Structure
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Beginning
The exposition of Gordimer's short story “Comrades”introduces Hattie Telford, the main character, as well as the black South African boys. The author creates a tension point which hints at the differences between various racial groups in the apartheid system and the racial bias such a system is bound to create.
As Mrs. Hattie Telford pressed the electronic gadget that deactivates the alarm device in her car a group of youngsters came up behind her. Black. But no need to be afraid; this was not a city street. This was a non-racial enclave of learning… (p. 98, ll. 1-4)
The setting is also introduced: a university campus, where Hattie has just attended a conference on People’s Education (p. 98, ll. 7-8). Although Hattie wants to go home and rest after the conference, she offers to help the boys by taking them to the bus station. Here, a…