Chapter One Flashcards
There are four members to the gang. What are their names?
Tsotsi, Die Aap, Boston, and Butcher. Boston is the clever one, Die Aap is the strong one and Butcher is the accurate killer.
The gang sits around Tsotsi’s room, drinking beer in silence. Tsotsi “interlocks his hands in the manner of prayer” and decides they should take a train. They walked down the street, looking for a victim. When they get to the trains they see their victim. Who is this?
Gumboot Dhlamini, he is hardworking and a larger man.
At the train station, Gumboot makes three mistakes which are?
- He smiles at Tsotsi
- He is wearing a bright red tie which makes him easy to follow
- He exposes his pay pocket to everyone, this was a mistake on his end as he should have had his train ticket* in his hand before arriving at the station.
Regarding the three mistakes Gumboot makes, which are described in great detail, what is the author’s intention?
To create suspense
How does the author make Gumboot’s death intensely personal?
By including the person details of his life and a random act of violence committed by the gang.
There is, evidently, irony in Gumboot’s smile. Explain this irony.
The irony in his smile is that he has nothing to smile about as he will never see his wife again or his child because the gangsters are planning to murder him for his money.
In this Chapter, Tsotsi’s character is highlighted. Explain how.
The fact that he whispers an “obscene reference to his mother” in Gumboot’s ear as he dies highlights how mean-spirited and soulless Tsotsi is. He comes across as a character for whom there is no hope of redemption.
In this chapter there are references to the passing of time as?What are the effects?
“Shadows” that are either “not yet long enough” or the sun that “must be low.” The effect of these references implies that the men are about to take part in actions that are “dark.” It foreshadows the horror to come.
If the train had been on time, Gumboot may have lived. What proof is there to substantiate the statement?
The constant reference to “ten minutes late” His path would have never crossed Tsotsi’s.
What is the term ‘dark’ often used as?
A euphemistic term for death.
What are Tsotsi’s definite perceptions of each of the gang members?
- He feels that he can trust Die Aap
- He feels that he should ‘never turn his back on Butcher because he is incapable of trusting him.
- He knows Boston is scared of him - “Your smile hides fear.”
Why does Boston’s reaction differ to that of the other members of the gang?
He does not follow Tsotsi blindly and questions his decision that they will find their next victim on the train.
What is being foreshadowed when Butcher fetches the bicycle spoke before they leave?
It foreshadows the imminent murder of Gumboot Dhlamini. It also serves to remind us that Butcher never misses his target, this creates tension.
The gang have a bad reputation in the community, what evidence is they to support this?
Men look the other way as the gang passes, the woman calls in their children and lights are turned off in the house.
