NO TIGERS IN AFRICA

The novel has an open ending in which Selly says he has achieved “a glimmering of understanding“ (p.97.12). thus the most interesting feature of the novel is obviously Selly’s progress and growth to understanding. (Bildungsroman), of which we must trace the stages.

Tropics (themes) contained in the novel:

• Conscience vs. education: Is there an awareness of right and wrong in spite of the education received, the social and political pressures exerted by the environment? • Guilt, complexes, repression (= refoulement), compensation for this, therapy (therapists and relations to these, therapist-figures). • Society, politics, violence, social problems, the individual’s place in society, racism • Homeland, roots, being uprooted, integration/lack of… cf. Both black and white South Africans. The effects of climate, mentality, training (job), schooling on integration. Effects of moving, on personal relationships, character etc. • Isolation, unhappiness, solitude, friendship in the loss of it, intolerance, not being accepted, death/suicide • What picture of S.Africa is given at the opening of the novel? Is it homogenous? Or are there disturbing ripples in the smooth surface apparence? Does this picture evolve in the course of the novel? If so how? Why? Is a totally new picture built up • Glimpses into the living and working conditions of both white and black South Africans • Condition of women in S.Africa as comparison to Europe.

Themes present from the outset (i.e. CH1) - Born in Joburg into his “white skin” (p.9.4) - “black blood on [his] … white hands“. (p.9.7-8) - “Alfred, why are you so stupid“ (11.27) and other comments about house servants.
( Racism and racial prejudice

Everything about the move and contrasts S.Africa/England is relevant
( Integration

Oupa “natural death” – old ( death

Murder.”I know it all started in Joburg when I killed Philemon