Section A: Reflective essay: Novel (Unit 4)
In 300 – 400 words reflect on Unit 4 of your study guide and how it relates to your prior
knowledge and experience, as well as how it has informed your appreciation of novels.
Write your reflections in paragraph form guided by the questions below.
1. Have you read any novels? If so, what types of novels have you read?
(When we refer to a type, we really mean a “genre”. A genre refers to the categories
into which novels can be classified, such as crime novels, romance novels, and
science fiction or fantasy novels. Share the title and author of a South African novel
you have read (if you have read one). Does it have any similarities with Small
Things? Mention a few.
I have read a novel years ago named "Disgrace" by J.M. Coetzee. This novel deals with
complex themes of disgrace, redemption, and the changing socio-political landscape of
post-apartheid South Africa.
Similarities with "Small Things" by Nthikeng Mohlele:
Both novels explore themes related to personal and societal identity. "Disgrace" focuses
on the protagonist's fall from grace and his search for redemption, while "Small Things"
explores the protagonist's search for meaning and identity in a changing world.
Both novels are set in post-apartheid South Africa and address the challenges and
complexities of this period. They provide insight into the socio-political dynamics and
personal struggles within this context.
Each novel has a strong focus on its main character's inner life and personal journey. In
"Disgrace," David Lurie's experiences and reflections are central to the narrative, while
"Small Things" also delves deeply into the inner world of its protagonist.
Both novels employ a literary style that is reflective and introspective, using the personal
experiences of the characters to explore broader social and political issues.
While the specifics of the plot and the nature of the protagonists' journeys differ, both "D
In 300 – 400 words reflect on Unit 4 of your study guide and how it relates to your prior
knowledge and experience, as well as how it has informed your appreciation of novels.
Write your reflections in paragraph form guided by the questions below.
1. Have you read any novels? If so, what types of novels have you read?
(When we refer to a type, we really mean a “genre”. A genre refers to the categories
into which novels can be classified, such as crime novels, romance novels, and
science fiction or fantasy novels. Share the title and author of a South African novel
you have read (if you have read one). Does it have any similarities with Small
Things? Mention a few.
I have read a novel years ago named "Disgrace" by J.M. Coetzee. This novel deals with
complex themes of disgrace, redemption, and the changing socio-political landscape of
post-apartheid South Africa.
Similarities with "Small Things" by Nthikeng Mohlele:
Both novels explore themes related to personal and societal identity. "Disgrace" focuses
on the protagonist's fall from grace and his search for redemption, while "Small Things"
explores the protagonist's search for meaning and identity in a changing world.
Both novels are set in post-apartheid South Africa and address the challenges and
complexities of this period. They provide insight into the socio-political dynamics and
personal struggles within this context.
Each novel has a strong focus on its main character's inner life and personal journey. In
"Disgrace," David Lurie's experiences and reflections are central to the narrative, while
"Small Things" also delves deeply into the inner world of its protagonist.
Both novels employ a literary style that is reflective and introspective, using the personal
experiences of the characters to explore broader social and political issues.
While the specifics of the plot and the nature of the protagonists' journeys differ, both "D
