BOOK REPORT: FICTION

TITLE: Tsotsi
AUTHOR: Athol Fugard
GENRE /TYPE OF BOOK: Drama; Crime YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 1980
PUBLISHER: New York; Random House TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES: 232
THEME Survival. Throughout the story's development, we are introduced to different
(What could I types of survival. In the beginning, we are introduced to it in a brutal, savage
learn from the manner. As we read on, the whole aspect changes and shifts from a physical
book?) sense into a more emotional and spiritual view. Tsotsi begins to save others
and in turn, saves himself and his consciousnesses. A clear example is given
when he lets Morris live after hours of stalking him. He saves Morris from the
fear of death and saves his own kind personality which brings him another
step closer to becoming his old self - David. The author wants readers to
understand that survival doesn’t only entail our physical presence but our
mental state.

SETTING OR Athol Fugard set the novel in Fifties Soweto, the township where he and his
BACKGROUND wife lived. He tried to capture the reality of the criminal African youth in the
townships of South Africa during the apathied era.

PLOT The story begins with the planning and commencement of a successful hit.
(Summary of Boston is beaten up by Tsotsi because he continues to pester him with
content. Also personal questions about his past. On his way home, a baby is thrust into
indicate Tsotsi’s arms. He feeds , cleans and hides him away in the ruins. Boston
highlights) doesn’t take in the next hit on a cripple, named Morris, which doesn’t go as
planned as Tsoti doesn’t take his money nor kill him. Morris reminded him of
his dog he had as a child which triggered a sense of sympathy. Tsotsi finds a
woman who he forces to clean and feed the child regularly. Tsotsi begins to
clearly remember his past. Tsotsi disbands the gang and claims the baby as his
own. Tsotsi finds Boston and at a bar and takes him to his house to care for
him until he wakes up and tells Tsotsi that they are all sick and seek God. After
church, Tsotsi decides to change his name back to David Mondondo. He tries
to save the baby when he hears bulldozers go off but is crushed by the ceiling.
He is found with a beautiful smile on his face - he is satisfied with his sacrifice.

CHARACTERS Tsotsi - We initially see Tsotsi as a ruthless man who isolates himself
(Description of emotionally. He lives by three rules: working in the moment, never thinking
main characters) about his past and not tolerating any kind of questions. Although is a nineteen
year old boy, he is mentally occupying a ten year old mind.

Die Aap - He is a very intent listener. He doesn’t have a proper job but instead
lives a life of drinking, gang activity and obeying and conducting the orders
from Tsotsi. He represents the stereotypical male black South African during
the time of apartheid: no purpose for life, no goals.

Butcher - He is also a listener however becomes agitated with unnecessary

 banter. He never questions Tsotsi’s motives, rather supports and enforces
what’s told. Similarly to Die Aap he resembles the lifestyle of a black man
during apartheid: jobless and caught up in drinking and gang violence.

Miriam - She is seen as a constant in Tsotsi’s life. He would often come to her
for help and conversations. She also taught him about the unconditional love
between a mother and child. She is a civilian of Johannesburg as she never
acts out of line or against authority.

Morris - He has become a very self reliant and self dependable man. He is
quite optimistic and isn’t afraid abou living his life. He is wise and grateful for
his life and knows he has reached his epitome of it. He becomes the first of
Tsotsi’s targets that isn’t killed.

Boston - He is very curious and knowledgeable. He too has been categorised

under the apartheid stereotype as a jobless black man who is constantly
drinking. He encourages Tsotsi to change and helps guide him in finding God,
although he feels he cannot change himself.

The baby - The baby is used as an ultimatum for Tsotsi’s change and growth.
He helps Tsotsi remember his past and form his identity. In the end of the
book, he is not only saving the baby from death but he is also saving himself.

WHY I WOULD I would definitely recommend this book. This book helps evaluate many
RECOMMEND different themes and aspects. It looks at how apartheid affected certain
THIS BOOK/ stereotypes and people as groups. The characters help readers view
WHY I WOULD themselves and how they can reflect on the lessons learnt. This book
NOT broadens out to many ages and audiences.
RECOMMEND
THIS BOOK