“Comrades”

1. By Nadine Gordimer “Comrades”

2. “Comrades” • Point of View: Third person limited • Setting: South Africa during Apartheid • Characters: • Mrs. Hattie Telford • Students • The Spokesman - Dumile • Maid • Shadrack Nsutsha

3. “Comrades” • Literary Analysis: Atmosphere • Uncomfortable atmosphere between the Hostess and her guests • Differences in race and social class • Black students ask for a ride; causes fleeting fear in Mrs. Telford • Yet, out of generosity, she offers them a ride and a meal • Mrs. Telford is uncomfortable when she realizes her older Black female friends would be insulted if she brought them in through the back door and the kitchen. • tension due to fact that Mrs. Telford has a maid who waits on her; she does not want the students to see the maid serve her lunch.

4. “Comrades” • Vocabulary: • Assent: n. expression of agreement • Euphemisms: n. words or phrases that are less expressive or direct but considered less distasteful or offensive than others • Furtively: adv. In a sneaky manner, as if to hinder observation • Revelation: n. Striking disclosure of something • Disposed: adj. inclined; tending toward

5. “Comrades” • Vocabulary continued: • Vehemently: adv. forcefully; intensely • Deference: n. submission to the desires or opinions of another. • Perfunctorily: adv. Indifferently; with little interest or care

6. “Comrades” • Atmosphere or Mood – Literary Analysis • In literature, atmosphere or mood refers to the emotional quality of the world the author creates. • Atmosphere arises from descriptive details, setting , or plot, and often mirrors the emotions of characters themselves.