Structure
The short story “Dukwane's Deliverance” by Neil Ramsorrun follows the main character, Dukwane, during a single event in his life: after being accepted to a prestigious university, he is stabbed on the street because he tries to protect a kid from a gang. The injury leaves him paralysed, and he needs to reconsider his future.
The story is structured in several parts marked by a line of stars (***). Each part focuses on specific aspects of Dukwane’s life: getting into Cambridge and then getting stabbed; finding out he might never walk again; planning revenge; dreaming about Barack Obama (most probably); deciding to continue with the plans he had before the attack. Still, we can also identify traditional plot elements such as exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
The story focuses on the inner conflict that Dukwane experiences after being stabbed and losing his ability to walk. This random event has the potential to change the boy’s life and character completely: he can become a revengeful, bitter person, or he can go ahead with his plans and follow his dreams.
Title
The title of the short story, “Dukwane's Deliverance”, suggests the story will concern the liberation of someone named Dukwane. We do not know from what he needs to be set free or rescued.
After reading the story, we realise that the title is metaphorical;
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Beginning
The short story begins in media res (in the middle of events) and introduces us directly to the action and the character’s life: “When the alarm bell went at 3.45pm, Dukwane stuffed his books into his bag and raced out of the classroom. He charged out onto York Way and sprinted home as quickly as he could. ‘Is it here yet?’ ” (ll. 1-4)
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Middle
The middle of the short story includes the rising action and the climax.
On the way to work at a fast food restaurant, Dukwane becomes even more excited about going to Cambridge and he begins to count how many work shifts he has left: “ ‘Three months till uni, six shifts a week, only 72 shifts to go,’ he thought as he put on his HFC cap.” (ll. 41-42)
A small tension point which reveals some of the challenges Dukwane will have to face is introduced when his friend Jermaine draws his attention that he will be a black student among white, rich ones: “ ‘Well, they're all loaded, and white, I heard you get the cane from your teachers...
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Ending
The ending of the short story illustrates the way our role models, values, and dreams can help us overcome difficult situations.
The falling action presents the conversation between Dukwane and his friend, in which the boy decides not to take revenge on those who hurt him.
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