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ENG1501 Novel - Small Things Analysis.
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ENG1501 Novel - SmallThings Analysis.
, ENG1501 Short Story Analysis
Themes
Theme: Love
The protagonist’s understanding of love evolves inconsistently from childhood to adulthood.
In his youth, he is infatuated with Desiree, striving to win her affection despite her indifferent
response, illustrating his misunderstanding of genuine love. He believes his love is sufficient
for both of them, yet he lacks awareness of its true nature. In adulthood, he acknowledges the
complexity of love, recognizing that "there are many kinds of love" (p46). His reflections on
Desiree during her hospitalization reveal his continued uncertainty about love's meaning. His
relationship with Mercedes complicates matters further, as he grapples with conflicting
feelings and fails to openly express his love for her, indicating his fixation on Desiree.
Ultimately, he concludes that Desiree is the only one who truly holds his heart (p150).
Theme: Art and its Place/Role in Society
The protagonist has a conflicted perception of art, despite its appreciation by others. As a
child, he writes poems for Desiree, who remains aloof and unresponsive, failing to validate
his artistic efforts. In contrast, Mercedes recognizes his sensitivity and artistic potential,
dubbing him "My Poet" after being moved by his emotional response to a performance (p63).
However, he faces criticism from a night-watchman who misunderstands his situation,
viewing him as lazy rather than acknowledging his struggle to survive as a street musician
(p91).
Theme: Inequality and Class
The protagonist navigates various social classes, encountering both the wealthy and the
impoverished. While homeless, he observes beggars but does not engage with them,
perceiving their detachment from reality. Upon securing a job at Café Mesopotamia, he finds
the wealthy patrons arrogant and self-important, which contrasts with the rudeness he
experienced as a street performer. He believes their ostentatious displays of wealth
overshadow genuine enjoyment of life (p132).
Theme: Friendship
The protagonist's closest bond appears to be with a dog named Benito. He cares for the puppy
as a companion amid his struggles, forming a trusting relationship that starkly contrasts with
his turbulent connections with Desiree and Mercedes. His bond with Gabriel Sanchez,
Mercedes's father, initially offers support but later deteriorates due to his inability to express
his feelings. Ultimately, his relationship with Benito symbolizes unconditional loyalty and
companionship, which he lacks in his human relationships.
Theme: History and the Transition
The narrative portrays significant social changes from the beginning of the novel to the
protagonist’s release from prison, reflecting South Africa's historical context. These changes
are not uniformly positive; the protagonist grows increasingly cynical about the disparities
between rich and poor in post-apartheid society. His experiences reveal ongoing racial
tensions and his disillusionment with the concept of freedom, particularly concerning race
relations.
Theme: The Meaning of Life
The protagonist contemplates various aspects of life's meaning, with freedom and creativity
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