Structure

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Beginning

The short story "The Silver Bell" by David Evans begins in medias res, with Mrs Mackenzie being woken up by a caller looking for Mrs Mkize (p. 111, ll. 2-10). This is a foreshadowing element for Beauty, Mrs Mackenzie’s maid, being elected for the South African Parliament.

The call creates a tension point, as Mrs Mackenzie does not understand the African language spoken by the caller, and is bothered by the call: “ ‘Don’t ring this n…

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Middle

In the rising action, Mrs Mackenzie receives an unexpected visit from her daughter-in-law, Lisa. This also creates a subtle tension point, as Mrs Mackenzie “disliked unscheduled visits at the best of times, even from close family” (p. 112, ll. 28-29). The narrator indicates that Lisa, although family, “was hardly close” (p. 112, l. 32), which foreshadows their difference in opinions on the elections and on non-white South Africans and suggests the generational conflict between the two characters. Consequently, Lisa and Mrs Mackenzie’s dialogue …

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Ending

In the falling action, Beauty resigns from her position as maid for Mrs Mackenzie, explaining that she is needed at the ANC regional office the next day (p. 116, ll. 18-20). Another flashback takes us back in time, as Mrs Mackenzie recalls images of Beauty working while carrying her young son strapped on her back, and details on their relationship during that period (p. 116, ll. 28-33).

Mrs Mackenzie’s inner conflict is heightened by Beauty’s resignation; although angry, she congratulates Beauty. However, …