Chapter 1 Flashcards
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
