ADITP Who and Where
What system of laws enforced strict racial segregation in South Africa.
What is apartheid?
Why did Simelane say he did not attend the public award ceremony?
he “wasn’t feeling up to it”
What invitation does van Rensburg give Edward?
He invites him to his flat for a drink.
What had John Johnson originally planned to do for Mae in the morning?
He planned to wake up early and surprise her by making breakfast.
Why does Johnson refuse to hit Mrs. Scott, his forelady/boss after she calls him a racial slur?
She is a white woman who is his boss
This is the township where Edward Simelane lives and must return to every night.
Orlando
Why did Simelane say he drank brandy quickly when he was in Orlando?
He feared the police might arrive suddenly
What special drink does the family later bring for Edward and van Rensburg?
French cognac.
What physical issue does Johnson have?
His legs ache
Where does Johnson stop by before heading home?
A coffee shop
He is the black sculptor who won the national prize for African Mother & Child
Edward Simelane
What language did van Rensburg suggest they speak together?
Afrikaans
What final metaphor does Edward use to describe van Rensburg as he drives away?
A man trying to run a race in iron shoes, not understanding why he cannot move.
What is a winding sheet?
A shroud/ blanket for covering dead bodies
What eventually triggers Johnson to hit Mae?
She jokingly calls him the same racial slur his boss did
This is the white man who invited Simelane up to his apartment for a drink
van Rensburg
Why was the narrator uncomfortable in van Rensburg’s apartment building?
The entrance was marked “Whites Only”
What does van Rensburg say about South Africa?
“Our land is beautiful. But it breaks my heart.”
What superstition does Mae mention when she checks the calendar?
It’s Friday the 13th
What does the coffee girl tell Johnson when he tries to order?
“No more coffee for a while”
Van Rensburg once dreamed of owning this type of store.
A bookshop
What does the narrator say could have helped him escape the uncomfortable situation in the passage?
Anger
Why does van Rensburg slump in the car after he drops Simelane off?
He feels the pressure of wanting connection but being blocked by decades of racial conditioning.
How many hours does Johnson spend working standing up?
10
What body part does Ann Petry focus in on when describing Johnson’s emotional pressure?
His hands / fists