Setting

Read here our discussion regarding the setting of “The Journey to the Brothers’ Farm” by Pippa Gough.

Time setting

The time setting of the main narrative of the short story is very specific; the events take place in 1977: “This is the sworn statement of Annelie Louw, née Laurens, made on this day 17 February 1977 at Tweekopfontein Police Station” (ll. 22-23).

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Physical setting

The physical setting suggests that the action takes place somewhere in South Africa. We know this because Thabo has “brown Tswana skin”, Tswana being the name of a southern African tribe. Also, there is a reference to the Soweto riots (l. 41), Soweto being a township in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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Social setting

The social setting mostly focuses on the differences between white and black people in South Africa. As you have seen, skin colour is very important in the story. As a child, Annelie understands that the colour of your skin is important, but she does not understand why she cannot play with Thabo. As Thabo distances himself from her and calls her “madam” (l. 60), Annelie begins to realise that they are not equal in society, although she keeps on calling him “Thabo” (l. 60).

Annelie is aware of the cruel way in which black Africans are treated by the whites, something which is revealed by Hendriks’ statement:

The Soweto riots – they talked about it all the time in the hotel bar, especially on Fridays when Hendriks came to town. “You’ve got to treat them like animals,” he lectured from his place at the end of the bar. “Show them who’s boss. Crack the bullwhip, my friends.” (ll. 41-44)

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