Mythos as paradigma - Jan Rabie se 'Die groot vrot'

Abstract

Although published as long ago as 1966, Jan Rabie’s short story, "Die groot vrot, encompasses the total spectrum of emotions and reactions of people in the present critical stage of South African history. This article examines the allegorical mode of the story, concluding that the paradox of local and universal decay and rebirth could have been expressed in no better way. "Die groot vrot" proves the point that "The allegorical action is not a paraphrase of something capable of alternate expression" (Clifford, 1974:7).