ENG1501
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
DUE: 11 AUGUST 2025
SEMESTER 2 2025
, ENG1501
ASSIGNMENT 03: The Novel
Small Things by Nthikeng Mohlele
Due date: 11 August 2025
This assignment comprises two sections. Both sections are compulsory.
Section A:
Reflection: Novel (Unit 4)
In a response of 300 to 400 words, reflect on Unit 4 of your Study Guide (Tutorial
Letter 501) and your experience of the prescribed novel, Small Things. Write your
reflections in paragraph form guided by the questions below.
Before this module, I liked reading Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus. I
especially enjoyed how she painted a clear picture of Nigeria and showed the close,
changing bond between Kambili and her brother, Jaja. The calm family moments made
the tense times feel even sharper, and writing from Kambili’s point of view helped me
really understand her thoughts and feelings. In contrast, I once tried James
Joyce’s Ulysses but couldn’t get into it. Its nonstop flow of ideas and many hidden
references were too hard to follow, so I felt lost and gave up on it.
Working through Unit 4 has helped me see exactly why certain styles of narration and
plot construction can feel more or less accessible. I felt confident when we revisited the
definitions of setting and atmosphere especially after comparing the “dark alleys” of
apartheid‑era Sophiatown (pages 10–11) with the “alluring evening light” around the
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
DUE: 11 AUGUST 2025
SEMESTER 2 2025
, ENG1501
ASSIGNMENT 03: The Novel
Small Things by Nthikeng Mohlele
Due date: 11 August 2025
This assignment comprises two sections. Both sections are compulsory.
Section A:
Reflection: Novel (Unit 4)
In a response of 300 to 400 words, reflect on Unit 4 of your Study Guide (Tutorial
Letter 501) and your experience of the prescribed novel, Small Things. Write your
reflections in paragraph form guided by the questions below.
Before this module, I liked reading Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus. I
especially enjoyed how she painted a clear picture of Nigeria and showed the close,
changing bond between Kambili and her brother, Jaja. The calm family moments made
the tense times feel even sharper, and writing from Kambili’s point of view helped me
really understand her thoughts and feelings. In contrast, I once tried James
Joyce’s Ulysses but couldn’t get into it. Its nonstop flow of ideas and many hidden
references were too hard to follow, so I felt lost and gave up on it.
Working through Unit 4 has helped me see exactly why certain styles of narration and
plot construction can feel more or less accessible. I felt confident when we revisited the
definitions of setting and atmosphere especially after comparing the “dark alleys” of
apartheid‑era Sophiatown (pages 10–11) with the “alluring evening light” around the
