FLARDE Notes & Answers 2026: Exam
Questions with Rationale
### SECTION A: BASIC INFORMATION & BACKGROUND (Q1-30)
**Q1: Who is the author of Flarde?**
**Answer:** Marlize Hobbs
**Rationale:** Hobbs wrote the novella based on her experiences
working as a social worker in Ganyesa, which provided inspiration for
the story's setting and themes.
**Q2: What subgenre does Flarde belong to?**
**Answer:** Novella (novelle in Afrikaans)
**Rationale:** The work is shorter than a full novel but longer than a
short story, fitting the novella classification.
**Q3: What is the meaning of the title "Flarde"?**
,**Answer:** Tatters or torn pieces of cloth
**Rationale:** The title metaphorically introduces the theme of
brokenness—referring to something made up of shreds, just as the
story features broken characters experiencing various social issues.
**Q4: What is the main idea of Flarde?**
**Answer:** The concept of broken people and a broken society
**Rationale:** This central theme unifies all the characters'
experiences and the social problems explored throughout the novella.
**Q5: Where did Marlize Hobbs work that inspired Flarde?**
**Answer:** Ganyesa
**Rationale:** Hobbs worked as a social worker in this small country
town village, directly influencing the setting and social issues depicted.
**Q6: What is the structure of the book regarding chapters?**
**Answer:** Divided into short chapters named after characters;
different characters act as narrators
**Rationale:** Each chapter presents a different character's
perspective on events, creating a multifaceted narrative.
,**Q7: Which family plays a central role in Flarde?**
**Answer:** The Dipeko family
**Rationale:** The Dipeko family's struggles form the core of the
narrative and connect many of the themes.
**Q8: What are the three recurring motifs in Flarde?**
**Answer:** Fire, wind, and dust
**Rationale:** These elements recur throughout the text, symbolizing
destruction, change, and the harsh environment.
**Q9: What language is the original text written in?**
**Answer:** Afrikaans
**Rationale:** The work is studied in the Afrikaans module (AFK1506)
at UNISA.
**Q10: What institution offers Flarde as a course?**
**Answer:** University of South Africa (UNISA)
, **Rationale:** The novella is part of the AFK1506 Afrikaans module
curriculum.
---
### SECTION B: CHARACTER ANALYSIS (Q31-80)
**Q11: Who are the three main characters in Flarde?**
**Answer:** Mama Minoto, Lisa (the social worker), and Kabelo
**Rationale:** These characters play central roles and are considered
the protagonists due to their importance in advancing the narrative.
**Q12: Describe Mama Minoto.**
**Answer:** An elderly foster mother described as fat, loud, funny,
and caring
**Rationale:** Her character embodies resilience despite poverty,
showing love for Kabelo while struggling with difficult circumstances.
**Q13: What is Mama Minoto's relationship with Kabelo?**
**Answer:** She is his foster mother who fights hard to become his
legal foster parent
Questions with Rationale
### SECTION A: BASIC INFORMATION & BACKGROUND (Q1-30)
**Q1: Who is the author of Flarde?**
**Answer:** Marlize Hobbs
**Rationale:** Hobbs wrote the novella based on her experiences
working as a social worker in Ganyesa, which provided inspiration for
the story's setting and themes.
**Q2: What subgenre does Flarde belong to?**
**Answer:** Novella (novelle in Afrikaans)
**Rationale:** The work is shorter than a full novel but longer than a
short story, fitting the novella classification.
**Q3: What is the meaning of the title "Flarde"?**
,**Answer:** Tatters or torn pieces of cloth
**Rationale:** The title metaphorically introduces the theme of
brokenness—referring to something made up of shreds, just as the
story features broken characters experiencing various social issues.
**Q4: What is the main idea of Flarde?**
**Answer:** The concept of broken people and a broken society
**Rationale:** This central theme unifies all the characters'
experiences and the social problems explored throughout the novella.
**Q5: Where did Marlize Hobbs work that inspired Flarde?**
**Answer:** Ganyesa
**Rationale:** Hobbs worked as a social worker in this small country
town village, directly influencing the setting and social issues depicted.
**Q6: What is the structure of the book regarding chapters?**
**Answer:** Divided into short chapters named after characters;
different characters act as narrators
**Rationale:** Each chapter presents a different character's
perspective on events, creating a multifaceted narrative.
,**Q7: Which family plays a central role in Flarde?**
**Answer:** The Dipeko family
**Rationale:** The Dipeko family's struggles form the core of the
narrative and connect many of the themes.
**Q8: What are the three recurring motifs in Flarde?**
**Answer:** Fire, wind, and dust
**Rationale:** These elements recur throughout the text, symbolizing
destruction, change, and the harsh environment.
**Q9: What language is the original text written in?**
**Answer:** Afrikaans
**Rationale:** The work is studied in the Afrikaans module (AFK1506)
at UNISA.
**Q10: What institution offers Flarde as a course?**
**Answer:** University of South Africa (UNISA)
, **Rationale:** The novella is part of the AFK1506 Afrikaans module
curriculum.
---
### SECTION B: CHARACTER ANALYSIS (Q31-80)
**Q11: Who are the three main characters in Flarde?**
**Answer:** Mama Minoto, Lisa (the social worker), and Kabelo
**Rationale:** These characters play central roles and are considered
the protagonists due to their importance in advancing the narrative.
**Q12: Describe Mama Minoto.**
**Answer:** An elderly foster mother described as fat, loud, funny,
and caring
**Rationale:** Her character embodies resilience despite poverty,
showing love for Kabelo while struggling with difficult circumstances.
**Q13: What is Mama Minoto's relationship with Kabelo?**
**Answer:** She is his foster mother who fights hard to become his
legal foster parent
