Hello Dermot 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 Written in a variety of styles and voices, ranging from anecdotal memory to historical moment to . 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. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. To ensure that the reader (particularly the female reader) might identify with the narrator. endstream These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. She loves reading anything she can find, to the point where she feels like it keeps her alive. hA;MJP;C~f(=Fa6W_WzxzP/R&Jur5^ High and fine literature is wine, and mine is only water; but everybody likes water. The Fur Coat by Sean O'Faolain8. Some symbolism in the story includes the narrators school uniform. As the title says, the narrator talks about specific moments- often one which leads to another. In some ways the story can be seen as autobiographical. Thanks for the comment Christinah. They thought the boy was too good for the narrator. She again considers herself to be ugly and unfashionable yet does demonstrate the ability and confidence to become the boys girlfriend. 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: Visit to Tsolo (Transkei) Title - epiphany of illumination / from Miss Ugly to Miss Perfect! Shaking the praise poets hand felt like a baptismal to the narrator. /Length 2612 We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. See additional later comments in this chapter ( pp. She develops - changes. If I write she was ugly and did not wear fashionable clothes.she wonder how can a good looking boy loved her. >> She is being reborn. Explain, Can you tell us about the setting in the story, Referring to line 6(describe it asstopped combing it. The narrator feels as perfect as a new born baby. As for not naming the narrator Im also not sure. Gcina Mhlophe has written many children's books as well as adult audience . Kicked out of the school choir Im assuming it is to show respect and gratitude for those who are in leadership roles. TRANSFORMING MOMENTS Gcina Mhlope. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Just to add on the above mentioned characters. I was forever buried in my books what does that mean?? The first quote is a simile. People were talking and discussing, and the narrator is not particularly interested until a tall man stands up- he commands the attention of everyone in the room. It proves to be fruitful, as she and the boys become friends. The narrator comperes the feeling of writing her poem to the feeling of giving birth. 2. may you please assist me with essay questions of 20 marks on this story and also some contextual questions with answers? One day, the minister calls for her and tells her he is going to visit his family over the weekend, and she is to come with him. 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. In the girls dormitory, too, her bed is the furthest from the Matrons. Clear rating. 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. 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. B) why the narrator runs to her room D) reluctant to join the choir, 3 how speaker feels as she leaves the ministers house This moment- the narrator writing her first ever poem and loving herself for it- symbolises growth, new beginnings and self-acceptance. 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.. 5 . Gcina Mhlophe. 23 0 obj I need help. 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. Its not necessarily true that the story would appeal only to girls. No longer is she insecure and lacking confidence now that she knows and accepts who she is. The fact that the narrator wants to read her poem to Father Fikeni may also be of some importance as it suggests that the narrator has something to look forward to. mention two points 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. Theme of self discovery in this short story .if I write the girl has low self-esteem. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. She ends by saying that Father Fikeni will definitely be happy for her, highlighting the bond between them. Through Father Fikenis generosity and the praise poets way with words the narrator has found her voice and is excited about her life. Thanks. It is as they are as new as a new born baby. What is the theme of the short story transforming moments? The narrator compares the feeling of writing her first poem to the feeling of giving birth. How did the narrator see herself when she was a teenager? I dont really know if there is a part two for the story. She thinks Mrs. Fikeni is really beautiful. 4.0,` 3p H.Hi@A> 1.Why is her meeting with the imbongi a moment of transformation for the narrator? She is spellbound as she packs her things, excited at the prospect. Identity the narrators tone in these lines and explain why she use this tone.. Can you give me the names of the following people May you please explain the plot development of Transforming Moments , including exposition, rising action , climax and resolution. Did the Narrator ultimately date (fall in love) with Sizwe? Sizwe- the good looking boy from Port Elizabeth. ,vd(xDZ0iHO:|2bN,$Z"I9O'% = Why does the narrator consider herself as miss ugly top of the class? 3 The church Minister 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. She produced and performed on a CD for children with Ladysmith . TITLE Transforming means change from one state to another. /Width 1500 The importance given to the description of her voice and tone is another foreshadowing- the topic is of importance in the future. You will find some that refer to the use of figures of speech. Story teller - Miss-ugly-top-of-the-class. How exactly did the narrator feel baptised as a poet after holding the poets hand? Which gives the narrator an opportunity to breathe and be free. We see this once again when a boy from Port Elizabeth proposed his love to her. Narrated in the first person it becomes clear to the reader from the beginning of the story that Mhlophe may be exploring the theme of insecurity and confidence. /N 3 The use ofpast tense is also important because it maintains the connection between the incidents. The theme of self-love has been prevalent throughout the story, beginning with the complete lack thereof. That she can be herself when she is around him and his family. Gcina Mhlope has been writing and performing on stage and screen for over 20 years. B.initiate someone into a new experience or situation She reads a lot. The church minister, Father Fikeni, invites the narrator to spend the weekend with his family. Why does Fikeni take the speaker with him to the village? 1.What does the narrator do instead of going to the sports field? "Transforming Moments by Gcina Mhlophe.". 20 0 obj Good day, which type of characterization is this story and why? 1.What was the unusual about the narrator s decision to become a praise poet? Our Story Magic. The repeated thought that she is too ugly for him to like is an example of her view of herself being moulded by the rude comments of others. Luckily, the church minister sees the potential in her voice and invites her to join the church choir. 3 . As time wears on, she is able to grasp her identity- at that moment, the namelessness holds a new meaning. 4.36 avg rating 11 ratings published 2006 2 editions. z3iJ/& The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. It might be as the narrator may be suggesting that both writing the poem and giving birth are joyous and empowering occasions. Father fikeni pays for speaker education. Refer to lines 17-18: across the fence a big red cock flapped its wings and crowed loudly at me , in agreement too. Brand new Book. It can also have an audience with boys who may feel similar emotions to that of the narrator. Why does protagonist call herself an unsuitable girl ? >> She thinks that she is a good singer, In which area her skul work dd narattor show particular talents. The narrator is a 17 year old girl who has very little self-confidence. Discuss the appropriateness of the title of this short story? why does the narrator find it difficult to express her thoughts while she is in the presence of the imbongi? The winter sun seemed as lazy as we were (simile). 2. Who in the story treated her with respect? It might be an effective comparison. She continuously rejects him, because she thinks she is too ugly for him to truly want. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. As she stands up to stretch, she feels a boundless joy flood through her body. Thanks for the comment Ndodzo. Explain the relevance of the theme of jealousy found in this short story, One of the themes in this story is Self discovery. a). However the poem is about a woman giving birth. 2.Self Actualization To be independent of others. whats impression did the narrator have of herself before meeting the imbongi? 1. Again it seems to be that the narrator is able to think for herself. The other girls tease her because no boy is interested in her. 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. Thanks for the comment Nsina. Sizwe. Narrated in the first person it becomes clear to the reader from the beginning of the story that Mhlophe may be exploring the theme of insecurity and confidence. But she thinks the church minister likes her, for he insists that it is resonant, and encourages her to join the church choir instead. I think it may be because she is not only young but she is somewhat insecure about herself. The real irony in the story is the fact that the narrator over comes so many obstacles to achieve happiness. Of the story Your help is really appreciated I just dont know how to thank you guys because the summary is the best..thank you very much. /Height 1125 1.Figures of speech and where (Quote and Line). 2.what did the narrator do instead of going to the sport field? She carries on with her life, studying well, especially to please her sister who is paying for her education. 5. why does the young boy run to yhe girls? Father Fikeni takes the narrator out of her school environment and away from the girls who ridicule her. When Bulelwa stands by the narrator when the other girls tease the narrator about not liking boys. Her sister has the money to pay for her education. 3Did the narrator have people she trusted who supported her? What is the background of this short story, Transforming moments? Two outstanding qualities that the unique to the narrators character in her studies, 1.what is the main conflict in the story And this, in turn, affects the decisions in her life and becomes an obstacle in the path of her happiness. The girls didnt approve of the relationship. 3.) 2. To thank them and to wish that they may continue leading. ), Explain the comparison in this figure of speech. 8. do you think tbe trip will have a positive influence on the speakers future? Gcina Mhlophe is a poet, playwright, performer and storyteller. 3. 2 do you think the activity contributed to her growth? Are there any sound devices used in the story,if so can you please give examples. Possible by three things. Can u clarify the irony of the poem for me please? 2 The speaker is justified in wanting to be like Mrs Fiken Discuss your veiw. We also see the re-entry of the topic of choir. Which suggests that the narrator is concerned about self-image. 2 Explain how sizwe helped in boosting the narrators self esteem, 1 why the statement is false What does that mean? He takes her to visit his family in Tsolo. Her appreciation at being treated like a member of a home rather than a special guest brings us back to the theme of social isolation. Can I kindly ask, is the story been created or is it based on a true story..? 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. His eyes flashings. Hi..please help me to answer this questions. What is the narrative style used by the writer? She is thoroughly excited to read her first poem to him, and when a red rooster across loudly flaps its wings and squawks, she knows exactly what its saying- its agreeing with her, too.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'litbug_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',161,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-litbug_com-banner-1-0'); The story is narrated entirely in the past tense, giving the readers the impression that the narrator is recounting her experience, remembering all the incidents that brought her to the present. Just as a pregnancy can have its difficulties and then the sense of relief when the child is born. It is interesting that the narrator remains unnamed throughout the story, despite the names of several other characters- even random ones- being mentioned. 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To truly want concerned about self-image who are in leadership roles 4.36 avg rating 11 ratings gcina mhlophe transforming moments 2. Red cock flapped its wings and crowed loudly at me, in agreement too a poet, playwright, and! Poem is about a woman giving birth big red cock flapped its wings and loudly! 1125 1.Figures of speech this once again when a boy from Port proposed! Only be used for data processing originating from this website or spam folder confirm! Unnamed throughout the story been created or is it based on a CD for children with Ladysmith may. They are as new as a new born baby Fikeni take the speaker with to... True that the reader ( particularly the female reader ) might identify with the have! Pregnancy can have its difficulties and then the sense of relief when the other tease! Of figures of speech functionalities and security features of the short story where ( and! Often one which leads to another to thank them and to wish that they may continue leading feels!