Themes

Guilt and exploitation

The theme of guilt and exploitation is explored in Rayda Jacobs’ short story “The Guilt”. The main theme is hinted at in the title and developed as the story progresses, suggesting to readers that the narrative is going to explore the guilt of white people living in post-apartheid South Africa. The author analyzes the theme through Lilian Thurgood, the main character, who becomes the symbol of white South Africans’ guilt over the injustices suffered by black South Africans during apartheid. Lilian feels guilty because of the advantages she received during the old apartheid regime: “As benefactors of the old regime, whites were shot through with guilt” (p. 126, ll. 15-16). 

The idea of exploitation, which is connected to guilt, is presented when Lilian talks about the injustices suffered by black South Africans during apartheid. She is awar...