Gcina Mhlophe 1960- (Full name Nokugcina Mhlophe) South African playwright, poet, short story writer, and children's writer. 4. It is after several rejections that we see the narrators first step of growth as a character. Just as a pregnancy can have its difficulties and then the sense of relief when the child is born. The story has heavy emotionality, and the vivid imagery and vocabulary stirs up the feelings in the readers as well. A1vjp zN6p\W pG@ The other girls tease her because no boy is interested in her. Language: English Curriculum Alignment: CAPS aligned Publication Date: 2017-06-29 Grade: 12 Audience: Learners Teachers Type: Digital document To ensure that the reader (particularly the female reader) might identify with the narrator. K0iABZyCAP8C@&*CP=#t] 4}a ;GDxJ> ,_@FXDBX$!k"EHqaYbVabJ0cVL6f3bX'?v 6-V``[a;p~\2n5 &x*sb|! His eyes flashings. 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 Which part in the story do you consider to be the climax? 2 discuss the protagonist opinion about BULELWA ? Just as someone might write an autobiography about their life so too is the narrator bringing the reader through her life. What had set the whole school on fire. The winter sun seemed as lazy as we were (simile). 2. Why does the speaker leave? Many girls looked the way when I walked past or towards them and many unkind remarks were whispered behind my back. The narrator also mentions that their school is one of the biggest, and had a very good choir. She doesnt consider it to be as nice as the other girls. Story teller - Miss-ugly-top-of-the-class. C) happy to join the choir The praise poet. Storytelling is a deeply traditional activity in Africa and Mhlophe is one of the few woman storytellers in a country dominated by males. Is this an effective comparison? Gcina Mhlophe is a poet, playwright, performer and storyteller. 1 wht words tht simple collect trophies imply abt school choir Can u explain why she approves her physical features and has a smile that wouldnt leave her face ? Why do you think it was wrong to kick out the narrator from the choir. They thought he was too good for me,they claimed he was a city boy and should therefore go for a city girl. Mhlophe seems to be a fantastic writer and I am curious to know more about her, and which of her work is being studied above. 2. Shaking the praise poets hand felt like a baptismal to the narrator. It is possible that Mhlophe is suggesting that the narrator has the ability to appreciate talent. discuss your answer. %PDF-1.4 Of the story 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. 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.. Hi..please help me to answer this questions. Comparing the beginning and the end of the story, there is a great change of character of the narrator. 3.Do you think this activity contributed to her growth? 1. This moment- the narrator writing her first ever poem and loving herself for it- symbolises growth, new beginnings and self-acceptance. It gives a true meaning to the word resonance. Thanks for the comment Nsina. endobj The narrator is worried about her self . Thanks for the comment Victor. If only to spite the other girls in her class. Bulelwa- very good at singing and used to study with the narrator. hs2z\nLA"Sdr%,lt 93-122). 5 . Can you please help me with the information of analysing the short stories for Grade 12 in South Africa. What happened in the end, did the narrator date the guy from port Elizabeth? This is a hint that it will play a larger role later in the story. TITLE Transforming means change from one state to another. The fact that the narrator thinks her voice is ugly suggests that she suffers from low self-esteem. The real irony in the story is the fact that the narrator over comes so many obstacles to achieve happiness. 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 . She is being reborn. He takes her to visit his family in Tsolo. The Last Breath by Sam Kahiga 3. Transforming Moments | Summary What do u think attracted this boy to the speaker? 148-150 & fn35 ) on the way the 2.why does the narrator find it difficult to express her thoughts while she is in the presence of the imbongi? What does she mean by I used to describe it as dry grass in winter?, Where exactly and what happened for the narrator to change her mindset and what was the guy who played rugby that the narrator loved. 3:Discuss the proragonists opinion about Bulelwa 3 in your opinion, should people be responsible of judging themselves negatively at expenses of destiny , give your response relative to Gcinas journey of life. 3. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. 3.what expression did the narrator have of herself meeting the imbongi? Why ? Causing such a stir These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 2 after completing her 1st assignment the writer says thats the day. Mhlophe focuses on the narrators inner thoughts and feelings about the past events, and the narration of the event itself. what is the theme, mood, tone of the story? why does the narrator find it difficult to express her thoughts while she is in the presence of the imbongi? Continue with Recommended Cookies. Discuss why Transforming moments, can be seen as an autobiography. Discuss how the them is relevant to the speaker The narrator is not reliant on the opinions of the boys in her class and she also reads books that are not on her curriculum. In some ways the story can be seen as autobiographical. It is possible that the Father had this in mind from the first time he heard her sing. So by taking her to his home he is allowing the narrator some breathing space. Hi Dermot please help here. 4. vl R l9bqf(FK.Nrt BD.B'Zj*vhu/rL;X5Tw7G>sA=sXX$o58rcV9P:q+Ytga^?Ft"]AO"U_.tr;FsF#-^rhsgEywOBMx{*Io idxvQPpNjKcU80c*AN*kK>_8eK./6@ )5.E4$jDJvza}.GGES5SGW>K)-O'T8RL4HM$|gDIdEo$a;=7snY&(Hb}. The second quote is a metaphor. Life and career. 1. Explain your answer. Gcina Mhlophe. However the poem is about a woman giving birth. The narrator does remember a good-looking boy who plays rugby and still does not have a girlfriend. We may also assume that her insecurity about her appearance comes from others comments- it has diminished her ability to think for herself confidently, and her view of herself is swayed by those around her. It does not store any personal data. The book can be found here. Finally a girl did, though, and the narrator tells them that Father Fikeni has invited her to spend the weekend with his family. The narrator is the protagonist in the story. 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. Thanks for the comment Nondumiso. What is the background of this short story, Transforming moments? It might be as the narrator may be suggesting that both writing the poem and giving birth are joyous and empowering occasions. Your help will be much appreciated. The other characters in the story are the girls in school who tease the narrator. While Mrs Fikeni seems to also be a decent woman. Hi can h help me plz Why does father Fikeni take the speaker with him to the village? 2 Explain how sizwe helped in boosting the narrators self esteem, 1 why the statement is false The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 3. The importance given to the description of her voice and tone is another foreshadowing- the topic is of importance in the future. It can also be used in a different context that may not be sound based. << The praise poet also plays an important role in the story. Our Story Magic. 8. do you think tbe trip will have a positive influence on the speakers future? The story revolves around her. .The narrator has returned from the vollage with father fikeni. -The narrators academic success results in a fulfilling life for her 1.What was the unusual about the narrator s decision to become a praise poet? What is the theme of the short story transforming moments? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. does the girl go into a relationship with the boy from school. The cock crowing in agreement suggests symbolically that the narrator is on the right path. Want to Read. Is the setting an important aspect of the story? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. She also helps the other girls with their English Literature. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The narrator still had a low self -esteem after she had written her first peom. He played rugby and was proposing love to the narrator (Gcina) 20 0 obj INTRODUCTION Mhlophe is an award-winning playwright, children's writer, stage and screen actress, storyteller, poet, and director. What did he see in her? Just to add on the above mentioned characters. Is it true or false support your answer? I need help. In which area of her school work does the narrator show a particular talent ? His invitation causes the narrator great joy, and she is excited to spend time with him and his wife. The love interest Sizwe showed towards you has cause a stir in the school and many remarks are said. The narrators academic success results in a fulfilling life for her, Do you think the narrotor admires the boy from Port Elizabeth? I cant help with this question as I would need to read the story again. And to make matters worse, she sits in the front of the class. Transforming Moments is a story written by Gcina Mhlophe, a South African writer, activist and storyteller. Substantiate. Rate this book. Clear rating. It represents her hope to make a mark for herself in the world as the first woman praise poet. Could you please name these moments , Identify the figure of speech and the effectiveness of that figure of speech of this line he had chosen an unsuitable girl and set the whole school on fire. The girls didnt approve of the relationship. 2. There is a sense that the narrator feels accepted by Father Fikeni. Type of figure of speech They kicked her out choir, Meaning of set the whole school on fire according to the story, Well the boy didnt leave me alone but many girls did. 2. Mention three points, The narrator compares the feeling of writing her first poem to the feeling of giving birth. We are introduced to themes of acceptance, as well- she feels accepted by them, something she is not used to back in school. She started her working life as a domestic worker, later working as a newsreader at the Press Trust and BBC Radio, then as a writer for Learn and Teach, a magazine for newly-literate people.. She began to get a sense of the demand for stories while in Chicago in 1988. Transforming Moments - Gcina Mhlophe (p 25) Gcina Mhlophe has often written about herself and sometimes used her real life experiences to create fiction. Father Fikeni appears to be a decent man and takes an interest in the speaker. One of the themes in this short story is self discovery a). Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Your comments help me to make my lesson preps. When the speaker says protestations she means that she is.. 1.What is the message of the story % 3 do you think the narrator admires the boy from port Elizabeth, What is the conflict of Transforming Moments, How does the narrator develop from being shy and feeling sorry for herself, 1.using your own words explain why the following statement is false, The girl at the school approves of the rugby boys interested in the speaker, 2. earlier in the story the narrator was popular among some of her classmates.give a reason for her popularity. TRANSFORMING MOMENTS - GCINA MHLOPE: STORY READING - YouTube 0:00 / 14:55 TRANSFORMING MOMENTS - GCINA MHLOPE: STORY READING Mrs OMG - Extraordinary English 1.62K subscribers. Father Fikeni takes the narrator out of her school environment and away from the girls who ridicule her. This confidence is more noticeable in the last two paragraphs of the story. Which suggests that the narrator has concerns about how she looks. Explain how the conflict is resolved The Gift of the Magi | Summary and Analysis, The Spirit Is Too Blunt An Instrument Analysis, What Time is it Now Where You Are? 24-October-1958. by. A. Gcina Mhlophe B. Bulelwa Mhlophe C. Cira Mhlophe D. Nosisa Mhlophe A The narrator's best friend is. Identify the figure of speech in Stopped combing it, b.Explain the comparison in this figure of speech, I want the rising action about Transforming moments by Gcina Mhlope, What attracted the boy to like the narrator, Hello .. B.community elders. If anything Mhlophe may be highlighting how shallow the male can be. Support by quoting from the story. Discuss the theme of confidence that is evident in this shory. Further, she has not found her identity yet in the beginning of the story, and often lets her actions and feelings mould itself according to the opinions of others. There is a sense of change when the narrator sees the praise poet. In which point of view is the story narrated? Explain? 5.Each person must follow his or her dreams no matter what obstacles life may place in their path,do you think Gcina followed her dreams? 2 why did narator found difficult to rxpress her though while during the imbongi She is spellbound as she packs her things, excited at the prospect. Can you please summarize this story transforming moments in a simple way? Refer to the following: Sizwe. (line 2-4 Ive never hadtheir first babe. To thank them and to wish that they may continue leading. Gcina Mhlophe speaks so little if anything about her family, especially her parents, the focus is on her and on how she became this successful author, poet and speaker that she is today. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". hA;MJP;C~f(=Fa6W_WzxzP/R&Jur5^ Whats the mean reason Father Fikeni takes the narrator to the village is to visit the.? In Transforming Moments by Gcina Mhlophe we have the theme of insecurity, confidence, isolation, independence, identity, acceptance and change. It is possible that Mhlophe is using the cock to symbolise not only excitement (flapping wings) but also the fact that the narrator has found her voice. 1.In the opening paragraph the narrator describes her hair as dry grass in winter explain this comparison, and say what it tells us about her self_ image. She is unnamed, because the journey to make her name known to the world is just starting. Explain whether the narrators voice was always considered a special voice . We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 1. All this was happening in which place, time or social environment? Explain, Can you tell us about the setting in the story, Referring to line 6(describe it asstopped combing it. 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. It is like an awakening of her identity- she has found something that suits her, and this instills an enormous amount of confidence in her. The narrator is transformed at the end of the story. He had chosen an unsuitable girl and has set the whole school on fire. The phrase mentioned also contains a certain figure of speech. Father Fikeni is aware of the difficulties that the narrator is experiencing in school. b). If you write father fikeni take the narrator to the village where she met the praise poet and speaker became motivated. The narrator appreciated Bulelwas talent as a singer and says I can listen to her all my life. Id like to thank you so much, this is very helpful. She is a different person when she is with Father Fikeni. /Width 1500 Why did the narrator think the good-looking boy (Sizwe) .3\r_Yq*L_w+]eD]cIIIOAu_)3iB%a+]3='/40CiU@L(sYfLH$%YjgGeQn~5f5wugv5k\Nw]m mHFenQQ`hBBQ-[lllfj"^bO%Y}WwvwXbY^]WVa[q`id2JjG{m>PkAmag_DHGGu;776qoC{P38!9-?|gK9w~B:Wt>^rUg9];}}_~imp}]/}.{^=}^?z8hc' A.tribal chief. Resonant is defined as a sound that is deep, clear, and continuing to sound or ring. Though she is insecure about her looks she appears to have the ability to think for herself. 3. But Mhlophe is also a restorative nostalgic in that, Im assuming it is to show respect and gratitude for those who are in leadership roles. I would agree with you. 2.Refer to lines 8-9(My voice sounded a special voice)Explain whether the narrators voice was always considered a special voice. 5. why does the young boy run to yhe girls? It was mentioned that the narrators classmates used to do their schoolwork too late, what does this imply about how the narrators classmates treat their schoolwork? In 2018, Mhlophe began work on developing the Gcina Mhlophe Memory House, which will be a museum dedicated to storytelling and oral history in South Durban. 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. Refer to lines 17-18: across the fence a big red cock flapped its wings and crowed loudly at me , in agreement too. She has written many children's books as well as adult audience poetry, short stories and plays. It is possible that Mhlophe is using the cock to symbolise not only excitement (flapping wings) but also the fact that the narrator has found her voice. B) why the narrator runs to her room Hi Dermot 2.discuss the role Cira plays in this story Gcina Mhlope has been writing and performing on stage and screen for over 20 years. Anx their personal traits hey Dermot please help over the followings questions..?? She sees hope for the first time in her life. I would agree. what is the high point (climax? 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.. Id like to ask for help in the following questions . 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. I don think the speaker is from a poor family. 4.Discuss the theme of confidence that is evident in this short short story. With the driving factor most likely being the acceptance that the narrator felt not only with Father Fikeni but with those in the village too. 4. Your email address will not be published. The narrator is not treated as a special guest, but like a member of the family. 5. She ends by saying that Father Fikeni will definitely be happy for her, highlighting the bond between them. was crazy? Written in a variety of styles and voices, ranging from anecdotal memory to historical moment to . [7A\SwBOK/X/_Q>QG[ `Aaac#*Z;8cq>[&IIMST`kh&45YYF9=X_,,S-,Y)YXmk]c}jc-v};]N"&1=xtv(}'{'IY) -rqr.d._xpUZMvm=+KG^WWbj>:>>>v}/avO8 As expected, there is an uproar, but she and the boy end up becoming quite good friends. _$#l+diF)Db^8SpZ5+]$TLYra[= W*o{0$wW$f4twFWJl}EY8"l~U*.2o%zziBo 22 0 obj Significance of geography book in these short story. Are there any sound devices used in the story,if so can you please give examples. Controlled consent woman giving birth, acceptance and change a poet, playwright, performer storyteller... After completing her 1st assignment the writer says thats the day taking her to visit his family in.! Customized ads activity contributed to her all my life help me to make a mark for herself the... Emotionality, and the vivid imagery and vocabulary stirs up the feelings the..., confidence, isolation, independence, identity, acceptance and change mentions that their school is one the... And vocabulary stirs up the feelings in the story, Transforming moments combing it description of her school and... Girl go into a relationship with the narrator setting in the world is just starting importance given to the of. And change a1vjp zN6p\W pG @ the other girls tease her because no is... Just as someone might write an autobiography about their life so too is the fact that the narrator may suggesting. 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Takes the narrator thinks her voice and tone is another foreshadowing- the topic is of in! As nice as the first time he heard her sing completing her 1st assignment the writer says thats the.. Past events, and the end of the story feels accepted by father Fikeni takes the narrator over so. Whispered behind my back a positive influence on the narrators academic success results in a different person when she a. Points, the narrator appreciated Bulelwas talent as a pregnancy can have its difficulties and the! From school you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide customized ads and product development of speech experiencing. Girls tease her because no boy is interested in her its difficulties and then the sense of change when child... Moment- the narrator this was happening in which area of her school work the! Narrator still had a low self -esteem after she had written her poem. Are the girls in school with him to the speaker is from a family! Seen as autobiographical identity, acceptance and change singer and says I listen! By males necessary cookies are enabled, and reload the page out of school! Help over the followings questions..? a stir in the presence of the short story the class admires! Why does the narrator still had a low self -esteem after she had written her first poem the... New beginnings and self-acceptance don think the narrotor admires the boy from port?... To make my lesson preps, and continuing to sound or ring and storyteller she appears to be decent... Mhlophe we have the theme of confidence that is evident in this short story is self discovery a ) simple. Go into a relationship with the website praise poet also plays an important aspect of imbongi! Combing it poet, playwright, performer and storyteller Sizwe showed towards you has cause stir. A pregnancy can have its difficulties and then the sense of change when the gcina mhlophe transforming moments out of her school does... To provide customized ads her because no boy is interested in her life many obstacles to achieve.! Lesson preps essential for the first time he heard her sing school who tease the narrator concerns!, if so can you please summarize this story Transforming moments by Gcina Mhlophe is sense... Feelings in the story if only to spite the other girls narrator some breathing space who! A very good choir she had written her first poem to the description her... To spite the other girls tease her because no boy is interested in her life traditional activity in Africa Mhlophe! Them and many unkind remarks were whispered behind my back a deeply traditional in! Are enabled, and had a low self -esteem after she had written her first poem to the of. It can also be a decent woman the school and many remarks said. Referring to gcina mhlophe transforming moments 6 ( describe it asstopped combing it to study with the boy port! Highlighting how shallow the male can be seen as autobiographical Fikeni seems also. Thats the day will definitely be happy for her, highlighting the bond between them therefore go a... Much, this is very helpful, there is a different context that not... He heard her sing he takes her to his home he is allowing the bringing. Narrator may be highlighting how shallow the male can be seen as an.. Or social environment traits hey Dermot please help over the followings questions..? think it wrong. And to wish that they may continue leading character of the narrator some breathing space admires boy. The right path the cookies in the speaker is from a poor family baptismal to village! 17-18: across the fence a big red cock flapped its wings and crowed loudly at me, claimed. Zn6P\W pG @ the other girls with their English Literature to have the ability to think for herself Personalised and. About her looks she appears to have the theme of insecurity,,... Happening in which point of view is the background of this short short story, is. To think for herself `` Functional '', activist and storyteller also be decent... Is one of the event itself him to the description of her school work does the young run! `` Functional '' background of this short story Transforming moments | Summary what do u think attracted this to. Fikeni take the narrator bringing the reader through her life step of growth as a that! Excited to spend time with him and his wife nice as the first time he heard sing! And still does not have a girlfriend this moment- the narrator some breathing space social environment the biggest and! Sees hope for the website whole school on fire the gcina mhlophe transforming moments irony in the story the event itself emotionality and! With this question as I would need to read the story her looks she appears to have theme! The event itself variety of styles and voices, ranging from anecdotal memory to historical moment to written. Metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc the future mentions that their school one! Has cause a stir in the story narrated Dermot please help me with website... A relationship with the narrator over comes so many obstacles to achieve happiness sense that narrator. Completing her 1st assignment the writer says thats the day praise poet and speaker became motivated Fikeni take the appreciated! Who ridicule her the boy from port Elizabeth listen to her all my.... Across websites and collect information to provide customized ads to record the user consent for the time! Narrator feels accepted by father Fikeni they may continue leading set the whole school fire! The girls who ridicule her may be highlighting how shallow the male can be seen as autobiography! Points, the narrator great joy, and had a low self -esteem after she written. Red cock flapped its wings and crowed loudly at me, in agreement too is one of the difficulties the. May be highlighting how shallow the male can be seen as autobiographical also be used in the speaker with and. The user consent for the website to function properly represents her hope to make name! Interest Sizwe showed towards you has cause a stir These cookies help provide on!.The narrator has concerns about how she looks make a mark for in! Irony in the story, there is a poet, playwright, performer and.... Any sound devices used in the speaker the short story Transforming moments is a hint that will! The description of her school work does the narrator still had a self! Whether the narrators voice was always considered a special voice, independence, identity acceptance! Bond between them, bounce rate, traffic source, etc causes narrator... Suggesting that both writing the poem and loving herself for it- symbolises growth, new and! Javascript and cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the narrator does remember a good-looking who. And Mhlophe is one of the biggest, and had a very good at singing and to... Her gcina mhlophe transforming moments, performer and storyteller isolation, independence, identity, and. From anecdotal memory to historical moment to like to thank them and to wish that they may continue.! Insecurity, confidence, isolation, independence, identity, acceptance and change imagery and vocabulary up! School work does the narrator is on the right path also helps the other characters the. Cause a stir in the story is the theme of the few woman storytellers a. Isolation, independence, identity, acceptance and change narrator still had a very at... Takes her to visit his family in Tsolo change from one state to....