Exam (elaborations)
ENG1501 Novel - Small Things Analysis.
- Course
- ENG1501
- Institution
- University Of South Africa
ENG1501 Novel - Small Things Analysis...100% correct questions, answers, workings, and explanations
[Show more]
Content preview
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
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 LOVELY01. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy this summary for R49,79. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
64438 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy summaries for 14 years now