The Sound of the Unseen

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Date

2021

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of the Western Cape

Abstract

This work of fiction explores the themes of relational dynamics, oppression, intergenerational trauma, and the healing and self-actualisation that can be obtained by helping others. It incorporates numerous historical references that tie in to the characters’ stories or otherwise enhance the narrative. The main thread running throughout the entire work is music. Music as cultural signifier, cultural anchor and identifier, and particularly, musical terminology as chapter titles because of how perfectly such terms capture mood, direction, or intent for each chapter. It is crucial to note that while all the characters in the stories that follow are fictitious, the historical events and places are represented as accurately as possible according to extensive research. One historical figure, Tomás de Torquemada, is fictionalized herein, but his role is accurately representative of the role he played historically. Other historical figures, Johann Sebastian Bach and Joseph Beer, have been fictionalized in relation to characters in the story, yet their depictions as musicians are accurate. And Anna is based on an historical figure from the Polish Jewish Resistance; however, her relational story is fictionalised.

Description

Magister Artium - MA

Keywords

Oppression, Displacement, Place, Relationships, History, Trauma, Sexual abuse

Citation