Buckingham Palace, District Six -Richard Rive Flashcards
Essay Question (approx 400 words)
Truthfully speaking, Rive’s principal characters are all disreputable and we should condemn them. Do you agree?
In Buckingham Palace, District Six by Richard Rive, the characters are definitely not what most people would call “perfect role models.” They gamble, drink, and sometimes break the law. However, calling them completely disreputable and saying we should condemn them feels unfair. These characters are much more than their flaws—they are complex, human, and shaped by their difficult circumstances. Instead of condemning them, we should try to understand them.
First, the people of District Six live in extreme poverty and under the oppressive apartheid system. This harsh environment forces them to make tough choices to survive. For example, Zoot, with his flashy suits and gambling habit, might seem like a troublemaker, but he’s also a charismatic leader who brings the community together. Similarly, Mary is often drunk, but she also has a warm heart and is fiercely loyal to her friends. These characters’ flaws don’t define them—they are part of their coping mechanisms in a world that’s stacked against them.
Another reason we shouldn’t condemn the characters is that they are incredibly resilient and show a strong sense of community. Even though their behavior isn’t always “respectable,” they still care deeply for one another. For instance, when Mrs. Knight becomes bedridden, the people of Buckingham Palace look after her, showing kindness and compassion. This sense of togetherness makes them admirable, even if their actions sometimes stray from society’s rules.
It’s also important to recognize that Rive writes these characters to challenge stereotypes and celebrate the uniqueness of District Six. The characters might not fit into traditional ideas of what’s “respectable,” but they are real and relatable. Their flaws make them human, and their humor, love, and determination make them lovable. Rive uses their stories to show that people can be flawed and still have value.
Finally, condemning these characters feels too harsh because they represent the struggle of many ordinary people who lived in District Six. They aren’t saints, but they aren’t villains either. Instead, they are survivors of a system that tried to crush them, and their humanity shines through despite their challenges.
In conclusion, while the characters in Buckingham Palace, District Six have flaws and make questionable choices, we shouldn’t condemn them. Instead, we should appreciate their complexity and resilience. They remind us that no one is perfect, and everyone deserves understanding.
