The Silk Scarf Flashcards
In what time was the short story set
After the apartheid era, on the first day of the independence of south Africa
In what place was the story set in
Johannesburg, South africa, in the oriental plaza, a shopping centre where the shops are mostly owner by Indian people
Who Is the Protagonist
Mrs nebo
Describe mrs nebo
She is a very rich women and wife to Clive nebo.
Her bank account is full of foreign government funds.
She is medium height, with heavy legs and smooth-skinned complexion.
Very full of herself and sure of her status, thinking she can do anything thanks to her husband’s status.
She thinks everyone should respect her presence and be impressed by her clothes, cars and bodyguards.
She is stubborn because she did not want to leave the shop without the scarf.
She feels entitled to special treatment because of her position in the new south africa.
Who is the antagonist
Mr sakur
Mr sakur character sketch
Stubborn.
Well-renowed shopkeeper in Mongul boutique.
Thin looking man, wears antique braces.
Has ideals which will not be changed by anyone.
Treats people equally and he is self- confident
Margaret
Mrs nebo’s friend and shopping companion
How is satire used in the story
Satirises the idea of racial and religious equality in the post apartheid South Africa.
What does the story suggest about the new government and elite
It will not have respect for minority groups and that their laws and principles will not be respected. The elite will expect to be treated differently than the common people
The elite will get what they want. They will be given unfair advantages by people who are afraid of what may happen to them If they don’t
Explain Mrs nebo’s statement at the end of the story
Although the country would be a new democracy, not everyone would be part of that democracy.
Why is Mrs nebo’s statement ironic
We would expect in a democratic government everybody should be free and have rights but Mrs nebo suggests that people like me sakur would not be part of the democracy.
What does the African front symbolism
A unified political party. The word African should mean that it incorporated all people who live In Africa but it rather suggests that only people from the African racial group will be considered important citizens
What do Mrs nebo, Margaret, Clive nebo and the escorts represent
The type of leaders produced by this party
What do the shopkeepers represent
Ordinary citizens
What does Mr sakur symbolism
Minority groups
