Chapter 20: Prose

After practicing the activities in this chapter, you should be able to:

1. Discuss a variety of prose techniques.

2. Analyse prose in order to identify themes and structures.

3. Understand and employ literary language effects

4. in order to describe the setting and character. Demonstrate understanding of language effects and characterization in prose by being able to read/act scenes dramatically.

5. Write a short story that reflects an understanding of literary techniques.

Keywords

• setting
• characters
• simile
• metaphor
• adjective
• adverb

Introduction

In this chapter, you are going to look Prose and more carefully at a writer’s description of the setting. The setting of a novel is important, as it tells you where and when the story takes place, and therefore helps you to understand what is happening. The writer’s description of the setting can also contribute to the mood and atmosphere of the story, and help to create suspense and an effective climax.

Perhaps the most important aspect of a story, however, is the characters in it. The way they are described, and what they say and do, help to create the story and allow us to like or dislike them. In the extracts in this chapter, you will examine how the characters are described, and how they develop through the story.

Activity 12.1 Read an extract and discuss setting

1. Read the extract.

Fikile has lived in the rural Eastern Cape province in South Africa her whole life. Now, at age 15, she has moved to the city of Cape Town and is starting secondary school there.

Chapter 1 New Beginnings

1. My dad insisted on accompanying me to school on my first day, and although I protested and rolled my eyes at him, I was actually quite glad. I had only been in Cape Town for a week and there was a very good chance I’d never find the school! But I made him stop at the end of the road – you have to draw the line somewhere, and a Grade 9 girl kissing her daddy goodbye at the school gate would be social suicide! So I put on my brightest smiling face and marched down the street, clenching my knees to stop them from shaking. It started raining as I walked, adding to my feelings of doom.
2. Star School was a small school, with less than 500 learners, but the double-storey building seemed to loom over me as I stood at the gate. Boys and girls were streaming through the gate, shouting greetings and hugging each other. The holiday had only been three weeks long, but everyone seemed very happy to see each other. I stood in the street, rain dripping off my hair and running down my face. Behind me a choppy grey ocean hissed and roared against the rocks, and a train thundered past on its journey to the city. Above me, behind the school, the mountain rose majestically, its peak shrouded in dark clouds. Anything more different from the hot, dry silence of my Eastern Cape home could not be imagined. I took a deep breath, shook the raindrops out of my eyes, and walked into the school.
3. The hall was dark and gloomy. As I stood waiting for my eyes to adjust, I could smell dust and polish and wet clothing. Right in front of me was a large cross, hanging on the wall – and hanging on the cross was the wooden image of Jesus. I must admit I stifled a nervous yelp – our church at home had a cross, but I’d never been so ‘up close and personal’ with a large crucifix before. It did not help my nerves – in fact I felt like turning around and running out of the school gates.
4. “You must be Fikile, our new Grade 9 girl!” I turned to find a teacher smiling at me. “Come with me, dear, and I’ll show you where your home room is.” She patted me on the shoulder and led me up the stairs and into a big classroom with bright orange curtains and lots of bright posters on the pin board. The lights were switched on to dispel the gloom of a rainy morning. On a shelf by the teacher’s desk there was a statue of the Virgin Mary, in a blue cloak, smiling gently down at the learners. There was a cheerful babble of voices as the learners chatted to each other.
5. The teacher scanned the crowd and made her selection. “Noelle, this is Fikile – she’s joining the class today. Come and show her the ropes.” A fresh-faced girl with long black braids detached herself from a group of boys and girls and came towards us.
6. “Hi Fikile! Welcome to Star! Come and meet the gang.” And she gave me a big, friendly hug.
7. “This is much better,” I thought. “Maybe I’ll be able to cope after all.

Answer the questions below in your exercise book.

a) In your own words, explain why Fikile had mixed feelings about her father accompanying her to school on her first day.

b) How does Fikile feel as she approaches the school? Give reasons for your answer.

c) Explain Fikile’s first impression of the school as she enters the grounds.

d)How do her feelings change when she gets to the classroom? Give reasons for this change.

3. Work in pairs to discuss the questions.

a) Do you think Fikile sounds like an interesting character? Discuss what kind of person you think she is. Write down the words and phrases used in the extract which describe her character.

b) Read the description of the setting of the novel. Write a list of the words and phrases which describe the setting. Do you think the description is effective?

c) How does the description of the setting help us understand Fikile’s feelings as she starts her first day of school?

Activity 12.2 Read an extract and discuss characters

1. Read the extract.

Chapter 2 Settling in

1. Noelle was really kind, and introduced me to all the people in the class. It was a bit of a blur of names and faces, but two really stood out for me – Aphiwe, a tall girl with an exquisite face and a bubbly personality, and Zola – the most gorgeous-looking boy I’d ever seen. He was also tall and had big dreamy eyes that crinkled and twinkled when he smiled. I found my knees wobbling a bit again – but for a very different reason!
2. Everyone seemed friendly and kind and I soon relaxed enough to start chatting and making jokes. I was telling them the story about my little sister being chased by a bull, and they were all laughing at my description when the bell rang and it was time to get ready for class.
3. “You’re hilarious Fikile! I can see you’re going to brighten up this prison of ours!” said Aphiwe, giving me a fake-punch on the arm.
4. “Yes – good to have you here Fikile!” smiled Zola, those delicious eyes creasing into a mischievous grin. I realised that my mouth was hanging slightly open and I pulled myself together.
5. “Anything to please, folks! I’m at your service!” I joked, and did a silly little wiggly dance. “Oh for goodness sake Fikile! What’s the matter with you?” I thought to myself as Aphiwe and the others roared with laughter – some of it, perhaps, not particularly kind.
6. Noelle looked quizzically at me as we followed the rest of the class to the first class. “He is gorgeous, isn’t he?” she asked with a cheeky grin.
7. “Oh, he’s just delicious! I’ll need to keep an eye on myself – the last thing I need is a crush on my first day at school!”
8. She laughed and put her arm around my shoulder. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Come on, it’s Maths first period and Ms Africa hates us to be late.” And we walked together down the long, crowded corridor.

2. Answer the questions.

• How does Noelle help to make Fikile feel at home at her new school? Refer to the whole extract in your answer.
• What does Fikile mean by, it was all a bit of a blur of names and faces, in paragraph 1?
• Why do you think Aphiwe and Zola stood out in Fikile’s memory?
• Quote two phrases that describe Fikile’s reaction to Zola and explain what they mean.

3. Work in pairs to discuss the questions.

a) Examine the way Noelle is described in this extract. Look at what Fikile about her, and also what she does. Explain her character. Do you think the teacher was right to choose Noelle to introduce Fikile to the says others?

b) What does the writer tell us about the characters of Aphiwe and Zola in this extract? Make brief notes in your exercise book.

c) What do we learn about Fikile’s character in this extract? Write brief notes in your exercise book about your impression of her, quoting from the extract to support your opinions.

d) Which characters in the extract do you find most interesting or likeable? Explain your reasons to your partner, and listen to your partner’s opinions.

e) Take turns to read your favourite parts of this extract to each other. Discuss how the writer creates a vivid impression of the characters and the relationship between the characters.

Activity 12.3 Read an extract and discuss character and setting

1. Read the extract.

Fikile is settling in well at her new school and making many friends. One Friday night she goes to a party with a group of her schoolmates, including Aphiwe and Zola – who seems very interested in her, much to her delight.

Chapter 4 A night to remember

You could hear the music long before you arrived at the house, and we all started dancing as we walked up the driveway to the front door. It seemed to be a very big, smart house – but it was a dark night and I couldn’t see much.

The only light came from the bright, whirling disco lights inside, and the flickering ultra-violet light too. As we went inside, Zola put his arm around my waist and whispered in my ear, “We’re going to have such fun tonight!” I looked up at those twinkling eyes and smiled happily. I couldn’t believe this was happening to me – silly, goofy Fikile! The music hit us like a wall of noise as we entered.

The throbbing, pulsating lights seemed to fuse with the sound, to deafen and blind me. A smell of sweat, cigarette smoke and perfume hung over the crowd like a fog. I felt a bit disoriented and grabbed Zola’s arm – he took my hand and squeezed it reassuringly. “Let’s go and get a drink,” he shouted in my ear. I soon got used to the noise and the lights.

Zola and I danced together on the hot, crammed dance floor, pushed and bumped by the crowds around us. It was very exciting but also rather alarming, and after a while I asked Zola if we could go and get some air. As we pushed our way through the crowds, we saw Aphiwe and some other guys, and went over to chat. She greeted us cheerfully enough but she didn’t seem all that happy to see us. She hardly looked at me at all, and was all giggly and flirty with Zola.

After a while she grabbed his hand and pulled him onto the dance floor. He looked over his shoulder at me as she towed him away and rolled his eyes comically, kissing his hand to me as he disappeared into the heaving ocean of dancers. I grinned and waved – let Aphiwe have her dance! My prince was coming back to me when the song ended. As I stood looking at them with that soppy grin on my face, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

I looked around – it was one of the guys Aphiwe had been talking to. “Cool drink for you, pretty lady?” he shouted, holding out a newly opened can. “Pretty lady!” I thought delightedly. This evening just kept on getting better. I gulped the ice-cold drink gratefully, and stood swaying to the beat. The guy was talking to his friends but after a while he turned back to me and swept his arms towards the dance floor, inviting me to accompany him.

Still feeling euphoric, I followed him into the thickest part of the crowd and allowed the music to swallow me up. But after a few minutes everything started to feel wrong – the floor seemed to be tilting, the flickering lights blinded me and I felt nauseous and dizzy. I put my hand out to hold onto something, – and felt it taken in a strong grasp.

My dancing partner put his other arm around my waist and guided me off the dance floor. anything My head was swimming; my tongue felt thick and useless, like a dead fish in my mouth. I looked around wildly, trying to get my bearings – but just before I was pulled through the door and darkness engulfed me I saw Zola watching me, his face shocked and angry, while Aphiwe was smiling like a cat next to him.

2. Answer the questions in your exercise book.

a) Write a few sentences summarising the setting at the party.

b) How does Zola show his interest in Fikile?

c) Why do you think Aphiwe seems unhappy to see Fikile and Zola being so friendly towards each other?

d) Explain why Fikile is not upset when Aphiwe pulls Zola onto the dance floor?

e) In your own words, describe what Aphiwe’s acquaintance has done to Fikile in this extract. f) What does Zola think, when he sees Fikile leaving the room with another boy?

3. Work in pairs to discuss the questions.

a) Do we learn anything new about the characters of Fikile, Zola and Aphiwe in this extract? Write down the words and phrases that give us a greater understanding of these characters.

b) Take turns reading the summaries you wrote for the question

Activity 12.4 Create character profiles and act out selected scenes

Work in a group.

1. Create a character profile for Fikile, Zola, Aphiwe and Noelle.

2. Choose one of the extracts in this chapter to act out. Each group member should take the part of one of the characters. Using your knowledge of the characters and the setting, try to give an accurate portrayal of the events described in the extract.

3. Present your play to the class, and watch the presentations of the other groups.

4. As a class, discuss whether the setting and characters have been accurately and clearly portrayed. Are there any differences of opinion about the characters in the story?

Activity 12.5 Review extracts and read a new extract

Work on your own.

Read the extracts in this chapter again. Complete the work in your exercise book.

Extract from Activity 12.1

1. Find words or phrases used to describe the gloomy, depressing atmosphere as Fikile arrives at her new school.
2. Find words or phrases used to describe the more pleasant atmosphere in Fikile’s new classroom.

Extract from Activity 12.2 3.

1. Find adjectives, or adverbs, used to describe Aphiwe, Zola and Noelle.
2. Find similes and metaphors used to describe the atmosphere at the party.
3. Find a metaphor to describe Fikile’s view of Zola.
4. Find a simile to describe Aphiwe.
5. Find words or phrases to describe the effects of the drug on Fikile.

Read the extract.

When Fikile wakes up she realises that she has been raped by the man, who had put a drug in her cool drink. She manages to find Noelle, who helps her to get home. But when she goes to school the next week she realises that what happened to her has been completely misunderstood by those who witnessed it. Aphiwe treats her with contempt and implies that she is a slut, while Zola ignores her completely. She is very upset, but also angry – and soon decides to confront Zola about what has happened.

Chapter 6 Finding the truth

1. I banged hard on the door of Zola’s house. His parents’ cars were not there but I could hear music playing inside and I was sure he was at home. The music was switched off, and I banged again.
2. The door opened. Zola’s face was blank as he looked at me. “Can I help you?” he asked, with the polite tone of a stranger. I felt the familiar humiliation like a stone in my stomach, and a comforting glow of anger. How dare he treat me like this? I lifted my chin defiantly.
3. “I’m coming inside,” I said. “You owe me an explanation. walked into the house, carefully hiding the fact that my knees were shaking again. I saw a flicker of surprise in his eyes as I marched past him. In the sitting-room, I swung around to face him.
4. “I want you to explain to me why you thought it was okay to allow some stranger to drug and kidnap me,” I said, making my voice as cold as his had been.
5. “Wha…what?” he exclaimed. “You went with him willingly – you were holding on to him as if you really liked him!”
6. “I was holding on to him because I couldn’t stand up straight!” I snapped. “While you were dancing with Aphiwe, this guy gave me a cool drink, and the next thing I knew, I was feeling sick and dizzy. He came up and pulled me along with him – and you and Aphiwe just let him do it! Some friends! And now everyone at school is treating me as if I’ve got the Ebola virus or something. It’s so unfair!”
7. Zola stared at me as if I was a space alien. “But…but… Aphiwe told me you knew that guy, that she’d seen you flirting with him. Are you telling me the truth?”
8. “Oh for goodness’ sake!” I shouted. “Do you really think I’d do that? Come into a party with you and leave five minutes later with someone else? Why did you immediately assume the worst about me?”
9. There was a long silence. Zola stared at the floor, his face grey and shocked. At last he looked up at me.
10. “What – what did he do, Fikile?” he whispered.
11. Now it was my turn to be silent. Eventually I took a deep breath and said, “I think you know what he did to me, Zola.”
12. His face crumpled a bit, as if he’d been punched. “I am so, so sorry,” he said softly. “I shouldn’t have listened to Aphiwe. Can you ever forgive me?”
13. “I don’t know what to think, Zola – it feels like my whole world has turned upside-down. My mom says I must see a counsellor, and lay a charge against this guy, and also have a pregnancy test, and an HIV test,” and as I said the words it all just became too much and I started to cry. I cried and cried, and Zola put his arms around me and stroked my back.

by Mignon Gulbrandsen

a) Identify two aspects of Fikile’s character that are shown in this extract, quoting words or phrases to support your answer.

b) Have you changed your opinion of Zola’s character after reading this extract? Give reasons for your answer.

c) Why do you think Zola feels surprised when Fikile walks into his house?

d) Read paragraph 9. Why does Zola take such a long time to answer Fikile?

e) Read paragraph 11. What are the reasons for Fikile’s silence here?

f) Are you surprised by what Zola says about Aphiwe in paragraph 7?

Explain your answer.