Seema's message

Abstract

Three editions of Matlala's Tšhukudu have been published up to now. The first edition was published in 1941. It was thereafter retouched, changed, enlarged. The second edition appeared in 1958. A third edition was prepared and published In 1980. The changes Matlala brought about every time have metrical and, therefore, stylistic implications. In this preliminary study only the opening lines of this drama, Seema's message, are discussed: firstly, the way in which the metrical structure is affected, and, secondly, the stylistic implications of these changes.