Setting: The story is set in the Amatola mountains of the
Eastern Cape in South Africa.
Characters:
● - Ulovane: The chameleon, initially tasked with delivering a message from
Nkulunkulu to humans.
● - Anna Persens: An apprentice to a sangoma named Malibongwe
Ngingingini.
● - Malibongwe Ngingingini: An urban sangoma who is knowledgeable about
legends and stories.
● - Gogo Nogonggothwane: An elderly woman mentioned in the story.
● - Nostril: The dog accompanying Anna and Malibongwe.
Plot Summary:
● - The story begins with Ulovane, the chameleon, questioning his purpose
and mission to deliver a message to humans from Nkulunkulu, the Great
Being. He is uncertain about where to find humans and what exactly the
message is.
● - Anna, Malibongwe, and Nostril are on a journey through the Eastern
Cape, and they make a campfire in the Amatola mountains for the night.
● - Malibongwe tells Anna a legend about how a lizard misinterpreted
Nkulunkulu's message and caused humans to believe they would age and
die. This miscommunication led to the cycle of life and death.
● - Anna reflects on the human condition, the significance of animals, and
the idea that humans may be "interlopers" in the natural world.
, ● - The story ends with Ulovane finally remembering the message and
whispering it into Anna's ear as she sleeps. The message is one of love, care,
and the desire for humans to live forever.
Themes:
1. Miscommunication and Misunderstanding: The story highlights the
consequences of misinterpreting messages, both among animals and humans.
Ulovane's failure to deliver the message accurately and the lizard's
misunderstanding of Nkulunkulu's words lead to significant outcomes.
2. The Human Condition: The story raises questions about human existence, our
place in the natural world, and the significance of our interactions with other
creatures.
3. Cultural and Mythical Elements: The tale incorporates elements of South
African folklore and mythology, introducing the concept of Nkulunkulu, the Great
Being, and the legends surrounding communication with humans.
Exam Study Tips:
● - Pay attention to the characters, setting, and plot elements.
● - Explore the themes and symbolism in the story.
● - Consider how miscommunication drives the plot and its implications.
● - Reflect on the cultural and mythological aspects introduced in the
narrative.
Sample Exam Questions:
1. Discuss the theme of miscommunication and its consequences in "The Curse of
the Chameleon."
In "The Curse of the Chameleon," miscommunication is a central theme that drives
the narrative. It is exemplified by the chameleon, Ulovane, and the legend of the
lizard's misunderstanding. Ulovane is tasked with delivering a message from
Nkulunkulu to humans but is uncertain about the message's content and the
location of humans. This initial confusion sets the stage for the
miscommunication that follows.
The consequences of miscommunication are profound in the story. The lizard,
in its haste to deliver the message, misinterprets Nkulunkulu's words as
"People-die-age and fade," instead of the intended message of everlasting life.
This misinterpretation leads to humans believing that they will age and die, which
becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy as they grow anxious and eventually
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