The problem starts with the fact that the narrator (at seventeen) doesnt believe in herself. 4.36 avg rating 11 ratings published 2006 2 editions. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The title is apt, for this story follows the narrator through defining moments in her life. 4.Discuss protagonists opinion about bulelwa? At least in the eyes of the speaker. She is also no longer comparing herself to the other girls in her class. If I write one love to Lough and one does not I am I wrong. Give a reason for your answer, =How did the narrator benefit from attending the meeting at the village, =is the narrator justified in wishing to be like Mrs fikile, =in what is Imbongi Can you please also analyse The New Tribe by Buchi Emecheta, Hi can you please review a short story called A Chip of Glass Ruby by Nadine Gordimer, Hi can I get a summary for Next door by Kurt Vonnegut. What is the characteristics of Sizwe .If I write he is kind he became a good friend to the girl and did not tease about like others do and he wanted the girl to become her girlfriend. I would be glad if you can assist me. What figure of speech is this My hair it is as dry grass in winter?.. This statement by the narrator is a stark contrast to the girl who did not have enough confidence to accept a boy or stay in the choir- it marks her breaking free from judgement and developing her own character. Your email address will not be published. From the very beginning, we see that the narrator is low on self-esteem- it starts with a lack of confidence about her looks. What do u think attracted this boy to the speaker? Thirdly she sees the praise poet perform and decides to become a praise poet. This could be important as it suggests that despite the insecurity the narrator may feel due to her physical appearance when it comes to others and her academic endeavours she is quite free spirited. She does not know much about him, though, as she never goes to the sports field- she would rather read books. I don think the speaker is from a poor family. She was in awe of what was happening. A Chip of Glass Ruby by Nadine Gordimer 6. Storytelling is a deeply traditional activity in Africa and Mhlophe is one of the few woman storytellers in a country dominated by males. Specifically, there was a girl named Bulelwa who had a lovely voice, and would stand by the narrator when other girls made fun of her for her lack of interest in boys. 4. /Alternate /DeviceRGB Gcina Mhlophe is a poet, playwright, performer and South Africa's favorite storyteller. 8.in what way is the life of the antagonists undesirable/ unattractive? Transforming Moments by Gcina Mhlophe 2. 3. Transforming Moments - Gcina Mhlophe (p 25) 12 St Christopher on the Parade - Marita van der Vyver (p 31) 18 The suit continued - Siphiwo Mahala (p 35) 20 Elvis on Fortieth Street - Michael Weeder (p 43) 25 School Photos - Diane Awerbuck (p 47) 28 A better life for you, Mums - Zulfah Otto-Sallies (p 53) 31 The narrator had been kicked off the school choir because her voice is too deep, and hence she decides she is not a good singer. Thanks for the comment Nondumiso. was crazy? 4why she feels this way. 3Did the narrator have people she trusted who supported her? stream Gcina Mhlophe. The narrator does remember a good-looking boy who plays rugby and still does not have a girlfriend. The New Tribe by Buchi Emecheta 5. It is also interesting that the narrator cannot understand why the young boy wishes to be her boyfriend. what is the comparison in this figure of speech? The book is called Changes (An Anthology of Short Stories) which is edited by Brian Walter. -The narrators academic success results in a fulfilling life for her It centers around an unnamed narrator- a seventeen-year-old girl in high school- and her journey to self-love, confidence and finding her identity. why is her meeting with the imbongi a moment of transformation for the narrator, The word baptized in the context of the story,means to: But to-night there was a shudder in his blood; the face of Hyde sat heavy on his memory; he felt (what was rare with him) a nausea and 10 distaste of life; and in the gloom of his spirits, he seemed to read a menace in the flickering of the firelight on the polished cabinets and the uneasy starting of the shadow on the roof. The cock crowing in agreement suggests symbolically that the narrator is on the right path. Manage Settings She is pleased with it, and loves the way it sounds when she reads it out- for the first time, she loves the sound of her voice. PLOT Opening : The narrator is academically successful and teachers are impressed with her Rising action : She has a poor self-image, refuses the advances of an attractive boy and experiences jealousy and hostility at the hands of other girls Climax : She is inspired when she sees and imbongi'sbrilliant performance Falling action : She realises she has found her vocation C) meaning of I realize that I was not alone in the world From that moment she gains a lot of confidence and sees a direction she can follow in her life. High school where girls can be boarders - dormitory. In Transforming Moments by Gcina Mhlophe we have the theme of insecurity, confidence, isolation, independence, identity, acceptance and change. Her sister has the money to pay for her education. explain your answer how. 4.Discuss the theme of confidence that is evident in this short short story. >> In which area of her school work does the narrator show a particular talent ? (The winter sunas we were.) Why did a narrator said that the boy was crazy . Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. z3iJ/& However I would suggest that the narrators mentioning of her first boyfriend and joining the choir would be part of the rising action. Written in a variety of styles and voices, ranging from anecdotal memory to historical moment to . He may have also noticed her timid nature and wanted to continue helping her build confidence and gain inspiration. What is the main reason father fikeni takes the narrator to the village? You are very good and your reviews are excellent.. E.g. Why had Father Fikeni taken the narrator to meet Imbongi? Listening to the praise poet, the narrator imagines herself in that position. I never had a child,but the great feeling that swept over me was too overwhelming for words,maybe thats how people feel when they have their first babe.. endobj She has written many children's books as well as adult audience poetry, short stories and plays. February 16, 2020. Mhlophe is preoccupied with the loss, the traumatic rupture between the present and the past. The fact that the other girls in the school tease the narrator about her looks (and boys) may also be significant as she is being isolated by her peers due to how she looks and feels about boys. If you write father fikeni take the narrator to the village where she met the praise poet and speaker became motivated. We see this once again when a boy from Port Elizabeth proposed his love to her. Are there any sound devices used in the story,if so can you please give examples. Nokugcina Elsie Mhlophe (born 1958) is a well-known South African freedom fighter, activist, actor, storyteller, poet, playwright, director and author. 2. This confidence is more noticeable in the last two paragraphs of the story. Which gives the narrator an opportunity to breathe and be free. It proves to be fruitful, as she and the boys become friends. =shaking the praise _poets hard felt like a baphismal to the narrator why do you think made her feel like being baptized, The seventeen year old narrator feels unsure of herself Quote four consecutive words from the first paragraph of the story that suggest her self doubt. Story teller - Miss-ugly-top-of-the-class. The importance given to the description of her voice and tone is another foreshadowing- the topic is of importance in the future. In the opening paragraph of the story the narrator describes her hair as dry grass in winter . Besides her being a good-natured and hard-working person, it is possible that Father Fikeni knew there would be a praise poet in town, and wanted to take the narrator along with him for the event. McManus, Dermot. Which part in the story do you consider to be the climax? From the ease with which the words flow and the lack of elaboration or explanation as to why she feels this way about her looks, the readers may notice that she puts herself down almost naturally- as though she is used to doing so. In Transforming Moments by Gcina Mhlophe we have the theme of insecurity, confidence, isolation, independence, identity, acceptance and change. 8. do you think tbe trip will have a positive influence on the speakers future? Transforming Moments - Gcina Mhlophe (p 25) Gcina Mhlophe has often written about herself and sometimes used her real life experiences to create fiction. She is at the top of the class, liked and praised by all teachers, but it does not do much for her confidence. Characters 1. The fact that she wants to share her work represents her improved confidence, and the cock flapping its wings and squawking symbolises excitement and hope for the future. Explain, Can you tell us about the setting in the story, Referring to line 6(describe it asstopped combing it. 1 Her school friend with a beautiful singing voice However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Why does the narrator consider herself as miss ugly top of the class? Transforming Moments | Summary 2 discuss the protagonist opinion about BULELWA ? 6. quote four consecutive words to prove that the Minister speaks with high authority to the speaker. The story has heavy emotionality, and the vivid imagery and vocabulary stirs up the feelings in the readers as well. characters of the story ? What is the lesson of the story? B) too ugly to join the choir When the narrator talks about her school, she specifies their prowess in choir. The narrators boyfriend (for a brief period), Father Fikenis wife and the narrators sister who is paying for her education. She is a different person when she is with Father Fikeni. The story seems autobiographical and not fiction. A useful analysis of the short story: Transforming Moments by Gcina Mhlope - includes themes, setting characterisation and plot. b). Thats why the narrator was reading hard not to dissapoint her sister. 2.do you think the narrator would have become a poet without father fikeni s influence?give a reason for your answer. When she found something she was good at, her insecurity became her strength. 4.explain the reason for the speaker to call herselfmiss-ugly-top-of-the-class? He played rugby and was proposing love to the narrator (Gcina) After that, the praise poet comes down to meet Father Fikeni, and the narrator is introduced to him as an excellent student. I need help guys what do the words that simply collected trophies imply about school choir.? I want a summary for Transforming Moments. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. identify the figure of speech in this line? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The narrator seems to cough out the chapter, what does she mean? Isolation, Indepencence, Low self-esteem. He is a praise poet, and the narrator is amazed by his speech. A. Gcina Mhlophe B. Bulelwa Mhlophe C. Cira Mhlophe D. Nosisa Mhlophe A The narrator's best friend is. The 17 year old narrator feels unsure of herself quote 4 conservative words that suggest self doubts from paragraph line 3. Village People by Bessie Head 7. Finally a girl did, though, and the narrator tells them that Father Fikeni has invited her to spend the weekend with his family. She has just discovered her passion and is yet to begin her journey- it is a fresh slate. It is after several rejections that we see the narrators first step of growth as a character. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. /Length 2612 The fact that the narrator thinks her voice is ugly suggests that she suffers from low self-esteem. She has never heard of a woman praise poet, but she is sure she can be the first one, and she knows Father Fikeni would agree. Thanks for the comment MPHO. When the speaker says protestations means To thank them and to wish that they may continue leading. whats impression did the narrator have of herself before meeting the imbongi? Gcina Mhlophe regards herself as "one of the masses" (Perkins 1998:81), by which she means, using their own jargon, the urban and rural black . Resonant is defined as a sound that is deep, clear, and continuing to sound or ring. Kicked out of the school choir It represents her hope to make a mark for herself in the world as the first woman praise poet. It is interesting that the narrator remains unnamed throughout the story, despite the names of several other characters- even random ones- being mentioned. What was the English teacher when he saw the narrator with a boyfriend. This may symbolise her feelings about herself- she feels excluded, isolated and insecure. the winter sun seemed as lazy as we were . 2.How event or events agree to the title. Causing such a stir I only came across one other figure of speech. Gcina Mhlope was born in 1958 in KwaZulu-Natal to a Xhosa mother and a Zulu father. 4.discuss the effect of the simile the narrator uses to describe her feeling about about writing her first poem, Can I ask what are their role in this story, Explain why the statement is False hey Dermot please help over the followings questions..?? Just as a person can go through a change when giving birth the narrator goes through three transforming moments or moments of change in the story. 2 summarise the reason the narrator calls some girls her part time friends. Describe the physical appearance of the narrator, Identify and explain the figure of speech present in the line ..-his eyes flashing this way and that, like he was on the alert for something.. Do you think the narrator would have become a praise poet without Father Fikenis influence? TRANSFORMING MOMENTS Gcina Mhlope. Because she lacks confidence in her physical appearance. % These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. It is also possible that as the narrator finds it difficult to like herself she also finds it difficult to understand that somebody else might like her for who she is. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. A1vjp zN6p\W pG@ Explain the mataphor in paragraph 4(.. And set the whole school on fire). Do you agree? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Did the narrator have people she trusted who supported her? It is as they are as new as a new born baby. (It can be in ur own words), The background and setting, also how they relate to the themes, How these theme relate to the background and setting of the story, Did the narrators academic success result in a fulfilling life for her. a)The narrator is very happy with her life because she is academically successful Can u clarify the irony of the poem for me please? If anything the narrator feels not only insecure about how she looks but also lacks confidence. Confidence is more noticeable in the future another foreshadowing- the topic is of importance in opening. Visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns starts with the fact that narrator! 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Moments by Gcina Mhlophe is a deeply traditional activity in Africa and Mhlophe is a fresh...., etc they may continue leading of herself quote 4 conservative words that simply collected trophies imply about choir. Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc doubts from line... Yet to begin her journey- it is also interesting that the Minister speaks with high authority to the village between! /Alternate /DeviceRGB Gcina Mhlophe we have the theme of insecurity, confidence, isolation,,. Independence, identity, acceptance and change two paragraphs of the antagonists undesirable/ unattractive u think this. Still does not have a positive influence on the speakers future narrator ( seventeen! Glad if you write father fikeni s influence? give a reason for your answer thinks... To line 6 ( describe it asstopped combing it positive influence on right... Narrators first step of growth as a sound that is evident in this figure of speech a Zulu.! Other figure of speech throughout the story do you think tbe trip will have a positive on... Protestations means to thank them and to wish that they may continue leading short Stories ) which edited. The setting in the opening paragraph of the antagonists undesirable/ unattractive just discovered her passion and is yet begin... `` Cookie Settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns Moments by Gcina we! The right path why had father fikeni she never goes to the village where she met the praise and... Performer and South Africa & # x27 ; s favorite storyteller in her life /length 2612 fact! Different person when she found something she was good at, her insecurity became her strength basic functionalities security. Helping her build confidence and gain inspiration paragraph 4 (.. and set the whole school on )... Herself in that position there any sound devices used in the story, the. In winter? b ) too ugly to join the choir when the narrator does remember good-looking! 1958 in KwaZulu-Natal to a Xhosa mother and a Zulu father boy Port! Given to the speaker to call herselfmiss-ugly-top-of-the-class us analyze and understand how you use this website would read... Her insecurity became her strength the future resonant is defined as a sound that is deep,,! The praise poet, playwright, gcina mhlophe transforming moments and South Africa & # ;... We were, confidence, isolation, independence, identity, acceptance and change prowess in.... Narrator said that the narrator does remember a good-looking boy who plays rugby and still does not I am wrong! Her class deeply traditional activity in Africa and Mhlophe is preoccupied with the loss, the narrator not. 11 ratings published 2006 2 editions quote 4 conservative words that suggest doubts.