ASSIGNMENT 3 NOVEL SUMMARY OF SMALL
THINGS BY NTHIKENG MOHLELE
UNIQUE NUMBE: 650457
The novel "Small Things" by Nthikeng Mohlele follows the life of the protagonist, who is on a
quest for self-discovery and meaning. Set in South Africa, the story delves into the
complexities of identity, ambition, and relationships. The protagonist grapples with his past,
family dynamics, and societal pressures while seeking to find his place in the world.
Throughout the narrative, the book explores themes of memory, loss, and the impact of
seemingly insignificant events or decisions on one's life trajectory. The prose is likely to be
reflective and introspective, inviting readers to contemplate the significance of the small
things that shape our existence.
For a more detailed understanding of the novel's plot and character development, I
recommend reading "Small Things" directly or checking out reviews and summaries from
more recent sources.
WHO IS COMRADE Q?
ANSWER:
The character Comrade Q although not widely mentioned in the novel " Things " plays a
role, in exploring two crucial themes in post-Apartheid South Africa; inequality and class as
well as history and the transition from Apartheid to democracy. The novel suggests that a
new affluent class has emerged in Apartheid South Africa. This class comprises individuals
who were previously disadvantaged but now utilize their status as Apartheid activists to gain
influence in business and politics thereby accumulating wealth for themselves their families
and their friends. Starting from the provided excerpt and focusing specifically on the theme
of history and transition this essay will examine Comrade Qs portrayal as a character. The
discussion will revolve around how Comrade Qs presence reinforces the theme of South
Africas transformation from Apartheid to a state. Additionally it will explore how this theme
intertwines, with issues of inequality and social class.
,The portion of the novel you should utilize starts on page 75 with the phrase, "Benito
experiences the arrival of frost..." (p.75). The excerpt concludes on page 76 with the
sentence "What's more ridiculous; how many individuals are indebted, to Comrade Q?"
(Mohlele, 2013;76).
I, in my own determined and peculiar ways, to certain approximate and exact degrees, don’t
think much of life. I am, however, never sure if this conclusion is without some blemish,
some residue, however faint, of an ounce of madness. To certain inconclusive degrees, it is
clear that some of my disappointments awaited me, gathering rust, years before I was born.
I have reason to suspect you will find this tale unusual, but not without beauty. Threads of a
spider’s web perhaps, to be unwound, cautiously, a skein at a time.
CHAPTER 1
The passage narrates a heartfelt and nostalgic account of the protagonist's enduring love for
a girl named Desiree. He is infatuated with her and finds himself falling in love whenever he
sees postmen or postboxes. They attend the same school, and despite limited interaction,
he constantly daydreams about her. He often tries to impress her through various efforts, like
cleaning windows or buying her gifts. However, Desiree's feelings for him remain uncertain
and confusing.
The protagonist reflects on his childhood in an orphanage, the tough neighborhood of
Sophiatown, and his association with a newsman named Bra Todd, who is also Desiree's
uncle. He spends time with Bra Todd, learning about the world and honing his aspirations to
win over Desiree. Despite the challenges he faces, including getting kicked out of the
orphanage and coping with the difficult circumstances of Sophiatown, he remains committed
to his love for Desiree.
The passage captures the essence of youthful love, the pursuit of dreams, and the
memories of a bygone era filled with laughter and pain. The protagonist's unwavering
affection for Desiree is beautifully described, making it a tale of hope and perseverance in
the face of adversity.
,CHAPTER 2
The passage narrates the protagonist's experiences during a turbulent time in South Africa,
marked by political unrest and oppressive government actions. The demolition of a township
and relocation of its residents sets the stage for the protagonist's love for Desiree, whose
departure to another township leaves him angry and frustrated. He becomes a columnist
and uses his writings to express his opinions and criticisms about the government, leading to
his arrest and imprisonment.
During his imprisonment, he endures harsh conditions and physical labor, while maintaining
his silence and refusing to reveal any information about his alleged accomplices. He
develops a complex relationship with Major Joubert, the investigator, who alternates
between harsh interrogation and sympathetic conversations. The protagonist also learns
about the death of Bra Todd, a newsman he had a close relationship with.
Despite his involvement in political activities and proximity to secrets, the protagonist
survives while others suffer grave consequences. The passage ends with him reflecting on
his experiences of serving time, enduring hardships, and witnessing the aftermath of political
actions in his country.
Nausea
CHAPTER 3
The protagonist is a young woman who has come to accept that she is destined to
die in detention and face a pauper's funeral. Eighteen years of separation have
made things and faces unfamiliar, and her destiny remains written in the stars. She
has to survive for Desiree, even if it is only for an hour or a minute. Her modest
home has been transformed into a flower shop belonging to a deaf Mozambican
cobbler, who has all his paperwork, citizenship included, confirmed as the rightful
owner of 284 Hope Street, Meadowlands.
The protagonist sleeps in city squares and bathes in public toilets, while the pigeons
know her by name but are too busy competing for breadcrumbs to converse about
, life and its limits. They admire the many types of knees belonging to mini-skirted
beauties fishing for life companions and fuck-mates in the alluring evening light of
the city precincts.
Years pass without discernible change in her fortunes. She is drawn to the Nelson
Mandela Bridge, linking Newtown and Braamfontein, and admires the cityscape,
elaborate highways, skyscrapers, and horizons painted enchanting hues by God and
pollution. A Dark Figure walks from Braamfontein in the direction of the city centre,
and the protagonist reflects on youth dying predictable deaths and souls in transition.
The Dark Figure is now a few paces away, wearing jeans and a red tracksuit top. He
asks the protagonist why he doesn't smoke, and the protagonist explains that he is a
former prisoner. The protagonist questions the Dark Figure about his past, the
problem with his father, and the reasons for his imprisonment. The protagonist
questions the protagonist's decision to continue living, as they are unsure of their
future.
CHAPTER 4
The Information Officer at the Tourism Information Centre in Newtown is a young
and experienced individual who offers advice on various tourism sites and
experiences. They speak to various individuals, including bankers, Vietnamese nuns,
filmmakers, and backpackers. The officer questions the distinction between tourism
and perversion, and wonders if there are any corpses in Yemen or if foreign ones are
more appealing. On their free days, the officer works for a laundry service company
and rents a furnished townhouse at 144 Verona Estates in Rosebank. The
townhouse is owned by Congolese astronomy professor Gideon Bemba, who is now
officially a South African citizen. The officer misses the city park benches,
nightmares, and occasional erotic dreams, as well as the police sirens and meows
from stray cats.
