Grade 12 ieb
Donker web
, CONTENTS
Summary
Setting Analysis
Character Analysis
Theme Analysis
, PLot summary
Chapter 1 Skree
Greg Owen has passed away. A team of divers retrieved his body from the
Canale Grande in Venice.
Greg is in disbelief, wondering if there is more to the story.
Greg was also in Venice, where someone was pulled from the dark waters,
but he wasn't alone, there were five people with him, and one of them died.
The story begins with Greg describing their home in Sandhurst as a gloomy
place filled with silence, except for occasional sounds like a phone ringing or
a chef cooking in the kitchen.
The atmosphere in the house changed after Greg left Lawson College
halfway through his final school year, about a year and a half ago.
Business partners and friends of the narrator's father have distanced
themselves, leaving the family in a state of isolation.
One unlikely visitor, Thomas Lawson, came by the house with flowers,
offering help.
Despite the conclusion of school, court cases, and media frenzy, a heavy,
depressing feeling remains in the house.
Greg reflects on the past, including memories of his brother John, who died
from an overdose of pills.
Greg’s mother maintains John's room exactly as it was, preserving memories
of him.
Greg struggles with guilt and insomnia, contemplating how his life has
changed and his sense of self has evolved.
Greg recalls adventurous times with John, who sought thrills and pushed the
boundaries of life, ultimately leading to his tragic death.
Greg’s mother confesses to feeling a deep sense of loss, revealing she would
scream out her pain when alone in the house.
The story ends with Greg comforting his mother, feeling the weight of her
grief and their shared sorrow.
,setting analysis
Chapter 1: Skree
Location: The story begins in Venice, with the retrieval of Greg Owen's body
from the Canale Grande, and then shifts to Greg's home in Sandhurst.
Connection to Themes: Venice, with its dark waters and historical mystique,
sets a tone of mystery and tragedy that permeates the novel. The gloomy
atmosphere of the Sandhurst home reflects the family's isolation and grief,
highlighting themes of loss, guilt, and the impact of the past on the present.
Chapter 2: Vertrek
Location: The setting moves from Sandhurst to Cape Town, with Greg
preparing for a new chapter in his life.
Connection to Themes: The journey from Sandhurst to Cape Town
symbolizes Greg's attempt to escape his past and start anew. The physical
movement mirrors his internal struggle to move beyond the traumas and
betrayals that have shaped his life. The contrast between the familiar gloom
of Sandhurst and the new opportunities in Cape Town highlights the theme
of transition and the possibility of redemption.
Chapter 3: Welkom in Matieland
Location: Stellenbosch, a town known for its historic architecture and oak-
lined streets, becomes Greg's new home.
Connection to Themes: Stellenbosch, with its scenic beauty and vibrant
student life, contrasts sharply with the darkness of Greg's past. However,
the lingering presence of judgment and suspicion in this seemingly idyllic
setting underscores the theme of inescapable history. The historic houses
and trees serve as reminders of tradition and legacy, tying into Greg's
ongoing battle with his family's past.
,character analysis
Chloe
Chloe is an art student who becomes a significant figure in Greg's life as he
adjusts to his new surroundings at Stellenbosch University. Introduced in
Chapter 3, Chloe is outgoing, assertive, and well-connected within the student
community. Her interactions with Greg, including inviting him to participate in
"Vensters," a street theater event, reveal her influence on him, drawing him out
of his shell and into the social life of the university. Chloe’s insistence and
persistent invitations often put Greg in uncomfortable situations, but they also
provide him with a distraction from his troubled past. Her artistic talents and
connections make her a prominent figure in Greg's new life, yet her presence
also reminds him of the superficiality of the social circles he is trying to
navigate. Chloe’s role in Greg's story is that of both a catalyst for change and
a representation of the challenges he faces in trying to forge a new identity.
John Owen
John Owen, Greg's deceased brother, is a looming presence throughout the
narrative, influencing Greg's thoughts and actions. In Chapter 1, John is
remembered as a thrill-seeker who pushed the boundaries of life, ultimately
leading to his tragic death from an overdose. Greg's reflections on John’s
adventurous spirit and their shared experiences highlight John's impact on him,
creating a complex mix of admiration and guilt. The preservation of John's
room by their mother and Greg's use of John's bed in Chapter 2 symbolize the
family's inability to move on from his death. John's influence extends beyond his
life, as Greg constantly compares himself to his brother, questioning his own
choices and sense of self. John’s legacy continues to shape Greg’s journey, both
as a source of inspiration and a reminder of the consequences of living on the
edge.
, theme analysis
1. The Burden of Family Legacy
This theme explores the weight of family reputation and its impact on the
individual. Greg's struggle with his father's criminal past and his own feelings
of guilt and responsibility form the crux of this theme. Greg is often judged
by others for his father's actions, which exacerbates his internal conflict and
shapes his self-perception. The narrative depicts how the sins of the father
can cast long shadows over the son, influencing how others perceive him and
how he perceives himself.
Characters Conveying the Theme:
Greg Owen: Struggles with the shame and expectations tied to his father’s
criminal actions.
Chris Owen (Greg’s Father): His actions directly affect Greg's life and
reputation.
Plank: Acts as a sounding board for Greg, offering insights on dealing with
family burdens.
Where: The theme unfolds primarily in various settings, including Greg's home
in Sandhurst, his journey to Stellenbosch, and his new apartment.
When: The theme is prevalent throughout the narrative but is especially
highlighted in the early chapters, reflecting Greg's transition from Sandhurst
to Stellenbosch and his encounters with others who judge him based on his
family background.
How: Greg’s interactions with others, his reflections on his past, and his
attempts to distance himself from his father's legacy illustrate this theme. His
discomfort around people who associate him with his father's crimes and his
internal conflict about his identity showcase the theme of family legacy.
Donker web
, CONTENTS
Summary
Setting Analysis
Character Analysis
Theme Analysis
, PLot summary
Chapter 1 Skree
Greg Owen has passed away. A team of divers retrieved his body from the
Canale Grande in Venice.
Greg is in disbelief, wondering if there is more to the story.
Greg was also in Venice, where someone was pulled from the dark waters,
but he wasn't alone, there were five people with him, and one of them died.
The story begins with Greg describing their home in Sandhurst as a gloomy
place filled with silence, except for occasional sounds like a phone ringing or
a chef cooking in the kitchen.
The atmosphere in the house changed after Greg left Lawson College
halfway through his final school year, about a year and a half ago.
Business partners and friends of the narrator's father have distanced
themselves, leaving the family in a state of isolation.
One unlikely visitor, Thomas Lawson, came by the house with flowers,
offering help.
Despite the conclusion of school, court cases, and media frenzy, a heavy,
depressing feeling remains in the house.
Greg reflects on the past, including memories of his brother John, who died
from an overdose of pills.
Greg’s mother maintains John's room exactly as it was, preserving memories
of him.
Greg struggles with guilt and insomnia, contemplating how his life has
changed and his sense of self has evolved.
Greg recalls adventurous times with John, who sought thrills and pushed the
boundaries of life, ultimately leading to his tragic death.
Greg’s mother confesses to feeling a deep sense of loss, revealing she would
scream out her pain when alone in the house.
The story ends with Greg comforting his mother, feeling the weight of her
grief and their shared sorrow.
,setting analysis
Chapter 1: Skree
Location: The story begins in Venice, with the retrieval of Greg Owen's body
from the Canale Grande, and then shifts to Greg's home in Sandhurst.
Connection to Themes: Venice, with its dark waters and historical mystique,
sets a tone of mystery and tragedy that permeates the novel. The gloomy
atmosphere of the Sandhurst home reflects the family's isolation and grief,
highlighting themes of loss, guilt, and the impact of the past on the present.
Chapter 2: Vertrek
Location: The setting moves from Sandhurst to Cape Town, with Greg
preparing for a new chapter in his life.
Connection to Themes: The journey from Sandhurst to Cape Town
symbolizes Greg's attempt to escape his past and start anew. The physical
movement mirrors his internal struggle to move beyond the traumas and
betrayals that have shaped his life. The contrast between the familiar gloom
of Sandhurst and the new opportunities in Cape Town highlights the theme
of transition and the possibility of redemption.
Chapter 3: Welkom in Matieland
Location: Stellenbosch, a town known for its historic architecture and oak-
lined streets, becomes Greg's new home.
Connection to Themes: Stellenbosch, with its scenic beauty and vibrant
student life, contrasts sharply with the darkness of Greg's past. However,
the lingering presence of judgment and suspicion in this seemingly idyllic
setting underscores the theme of inescapable history. The historic houses
and trees serve as reminders of tradition and legacy, tying into Greg's
ongoing battle with his family's past.
,character analysis
Chloe
Chloe is an art student who becomes a significant figure in Greg's life as he
adjusts to his new surroundings at Stellenbosch University. Introduced in
Chapter 3, Chloe is outgoing, assertive, and well-connected within the student
community. Her interactions with Greg, including inviting him to participate in
"Vensters," a street theater event, reveal her influence on him, drawing him out
of his shell and into the social life of the university. Chloe’s insistence and
persistent invitations often put Greg in uncomfortable situations, but they also
provide him with a distraction from his troubled past. Her artistic talents and
connections make her a prominent figure in Greg's new life, yet her presence
also reminds him of the superficiality of the social circles he is trying to
navigate. Chloe’s role in Greg's story is that of both a catalyst for change and
a representation of the challenges he faces in trying to forge a new identity.
John Owen
John Owen, Greg's deceased brother, is a looming presence throughout the
narrative, influencing Greg's thoughts and actions. In Chapter 1, John is
remembered as a thrill-seeker who pushed the boundaries of life, ultimately
leading to his tragic death from an overdose. Greg's reflections on John’s
adventurous spirit and their shared experiences highlight John's impact on him,
creating a complex mix of admiration and guilt. The preservation of John's
room by their mother and Greg's use of John's bed in Chapter 2 symbolize the
family's inability to move on from his death. John's influence extends beyond his
life, as Greg constantly compares himself to his brother, questioning his own
choices and sense of self. John’s legacy continues to shape Greg’s journey, both
as a source of inspiration and a reminder of the consequences of living on the
edge.
, theme analysis
1. The Burden of Family Legacy
This theme explores the weight of family reputation and its impact on the
individual. Greg's struggle with his father's criminal past and his own feelings
of guilt and responsibility form the crux of this theme. Greg is often judged
by others for his father's actions, which exacerbates his internal conflict and
shapes his self-perception. The narrative depicts how the sins of the father
can cast long shadows over the son, influencing how others perceive him and
how he perceives himself.
Characters Conveying the Theme:
Greg Owen: Struggles with the shame and expectations tied to his father’s
criminal actions.
Chris Owen (Greg’s Father): His actions directly affect Greg's life and
reputation.
Plank: Acts as a sounding board for Greg, offering insights on dealing with
family burdens.
Where: The theme unfolds primarily in various settings, including Greg's home
in Sandhurst, his journey to Stellenbosch, and his new apartment.
When: The theme is prevalent throughout the narrative but is especially
highlighted in the early chapters, reflecting Greg's transition from Sandhurst
to Stellenbosch and his encounters with others who judge him based on his
family background.
How: Greg’s interactions with others, his reflections on his past, and his
attempts to distance himself from his father's legacy illustrate this theme. His
discomfort around people who associate him with his father's crimes and his
internal conflict about his identity showcase the theme of family legacy.
