This document consists of eight possible essay topics/themes for the novel The Dream House by Craig Higginson. Each topic/theme is given an interpretation followed by 3-4 points/arguments one could use for their stance. Furthermore, each point is expanded using the Point, Evidence and Explanation ...
Interpretation: does the novel explore the legacy of the past
1. Characters
● It is evident that the past has influenced Looksmart’s present troubles
since he has identity issues and feels alienated within his own land
● “Never quite belong” ; “nothing has changed” ; “this is a strange land we
live in” ; “[Looksmart] could only imagine what it would be like [to
belong]” - therefore the novel is socially engaging in today’s society a it is
evident that the legacy of Apartheid has lasting impacts due to the
institutionalised racism.
2. Context
● The novel deals with the legacy of Apartheid and this is evident when
studying the context of the novel
● “War zone” - Dwaleni becomes a symbol of South Africa as the country
goes through a state of transformation.
● “Source of renewal and growth” ; “things are finally looking up” -
however, once partial reconciliation is reached, the novel takes a more
positive turn of events. S.A is an optimistic land as we go through a
period of growth, growing from the wrongs of the past.
3. Audience
● As the readers, we play a role in post-Apartheid as we are living in its
legacy
● One must look back to move forward and acknowledge
micro-aggressions as a result of institutionalised racism
● “Sometimes a crick in the neck is exactly what a doctor orders” - Patricia
realises that the past is important. One cannot live life with all its
baggage.
● “Find the truth for [one]self”; “feel responsible” - one must self-examine
their past ways and their role they play because this is the only way
,South Africa will ever move forward. The problem of what to do with the
past would have to carry on in the future.
, THEME: LOVE AND HATE
Interpretation: love and hate co-exists (like yin and yang), where there is good - there
is also evil.
1. Patricia’s love for Looksmart is limited by Apartheid ideologies
● Patricia is subconsciously affected by Apartheid ideological conditioning
● Hence, her love for Looksmart is limited. This affects future Looksmart as
he always feels alienated and half-loved from here on out.
● “Son, my sun” ; “everything was washed clean [when Looksmart was
born]” ; “all the colour had faded from the world [when Looksmart had
left]” ; “came to think of [him] as another dead child” - these quotes show
the deep love Patricia has for Looksmart. She regards him as her son and
the light of her life.
● “So many weeds between them” ; “never quite belong” ; “[Looksmart]
started to judge [her]” - their love is limited due to the hate of the
Apartheid legacy leading to Looksmart’s lifelong issues. Therefore, their
relationship of love and hate is intertwined.
2. Looksmart’s love for Patricia died with Grace
● Looksmart’s love for patricia is flawed after her disregard for Grace’s
death
● He started to hate Patricia as he believed it was her fault
● “Beast” ; “double creature” - Looksmart viewed the dog as a symbol of
his intertwined love and hate for Patricia.
● “Sorry affair” ; “slightly less than human” - when Patricia disregarded the
death of Grace, Looksmart took it as a personal attack. However, one
could state that this is due to the subliminal Apartheid conditioning that
Patricia was victim to all her life.
3. Metaphor for South Africa and the legacy of Apartheid
● Apartheid casts a shadow over the present whether we like it or not
● The legacy of slavery, colonialism and Apartheid will be deeply written in
us forever
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