Eng 125 Week 2 Country Lovers

Theme and Narrative Elements in the Short Story
ENG 125 Introduction to Literature
Instructor: Loretta Crosson

In the short story Country Lovers by Nadine Gordimer is discuss the Apartheid in South Africa where two young people fell in love. This was a forbidden love. The black woman Thebedi, and Paulus the son of her white masters took a chance on love and engaged in a sexual relationship which lead to Thebedi getting pregnant. Paulus then leave for veterinary college not knowing that Thebedi is pregnant. When he returns Thebedi is married to Njabulo, who cares for the child. Paulus was overcome with “tears, anger, and self-pity” realizing that he was the father of Thebedi baby girl. The next day the child died. At trail the mother states that, “she saw the accused pouring liquid in to the baby’s mouth. She said he had threatened to shoot her if she told anyone” (Clugston, 2010).
The story Thebedi experienced two types of discrimination first for being black and second for being a woman. It was through these secret dates that their forbidden sexual encounters took place. To truly have a clear understanding of this historic theme you have to understand the context in which it is written (Clugston, 2010).
Some literary elements in the short story that contribute to the theme are setting, characters and point of view. In this short story it was set in the 1970’s in South Africa, this was a historic period due to apartheid. By understanding the apartheid situation in South Africa at that time the actions of Paulus become more apparent. It was unacceptable for these two young people to ever have a relationship since Thebedi was an African and she was considered to be the lowest class. Having any type of relationship between Thebedi and Paulus was prohibited. As terrible as it was that Paulus killed his own child it is now understandable based on the laws of that time and what would have taken place if others found out (Owens, 2002) They are three main characters Thebedi, an eighteen year old African girl, Paulus Eysendyck, a nineteen year old childhood love and the father of Thebedi daughter’s and Njabulo, who is the husband of Thebedi. In the story these three grew up together. Njabulo seems to admire Thebedi “he wished he could have bought her a belt and ear-rings (Clugston, 2010).” Paulus was in central telling her “each time, when they would meet again” to hang out and have sex (Clugston, 2010).
The point of view of the short story is in a third person. Due to the fact that the writer uses the characters names or him or her when tell the reader that it is third person narrative. In this story the writer doesn’t participate in the story as one of the characters, but let’s the reader know how and why the characters feel that particular way. As the reader we can gain insight to the character thoughts, emotions, and feelings.
The literary elements affect the narrative theme in many ways. Since apartheid is the main theme in the story the setting, characters and point of view helps the reader understand how and why the narrator wrote this story. In the time period white men were not allowed to have any relationship with a black woman, let alone have a child. So the reasoning the writer has Paulus killed his child is so he wouldn’t be punished himself.
In conclusion, as the reader you are able to interpret the story many different ways depending on which analytical skills. Due to the many different styles of literature analysis interruption is left to the reader. Based on this story the best type of analysis is historical/ biographical. If you are able to understand the historical setting and the writer’s experiences then the story is more defined, it put things into context as well as help the reader develop a better understanding. I felt that is story was not as much about love as it was about disrespect, entitlement and discrimination. Thebedi and Paulus and Paulus were not victims of an impossible love affair, the baby girl was the true victim she was killed, discarded because of her parents fear.

References

Clugston, R. W. (2010). Journey into literature. San Diego, California: Bridgepoint Education,
Inc.
Lowenberg, A. D. (1997). Why south africa's apartheid economy failed. Contemporary Economic Policy, 15(3), 62-72. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/274254725?accountid=32521
Owens, I. (2002). South african libraries from pre-apartheid to apartheid in the 1960s and 1970s: The beginning of the end. Library Management, 23(1), 53-58. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/198855936?accountid=32521
Wieder, A. (2003). White teachers/white schools: Oral histories from the struggle against apartheid. Multicultural Education, 10(4), 26-26. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/216471972?accountid=32521