Fatshimetrie, 02 August 2024 – An in-depth study on the socio-critical approach to a novel by the eminent Belgian author Marie Gevers was recently completed as part of a doctoral thesis defended at the National Pedagogical University (UPN) in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The supervisor Justin Batumwene, author of this thesis, presented the main subject of his research, entitled “The memory trigger and language artifices in the novel by Marie Gevers, socio-critical and stylistic approaches”. This in-depth analysis focused on Marie Gevers’ novels such as “Madame Orpha”, “La Ligne de vie” and “Paix sur les champs”.
In his speech, Batumwene highlighted the particular interest of Belgian literature due to the complex historical relations between the DRC and Belgium, a former colonial power. He situated his study in the context of foreign literature, highlighting the universal value of humanist themes present in Marie Gevers’ works.
The author of the thesis highlighted the specific language strategies used by Marie Gevers to evoke situations of resurgence and denounce the injustices and suffering inflicted on human beings, thus shedding light on the mechanisms of domination and discrimination. To carry out this analysis, Batumwene combined sociocritical and stylistic approaches.
He also mentioned major academic influences such as Claude Duchet, Lucien Goldmann, Antoine Lemava Lema, and Clémence Kasinga, who contributed to enriching sociocriticism. By emphasizing key notions such as readability, sociality, historicity, and sociology, Batumwene demonstrated the richness of the critical tools mobilized to decipher Marie Gevers’ work.
The defense of this thesis rewarded Batumwene’s efforts by awarding her the distinction of great distinction, testifying to the rigor and depth of her work in literary analysis. This study thus offers a new perspective on the work of Marie Gevers and her contribution to universal literature, while shedding light on humanist themes that resonate beyond national and cultural borders.
Batumwene’s research marks a significant advance in the field of literary criticism and underlines the importance of exploring the complex relationships between literature, collective memory and societal questions. By studying the deep resonances of Marie Gevers’ work, this thesis opens new perspectives for reflection on the challenges of contemporary literature and its power to renew our view of the world around us.
At Fatshimetrie, this study stands as a pillar of academic research and contributes to enriching intercultural and intellectual dialogue, testifying once again to the essential role of literature in understanding and transforming our society.
C.L.