Die vreemdelíngskaptema in enkele romans van Karel Schoeman, ’n Bespreking van die tussenskap

The theme of alienation in the novels of Karel Schoeman The state of alienation is one of the overriding themes in Karel Schoeman's oeuvre. This article, “The theme of alienation in the novels of Karel Schoeman”, deals with one of the manifestations of this theme, namely the dilemma of alienation. The world presented in Karel Schoeman's oeuvre is characterized by dichotomy, e.g. the known as opposed to the unknown - a phenomenon which causes uncertainty. This article examines the way in which an epistemological dichotomy is expressed as a kind of dilemma in the novels of Karel Schoeman. The dilemma is presented to discourage a simple escape by means of choice. In this position between alternative worlds or views, the Schoeman character faces limited options: to make a choice of sorts and win or risk sacrificing something of value; to accept this precarious position and confirm his life as one of passive silence; to conquer the impasse, e.g. by sidestepping the choice and creating an alternative world as in a dream or a work of art.