The setting in this chapter is Soekie’s place. Carefully analyse the description mentioned in the first section of this chapter
Soekis’s place appears to be quite a well established. There are chairs and tables. It is not in a good area, though, and is in bad condition. There is no lampshade on the bulb, and the light casts ‘sinister’ shadows, implying that it is a place of ill repute
What evidence is there at the beginning of the chapter that Boston is ‘losing control’
It is clear that Boston is ill after the killing of Gumboot, and in the bar he spits as he talks loudly
What is the function of the fifth character sitting in the corner of the bar that night
Rosie is a symbol of the moral decline and desperation in the township. Her drinking is clearly out of control, and she is physically and mentally abused by Die Aap and Butcher, which is another sign of a society in decline
Tsotsi states that, although things are outwardly the same, they ‘feel’ different. What has brought about this change
Boston has been asking Tsotsi many questions, and this has had a profound effect on him
What do Boston’s words, ‘Everything you are not’, infer about his opinion of Die Aap and Butcher
Boston does not think much of Die Aap and Butcher
Boston states that Gumboot had a lot of decency, and ‘so he’s dead’. Do you agree with this statement
Yes. Gumboot dressed neatly and was focused and disciplined. He worked, saved his salary and was about to return to his wife back home. None of the gang members show the same dedication and purpose
What evidence is there in this chapter that Boston has, in fact, had a more decent upbringing than the rest of the group
Boston has trained as a teacher
What disturbing truth do we learn about Tsotsi’s past
Tsotsi has no memory of his past
Evaluate Tsotsi’s description of himself as ‘meaningless as a handful of stones’
Tsotsi does not have a positive self image. He is simply an extension of the street. This is effective because stones can be used to inflict harm-as Tsotsi does - and Tsotsi does not show any emotion.
What does Boston say that sends Tsotsi over the edge
He warns Tsotsi that everyone has a soul and that he should fear the day he discovers his own
Describe how the murder of Gumboot affects each of the gang members
Boston is affected emotionally and shows this by being sick. Tsotsi seems to be unaffected. Butcher laughs at Boston, showing he is not emotionally affected. Die Aap falls asleep quickly showing that their actions doesn’t bother him
Explain what the outward reality is that Tsotsi wants to preserve
Tsotsi wants to be seen as being in control of his life and unaffected by their violent lifestyle
What does Boston do that Tsotsi hates so much?
He has personal, probing questions that bring up unsettling memories of Tsotsi’s life and makes Tsotsi question his lifestyle
