The Traveller of the East

novel by Mofolo

Also known as: “Moeti oa Bochabela”

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The Traveller of the East (Moeti oa Bochabela) is the first novel written in the Southern Sotho language by Thomas Mokopu Mofolo. Published in 1907, it is an allegory influenced by John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. The novel follows a young African man's quest for truth and virtue, journeying towards a land where Christianity offers salvation. Mofolo, considered the most significant figure in Southern Sotho literature, also wrote Pitseng and Chaka. The Traveller of the East contrasts Christian light with African darkness, reflecting the cultural and religious influences of the time.12

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Thomas Mokopu Mofolo
…novel, Moeti oa Bochabela (1907; The Traveller of the East), is an allegory in which a young African in search of truth and virtue journeys to a land where white men help bring him to Christian salvation. Mofolo’s second novel, Pitseng (1910), is also a Christian fable, but in this…
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…novel, Moeti oa Bochabela (1907; The Traveller of the East), is an allegory in which a young African in search of truth and virtue journeys to a land where white men help bring him to Christian salvation. Mofolo’s second novel, Pitseng (1910), is also a Christian fable, but in this…
Read More