Tsotsi Flashcards
Tsotsi genre
Crime, drama, teen drama, coming-of-age
Tsotsi
Gang leader and troubled teen with traumatic past. Journey from violence and emptiness to empathy and redemption.
What does Tsotsi symbolise
Lost youth shaped by poverty, trauma and abandonment
Miriam
Singe mother, caring and nurturing figure. Surrogate mother to Tsotsi, key to his transformation
What does Miriam represent
Hope, compassion and the power of motherhood
Boston
“Teacher Boy”, moral compass of the gang. Educated, alcoholic, wants a better life
What does Boston represent
Decency and humanity
Butcher
Violent and remorseless gang member.
What does Butcher represent
Unchecked aggression and the dangers of toxic masculinity
Aap
Immature, comic relief, reflects loyalty but also ignorance
Pumla and John Dube
Wealthy, educated (contrast with Tsotsi’s world)
What do Pumla and John Dube represent
South Africa’s post-apartheid upper class
Themes and issues in Tsotsi
-Redemption
-Responsibility
-Crime and Poverty
-Family
-Apartheid
-Decency and Humanity
-Duality and Fate
-Urban vs Township life
Redemption in Tsotsi
Tsotsi’s journey from killer to caregiver
Responsibility in Tsotsi
Choices, consequences and taking accountability
Crime and Poverty in Tsotsi
Crime shown as survival mechanism, tied to lack of opportunity
Family in Tsotsi
Lack of family as root of trauma. Search for belonging and love.
Apartheid Legacy in Tsotsi
Class division and ongoing racial inequalities
Decency and Humanity in Tsotsi
Acts of kindness as powerful tools for change
Duality and Fate in Tsotsi
Dice as symbols of chance; flashbacks to explore identity
Urban vs Township life in Tsotsi
Visual contrast between rich/poor; symbolic use of setting
Social Context in Tsotsi
-Explores the disparity between wealth/poverty and how this links to crime
-The huge problem with the AIDS epidemic is explored
Political Context in Tsotsi
The novel (set in the 1950s) took place at the height of apartheid
Historical context in Tsotsi
-The novel (set in the 1950s) took place at the height of apartheid.
-Adapted from novel by Athol Fugard, a South African author and playwright
Cultural Context in Tsotsi
-The soundtrack features Kwaito music performed by popular South African artist Zola, who also stars in the film. Also features the voice of the South African protest singer/poet Visi Mahlasela.
-Set in Johannesburg, South Africa. The title of the film comes from urban slang which, loosely translated, means “thug”
Institutional context in Tsotsi
Won 17 awards including an Academy Award. Nominated for BAFTA and Golden Globe awards.
