, ENG 1501
Using the extract detailed below as a starting point and focusing
specifically on the theme of history and transition, write an essay in which
you discuss Comrade Q’s portrayal as a minor character. In your essay,
you should do the following:
• Focus specifically on the theme of history and transition (Discuss how
Comrade Q’s character reinforces the theme of history and transition of
South Africa from Apartheid to a democratic state).
• Explain how the theme of history and transition (of South Africa from
Apartheid to a democratic state) links to the theme of inequality and class
In post-Apartheid South Africa, the theme of history and transition is one that is ever
present in discussions about the country’s past, present and future. One character
that reinforces this theme in Mohalele’s novel, Small Things, is Comrade Q. Despite
being a minor character, Comrade Q’s portrayal in the novel prompts discussions on
the complexities of the country’s transition from Apartheid to a democratic state.
This essay aims to demonstrate how Comrade Q reinforces the theme of history and
transition and how it links to the theme of inequality and class in post-Apartheid
South Africa.
Comrade Q represents the emergence of a new wealthy class in post-Apartheid
South Africa. This class consists of previously disadvantaged individuals who
leverage their credentials as anti-Apartheid activists to gain influence in business and
politics, ultimately generating wealth for themselves, their families, and friends. The
novel suggests that these comrades use their historical role in the struggle against
Apartheid as a form of currency to advance their personal interests. Moreover the
character of Comrade Q is associated with the new, wealthy class of citizen that has
emerged in post-Apartheid South Africa. These are individuals who were previously
disadvantaged during the Apartheid regime and are now using their credentials as
Using the extract detailed below as a starting point and focusing
specifically on the theme of history and transition, write an essay in which
you discuss Comrade Q’s portrayal as a minor character. In your essay,
you should do the following:
• Focus specifically on the theme of history and transition (Discuss how
Comrade Q’s character reinforces the theme of history and transition of
South Africa from Apartheid to a democratic state).
• Explain how the theme of history and transition (of South Africa from
Apartheid to a democratic state) links to the theme of inequality and class
In post-Apartheid South Africa, the theme of history and transition is one that is ever
present in discussions about the country’s past, present and future. One character
that reinforces this theme in Mohalele’s novel, Small Things, is Comrade Q. Despite
being a minor character, Comrade Q’s portrayal in the novel prompts discussions on
the complexities of the country’s transition from Apartheid to a democratic state.
This essay aims to demonstrate how Comrade Q reinforces the theme of history and
transition and how it links to the theme of inequality and class in post-Apartheid
South Africa.
Comrade Q represents the emergence of a new wealthy class in post-Apartheid
South Africa. This class consists of previously disadvantaged individuals who
leverage their credentials as anti-Apartheid activists to gain influence in business and
politics, ultimately generating wealth for themselves, their families, and friends. The
novel suggests that these comrades use their historical role in the struggle against
Apartheid as a form of currency to advance their personal interests. Moreover the
character of Comrade Q is associated with the new, wealthy class of citizen that has
emerged in post-Apartheid South Africa. These are individuals who were previously
disadvantaged during the Apartheid regime and are now using their credentials as
