Perspectives

Literary period

The short story “Country Lovers” by Nadine Gordimer contains certains characteristics of postmodern literature. This is for instance seen by the focus on identity as the couple's racial identities are keeping them apart - thanks to ther apartheid system. In “Country Lovers”, Gordimer focuses on the challenges encountered by both Thebedi and Paulus in their relationship, which only worsen once their baby is born. 

The short story is an example of postcolonial literature (which is often considered part of postmodernism) as the story deals with the long-term consequences of colonisation. In Gordimer's universe, the apartheid regime is a remnant of western colonization which continues to damage people's lives. 

Works by the same author

The theme of prejudice and discrimination against black people is explored by Nadine Gordimer in her short story “Once U...