In Small Things, one of the minor characters, Comrade Q, may be a lesser
mentioned character but his role in the novel opens up discussions on two
important themes in post-Apartheid South Africa, namely, inequality and
class and history and transition (of South Africa from Apartheid to a
democratic state). In post-Apartheid South Africa, the novel suggests that a
new, wealthy class of citizen has developed. This is a class of previously
disadvantaged South African comrades who use their credentials as anti-
Apartheid activists as currency to gain influence in business and politics in
order to generate wealth for themselves as well as family and friends. 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. The extract you are expected
to use begins on p. 75 of the novel with the words, “Frost descends on
Benito…” (p.75). The extract ends on p. 76 with the words, “Even more
absurd: how many souls owe how many Comrade Qs favours?” (Mohlele,
2013:76).
Title: Comrade Q's Portrayal in "Small Things": Exploring History,
Transition, Inequality, and Class in Post-Apartheid South Africa
Introduction:
In the novel "Small Things," by Mohale Mashigo, the character Comrade Q
serves as a minor yet significant figure whose portrayal sheds light on two
important themes in post-Apartheid South Africa: history and transition, and
inequality and class. Comrade Q's character reinforces the theme of history
and transition by embodying the complexities and challenges faced by South
Africa during its transition from Apartheid to a democratic state. Moreover,
this theme intertwines with the theme of inequality and class as the novel
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through EFT, credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying this summary from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller jpapaya. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy this summary for R60,00. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.