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ENG1501 ASSIGNMENT 3 SOLUTIONS 2023 FOUNDATIONS IN LITERARY STUDIES
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- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
ENG1501 ASSIGNMENT 3 SOLUTIONS 2023 FOUNDATIONS IN LITERARY STUDIES
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FOUNDATIONS IN ENGLISH LITERALLY STUDIESENG1501
ASSIGNMENT 03: NOVEL
Name:_________________________________
Surname:______________________________
Page 1 of 5
, Introduction:
In the novel "Small Things," the character of Comrade Q serves as a tool to explore
the themes of history and transition in post-Apartheid South Africa. Through his
portrayal as a minor character, the author highlights the complex intertwining of
history and inequality, shedding light on the challenges faced by the country during
its transition to a democratic state.
Moreover, in the novel Small Things, the minor character, Comrade Q, plays an
important role in exploring themes of post-Apartheid South Africa, particularly those
of inequality and class, and history and transition. The character reinforces the
theme of history and transition through his depiction as a formerly oppressed South
African who has used his anti-Apartheid activism as a tool for accumulating wealth
and power in the new democratic era.
In Ntiken Morere's novel Small Things, the character of Comrade Q may be
considered a supporting character, but his role deals with important issues in post-
apartheid South Africa. Focusing on themes of history and transition, this essay
examines how Comrade Q's portrayal strengthens South Africa's transition from
apartheid to a democratic state. It also examines the relationship between history
and transition, as well as themes of inequality and class that permeate the novel.
Body:
1. Depiction of Comrade Q as a secondary character:
Furthermore, Comrade Q's character reinforces the theme of inequality and class by
his depiction as a member of a new, wealthy class of South Africans who have
emerged post-Apartheid. These individuals, often referred to as the "black
diamonds," have used their connections and status to gain access to positions of
power and wealth in the new era. This portrayal raises important questions about
whether the transition from Apartheid to democracy has indeed created a more equal
society or whether it has simply shifted the balance of power from one minority to
another.
In the context of a novel, a minor character refers to a character who receives less
attention but makes an important contribution to the story. Comrade Q's presence in
the story is not particularly noteworthy, but his actions and background play an
important role in shaping the themes explored (Mohlele, 2013).
The extract on pages 75-76 of the novel portrays Comrade Q as a wealthy and
influential figure in business and political circles. He is described as having "cornered
the market on memory" and using his credentials as an anti-Apartheid activist to gain
trust and influence in his dealings. This portrayal highlights the way in which many
formerly oppressed South Africans have leveraged their past experiences to gain
power and wealth in the new South Africa. Comrade Q's character serves as a
reminder of how the transition from Apartheid to democracy created both
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