ENG1501 – Foundations in English Literary_Assignment 3

ENG1501 – Foundations in English Literary Studies Assignment 03 – The Novel Unique Number: Name: Beth Lund Student Number: Topic: One of the important conflicts in the plot of Small Things is the internal conflict that the narrator experiences as a result of his imprisonment. Using the extract below as a starting point, write an essay in which you discuss how the narrator’s internal conflict is developed and linked to specific themes through the course of the novel. Remember to quote from the extract and from other relevant sections of the novel in order to support your argument. Small Things by Nthikeng Mohlele depicts a tragic story of love and loss, one that details not only the gruelling challenges of loving someone who doesn’t return your advances, but also depicts the hardships of living and loving through a political struggle, such as the apartheid era. The narrator experiences severe internal conflict throughout the entire novel, most of the conflict stemming from his 18-year imprisonment. The narrator’s internal conflict, while stemming from his time in prison, develops through his love for two very different women, Desiree and Mercedes, as well as the changing political climate in South Africa. The narrator’s internal conflict is linked to the major themes in the novel, being those of injustice, the political struggle and racial bias in South Africa, as well as the devastating effects of love and loss. In this essay, I plan to outline the true progression of the narrator’s inner conflict, as well as the development of his conflict through the relationship he maintains with his country, Desiree and Mercedes .....................................................continued..................................................