Step 1: ReviewReview the W1 and W2 Literary Analysis Tools modules. Part of your grade is based on selection, integration, and citation of quotations.
Review the “Critical Reading Skills” section of the W1 Literary Analysis Tools module.
Read “The Moment Before the Gun Went Off” (Vol. 2, pp. 1459-1462).
Refer to the grading rubric for this assignment using the link in the Gradebook.
Step 2: ReflectThe story is set in South Africa during apartheid rule. You can learn about apartheid from History.com’s article “Apartheid.” It was a time of systemic racism by the all-white government. On the surface, the story clearly shows what we expect–that racism is wrong. When we dig a little deeper, we can see some perhaps unexpected moments where we may begin to sympathize with Van der Vyver. As you review the story, look for ways that Gordimer presents Van der Vyver as a sympathetic character. What conflicting emotions do you experience as you read this story?Step 3: RespondPost 1: In your response, address eachof the following:What do you make of the fact that Lucas’s mother is the daughter of parents who worked for the elder Van der Vyver? Although the story does not give us the details of the intimate relationship between the mother and Marais Van der Vyver, how would you describe it? What clues does Gordimer give us about their relationship?Criteria:300 words minimum (excluding quotations and citations)
Include at least one properly integrated and cited quotation to support your claims. You may use either direct or paraphrased quotes. See the Literary Analysis Tools Modules in Weeks 1 and 2 for information about integrating and citing quotes.
