, ENG1501 ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: 17 JULY 2026
THE NARRATOR'S RELATIONSHIP WITH BRA TODD AND GABRIEL SANCHEZ IN SMALL
THINGS
Relationships play a significant role in Nthikeng Mohlele’s Small Things (2013), shaping the
narrator’s understanding of himself, the world, and his purpose. Throughout the novel, the
narrator encounters people who influence him in different ways, some becoming mentors
while others become companions who broaden his perspective. Among these relationships,
those with Bra Todd and Gabriel Sanchez stand out because both men contribute to the
narrator’s personal and intellectual development. However, although they share similarities
as influential figures who encourage the narrator’s love for journalism and critical thinking,
the relationships differ significantly in terms of mentorship, emotional intimacy, power
dynamics, and the stage of the narrator’s life in which they occur. Through these
relationships, Mohlele explores themes of identity, growth, mentorship, and the search for
meaning.
The narrator’s relationship with Bra Todd is primarily that of a mentor and apprentice. In
the opening extract, the narrator describes himself as being "like a stray dog. In search of
not food, but meaning" (Mohlele, 2013:11). This metaphor immediately establishes the
narrator's emotional vulnerability and his longing for direction rather than material comfort.
Bra Todd provides this guidance by introducing him to journalism, music, politics, and
relationships. The diction used to describe Bra Todd, such as "respected newsman" and his
"infectious laughter," presents him as both knowledgeable and approachable (Mohlele,
2013:11). The narrator willingly performs humble tasks such as polishing Bra Todd’s shoes
and washing dishes, symbolising his respect and eagerness to learn. These actions illustrate
a relationship characterised by unequal power, where Bra Todd assumes the role of teacher
DUE DATE: 17 JULY 2026
THE NARRATOR'S RELATIONSHIP WITH BRA TODD AND GABRIEL SANCHEZ IN SMALL
THINGS
Relationships play a significant role in Nthikeng Mohlele’s Small Things (2013), shaping the
narrator’s understanding of himself, the world, and his purpose. Throughout the novel, the
narrator encounters people who influence him in different ways, some becoming mentors
while others become companions who broaden his perspective. Among these relationships,
those with Bra Todd and Gabriel Sanchez stand out because both men contribute to the
narrator’s personal and intellectual development. However, although they share similarities
as influential figures who encourage the narrator’s love for journalism and critical thinking,
the relationships differ significantly in terms of mentorship, emotional intimacy, power
dynamics, and the stage of the narrator’s life in which they occur. Through these
relationships, Mohlele explores themes of identity, growth, mentorship, and the search for
meaning.
The narrator’s relationship with Bra Todd is primarily that of a mentor and apprentice. In
the opening extract, the narrator describes himself as being "like a stray dog. In search of
not food, but meaning" (Mohlele, 2013:11). This metaphor immediately establishes the
narrator's emotional vulnerability and his longing for direction rather than material comfort.
Bra Todd provides this guidance by introducing him to journalism, music, politics, and
relationships. The diction used to describe Bra Todd, such as "respected newsman" and his
"infectious laughter," presents him as both knowledgeable and approachable (Mohlele,
2013:11). The narrator willingly performs humble tasks such as polishing Bra Todd’s shoes
and washing dishes, symbolising his respect and eagerness to learn. These actions illustrate
a relationship characterised by unequal power, where Bra Todd assumes the role of teacher
