Olive Schreiner, South African author and activist (d. 1920)

Born on March 24, 1855, and passing away on December 11, 1920, Olive Schreiner stands as a towering figure in South African literary and intellectual history. More than just an author, she was a fervent anti-war campaigner and a profound intellectual whose ideas transcended the confines of her era. Her legacy endures, particularly through her groundbreaking novel, The Story of an African Farm, which continues to resonate with readers and scholars alike.

A Literary Landmark: The Story of an African Farm

Published in 1883, The Story of an African Farm solidified Olive Schreiner’s place in literary annals. This highly acclaimed novel was remarkable for its audacious exploration of themes considered revolutionary for its time, especially within the context of colonial South Africa. Schreiner delved boldly into complex contemporary issues such as agnosticism, questioning traditional religious beliefs, and the fervent desire for existential independence. The narrative champions individualism, highlighting characters who strive for autonomy in a restrictive society. Crucially, the novel offered a stark, honest portrayal of the professional aspirations of women, challenging societal norms that confined them to domestic roles. It also painted a vivid, raw picture of the elemental, often harsh, nature of life on the colonial frontier, making it a pivotal work in South African literature and a powerful social commentary.

Beyond the Page: A Voice for the Excluded and a Freethinking Spirit

While The Story of an African Farm remains her most recognized work, Olive Schreiner’s influence extended far beyond her fiction. Since the late 20th century, scholars have increasingly acknowledged her pivotal role as a vocal advocate for marginalized groups within South Africa. She championed the rights of the Afrikaners, a community often overlooked, and steadfastly supported other South African populations who faced exclusion from political power for decades, including indigenous Blacks, Jewish communities, and Indian inhabitants. Her commitment to justice for all peoples was unwavering.

Schreiner’s intellectual curiosity was boundless, touching upon diverse topics such as socialism, pacifism, vegetarianism, and feminism. Yet, her perspectives were never easily pigeonholed; they consistently escaped restrictive categorizations, demonstrating a nuanced and independent mind. A lifelong freethinker, she consciously eschewed the pitfalls of political radicalism, instead promoting implicit values like moderation, friendship, and profound understanding amongst all peoples in her published works and surviving writings. Interestingly, despite her freethinking nature, Schreiner continued to adhere to the spirit of the Christian Bible, developing a unique, secular version of her missionary parents' worldview, infused with distinct mystical elements. This blend of rational inquiry and spiritual depth made her a truly singular voice.

A Posthumous Masterpiece: From Man To Man Or Perhaps Only

Another significant contribution to her oeuvre is the novel From Man To Man Or Perhaps Only, which saw publication posthumously in 1926. This was a work that Olive Schreiner held particularly dear, reportedly considering it her favorite among her novels. Tragically, she had not completed its revisions before her death. The first edition was painstakingly produced by her husband, Samuel Cronwright-Schreiner. However, the academic community later saw the need for a more definitive version. The University of Cape Town Press, a significant institution in South African publishing, subsequently re-edited and published the novel. This critical edition, expertly edited and introduced by Dorothy Driver, corrected previous errors and, notably, offered an alternative ending in Schreiner's own words, alongside the one her husband had summarized. This allowed readers a more complete vision of her original artistic intent.

From Man To Man Or Perhaps Only embarks on a powerful exploration of the confinement faced by white women in domestic life within colonial-era South Africa. As the narrative unfolds, its gaze broadens, profoundly including black women and girls, whose presence gradually informs the central character's arduous struggle to re-create herself and educate her children amidst the pervasive racism and sexism of the period. This expansion of perspective underscores Schreiner's deep empathy and her keen observation of the interconnected struggles for human dignity in a complex society.

FAQs about Olive Schreiner

Who was Olive Schreiner?

Olive Schreiner (1855–1920) was a renowned South African author, intellectual, and anti-war campaigner. She is celebrated for her profound literary works and her progressive social and political advocacy.

When did Olive Schreiner debut as an author?

While her exact debut depends on early writings, her most famous and influential novel, The Story of an African Farm, was published in 1883, bringing her widespread acclaim.

What are Olive Schreiner's most famous works?

She is best remembered for her novel The Story of an African Farm (1883). Her posthumously published novel, From Man To Man Or Perhaps Only (1926), is also highly significant and considered by Schreiner herself to be her favorite.

What themes did Olive Schreiner's work explore?

Schreiner's novels boldly addressed issues such as agnosticism, existential independence, individualism, and the professional aspirations of women. She also explored life on the colonial frontier and, in later works, the struggles against racism and sexism faced by women of all backgrounds in South Africa.

What was Olive Schreiner's stance on social and political issues?

Olive Schreiner was a lifelong freethinker and an advocate for various groups excluded from political power in South Africa, including Afrikaners, indigenous Blacks, Jews, and Indians. She showed interest in socialism, pacifism, vegetarianism, and feminism, promoting values like moderation, friendship, and understanding, while consciously avoiding political radicalism.