Who are ‘them’ referred to in the opening sentence of the chapter
They are the four members of the gang : Tsotsi, Die Aap, Butcher and Boston
The author refers to the passing of time as ‘shadows’ that are either ‘not yet long enough’ or the sun that ‘must be low’. What is the effect of these references
These references imply that the men are about to take part in actions that are ‘dark’. They foreshadow the horror to come
Three sentences or phrases that summarise Tsotsi’s perception of the members of his gang
Tsotsi feels that he can trust Die Aap. He feels that he should ‘never turn his back’ on Butcher because he cannot trust him. Tsotsi knows that Boston is scared of him: ‘Your smile hides fear’
How does Boston’s reaction to Tsotsi’s suggestion, that they find their next victim on the train, differ from the reactions of the other members
Boston does not follow Tsotsi blindly, and questions his decision
Explain the significance of Butcher going to fetch a bicycle spoke before they leave
The bicycle spoke foreshadows the imminent murder of Gumboot Dhlamini. It also reminds us that Butcher never misses his target. This creates tension
What indications are there in the first section of the chapter that the men have a bad reputation in the community
The men look the other way when they pass, and the women call in their children. Lights are turned off in the houses
What is the purpose of the author giving a detailed description of Gumboot Dhlamini’s life
The men commit what appears to be a random act of violence. By including details of Gumboot Dhlamini’s life, the author makes his death intensely personal.
What is ironic about the smile on Gumboot’s face and his apparent joy about going home
Gumboot does not have anything to smile about; the gangsters are planning to murder him for his money
How does the author create suspense in the description of Gumboot Dhlamini
The author refers to the three mistakes that Gumboot makes. Each mistake is described in detail. This creates suspense
Comment on the effect of Tsotsi’s whispering an ‘obscene reference to his mother’ in Gumboot’s ear as he dies
This highlights how mean-spirited and soulless Tsotsi is. He comes across as a character for whom there is no hope of redemption
Refer to lines 1–3. Explain the meaning of the words ‘he had been chosen’.
Tsotsi announces that they will go to the train station to choose their victim for the evening. Gumboot is their next victim. The author makes it clear that Gumboot is the next victim by listing the three things that make Tsotsi notice him.
Account for the persistent smile on Gumboot’s face.
Gumboot lect his pregnant wife at home so that he could make money for them and their new child. Gumboot has been successful, as he has been saving money. He is happy because he is about to return home
Comment on the significance of the author’s including so many details about Gumboot and his personal life in this part of the novel.
These details are in contrast to the details we know about the gang. The members of the gang appear to be driven by their need to commit acts of violence in order to survive. Gumboot, on the other hand, is driven by the pure motives of love for his wife and the need to care for his family.
Discuss the importance of the details about the life of the migrant mine workers in terms of the message or theme of the novel
The novel highlights the impact of the mechanisms of the apartheid regime. One of these is the negative effects of forcing men to separate from their wives in the rural areas to work in mines in the city. It was an inhuman system that led to an unhealthy social environment
Refer to 1-5. What do these opening lines imply about the nature of the men sitting in the room
The men are without purpose and direction. They laze around drinking and waiting for time to pass. They are animal-like in their drinking and body language
Comment on the effectiveness of the image ‘rattling her words like stones in a tin’ (lines 6–7).
The comparison between the sound of the women’s voice and the sound of stones in a tin. The image is effective because it reflects the harsh reality of township life. Her words are hard because her life is hard and ‘empty’ like the tin
Refer to lines 11–16. Discuss the descriptions of Tsotsi that contrast with his character.
Tsosti is the youngest of the four but he is clearly their leader- age is not an indication of seniority. His hands are described as ‘delicate’ but there is nothing gentle about his actions and attitude. His fingers are locked as if in prayer. At this point in the novel there is nothing vaguely good or godly about his actions
The passing of time is measured in the length of the shadows. Mention two ways in which this affects the reader’s interpretation of the scene
The shadows symbolize the dark nature of the four men’s actions and create tension
Why do the men choose Gumboot as their next victim?
He made 3 mistakes : He smiled, he wore a flaming red hot tie and he paid his ticket with money from his pay-pocket
Describe Die Aap
Die Aap is tall and very strong, he has very long arms, making him look like a monkey
Why is Friday night a good night to commit crime?
It,s payday, many workers will be carrying their weekly wages in their pay pockets
Give a reason why Tsotsi watches Boston
He senses a weakness in Boston and needs to look at him to be aware of his reactions to gauge his reliability
Comment on the effectiveness of the image in ‘sharp as a knife blade’
Just as a knife blade can cut something, so does Butcher’s laugh, it can cut down fear to a listener
