ENG1501 Assignment 3 June-July 2024

Section A: Reflective essay: Novel (Unit 4)

In 300 – 400 words reflect on Unit 4 of your study guide and how it relates to your knowledge and experience, as well as how it has informed your appreciation of noWrite your reflections in paragraph form guided by the questions below.

1. Have you read any novels? If so, what types of novels have you read?
(When we refer to a type, we really mean a “genre”. A genre refers to the categointo which novels can be classified, such as crime novels, romance novels, science fiction or fantasy novels. Share the title and author of a South African noyou have read (if you have read one). Does it have any similarities with SThings? Mention a few.

I have read a novel years ago named “Disgrace” by J.M. Coetzee. This novel deals wcomplex themes of disgrace, redemption, and the changing socio-political landscape opost-apartheid South Africa.

Similarities with “Small Things” by Nthikeng Mohlele:

Both novels explore themes related to personal and societal identity. “Disgrace” focuseon the protagonist’s fall from grace and his search for redemption, while “Small Thingexplores the protagonist’s search for meaning and identity in a changing world.

Both novels are set in post-apartheid South Africa and address the challenges and
complexities of this period. They provide insight into the socio-political dynamics and
personal struggles within this context.

Each novel has a strong focus on its main character’s inner life and personal journey.