar to the theory of intertextuality as it is defined today. Later on Julia Kristeva built her own theory with reference to Bakhtin. Her concept was more or less a reshaped and renamed form of Bakhtin's one. It was Kristeva who coined the term intertextuality for her concept in the late 1960s. Since then the forerunners of the theory of intertextuality have been redefined time and again. As to this day many different forms of the theory are in use which differ primarily in the extent to which they consider something written – or spoken for that matter – as a text that influences other texts.
In order to develop a concept which should underlie this term paper the author will first of all give a short overview of both Bakhtin's and Kristeva's concepts of dialogism and intertextuality. Furthermore, a few of the various concepts that are in use will be named and defined, including Gerald Genette's theory of transculturality, in order to give the reader with a concise overview of the current state of research and to enable them to draw their own conclusions concerning intertextuality. The author will then present Manfred Pfister and Ulrich Broich's theory of intertextuality, which will be the theory that is mostly used for this term paper.
In order to provide the reader with some knowledge of Sophocles' Antigone the tragedy will curtly be summarised along with few historical and commentary remarks, thus enabling the reader to draw parallels between Antigone and The Island.
This will be followed by a close chronological analysis of occurring intertextual hints, starting with the first mentioning of the Sophoclean play and ending with a close comparison of the prison concert's performance with Antigone. Moreover, the author will try to propose reasons for the choice of Antigone as a pretext while identifying intertextuality.
To conclude, the primary insights will be summarised and combined with Pfister and Broich's categories of intertextuality.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Concepts of Intertextuality
- Bakhtin's Dialogism
- Kristeva's Intertextuality
- Further Concepts
- Pfister and Broich's Theory of Intertextuality
- Criteria of Intertextuality
- Markers of Intertextuality
- Sophocles' Antigone
- Antigone in The Island
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to analyze the intertextual relationship between Sophocles' Antigone and Athol Fugard's The Island. It will explore how Fugard utilizes and transforms elements from the Greek tragedy within his own South African context. The analysis will utilize the theoretical framework of intertextuality, specifically focusing on the work of Pfister and Broich.
- The concept of intertextuality and its various theoretical approaches.
- A summary and analysis of Sophocles' Antigone.
- The presence and function of intertextual references to Antigone in The Island.
- The exploration of thematic parallels and transformations between the two works.
- An assessment of the significance of Antigone as a pretext in The Island.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis by outlining the evolution of the concept of intertextuality, from Bakhtin's dialogism to Kristeva's more expansive definition. It introduces the various theoretical approaches to intertextuality and highlights the chosen framework of Pfister and Broich, which will be used to analyze the relationship between Sophocles' Antigone and Fugard's The Island. The chapter also briefly previews the methodology of the paper, outlining its approach to summarizing Antigone and analyzing the intertextual allusions in The Island.
Concepts of Intertextuality: This chapter provides an overview of different theories of intertextuality. It begins with a discussion of Bakhtin's dialogism, emphasizing its focus on the interaction between voices within a text and its less explicit focus on intertextuality. The chapter then moves to Kristeva's concept of intertextuality, highlighting her assertion that every text is a mosaic of quotations, fundamentally interconnected with other texts. Furthermore, it touches upon other relevant concepts, including Genette's theory of transtextuality, providing a broad landscape of intertextual thought. Finally, it introduces Pfister and Broich's theory, which serves as the primary theoretical lens for the subsequent analysis.
Sophocles' Antigone: This chapter provides a concise summary of Sophocles’ Antigone, offering a necessary background for understanding its intertextual presence in Fugard's The Island. It touches on the key plot points, characters, and thematic concerns of the play, providing the reader with sufficient context to grasp the subsequent analysis of Fugard's work and its engagement with the Sophoclean narrative. The summary would also likely discuss Antigone's defiance of Creon's law and the resulting tragic consequences, highlighting the central themes of civil disobedience, familial duty, and the conflict between human law and divine law.
Antigone in The Island: This chapter delves into a detailed analysis of the intertextual links between Sophocles' Antigone and Athol Fugard's The Island. It would examine specific scenes and dialogues from Fugard's play that echo or allude to elements within Antigone, providing a close reading of how Fugard adapts and recontextualizes the Greek tragedy in his play. This analysis would likely explore the thematic parallels between the two works, considering how Fugard transforms the themes of civil disobedience, defiance of authority, and the conflict between individual conscience and state power within the context of apartheid South Africa. The chapter would also likely analyze the symbolism and significance of specific parallels.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Intertextuality, Dialogism, Antigone, Athol Fugard, The Island, Sophocles, South African Literature, Postcolonial Literature, Apartheid, Civil Disobedience, Tragedy, Adaptation, Transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Intertextuality in Athol Fugard's "The Island" and Sophocles' "Antigone"
What is the overall focus of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes the intertextual relationship between Sophocles' Antigone and Athol Fugard's The Island. It examines how Fugard adapts and transforms elements from the Greek tragedy within a South African context, using the theoretical framework of intertextuality, particularly the work of Pfister and Broich.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores the concept of intertextuality, summarizing and analyzing Sophocles' Antigone, identifying and analyzing intertextual references to Antigone in The Island, examining thematic parallels and transformations between the two works, and assessing the significance of Antigone as a pretext in The Island. Themes of civil disobedience, defiance of authority, and the conflict between individual conscience and state power are central.
Which theoretical framework is used in the analysis?
The primary theoretical framework is the theory of intertextuality developed by Pfister and Broich. The paper also touches upon Bakhtin's dialogism and Kristeva's broader concept of intertextuality to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field.
How does the paper structure its analysis?
The paper is structured into several chapters: an introduction outlining the scope and methodology; a chapter dedicated to exploring various theories of intertextuality; a chapter summarizing Sophocles' Antigone; a chapter analyzing the intertextual links between Antigone and The Island; and a conclusion.
What is the significance of Sophocles' Antigone in the analysis?
Sophocles' Antigone serves as a crucial intertextual source for Fugard's The Island. The paper analyzes how Fugard adapts and recontextualizes themes and elements from Antigone within the specific context of apartheid South Africa.
What specific aspects of Antigone are analyzed in relation to The Island?
The analysis examines specific scenes, dialogues, and thematic parallels between the two plays. It explores how Fugard transforms themes like civil disobedience, defiance of authority, and the conflict between individual conscience and state power within the context of apartheid South Africa.
What is the role of the South African context in the analysis?
The South African context is crucial to understanding Fugard's adaptation of Antigone. The paper explores how Fugard recontextualizes the themes of the Greek tragedy within the specific socio-political realities of apartheid, highlighting the parallels between Antigone's defiance and the resistance against oppression in South Africa.
What are the key takeaways of the paper?
The paper aims to demonstrate the rich intertextual relationship between two seemingly disparate works, highlighting the power of intertextuality to reveal deeper meanings and contextual nuances. It shows how a classical text can be reinterpreted and reappropriated to address contemporary social and political issues.
What keywords are associated with this academic paper?
Key words include: Intertextuality, Dialogism, Antigone, Athol Fugard, The Island, Sophocles, South African Literature, Postcolonial Literature, Apartheid, Civil Disobedience, Tragedy, Adaptation, Transformation.
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- Kim Keller (Autor:in), 2011, “Take her from where she stands, straight to the Island”, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/187039
