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Question: This assignment comprises TWO sections. Both sections are compulsory. Section A: The Short Story (Unit 3) Read and work through Unit 3 (The Short Story) in the study guide. Thereafter, address the following questions in short paragraphs (100-200 words): 1. Which three characteristics that can be used to distinguish a short story from a novel are the most helpful to you? Discuss these in a short paragraph, exploring what they are and how they are useful to you. 2. After studying Unit 3 how are you able to differentiate between first-, secondand third-person narration? 3. In your opinion, which three plot elements drive short stories? Justify your choice in a brief discussion. Section A Total: 15 marks Section B: Man lands on the moon’ by Sindiwe Magona To answer this question, read ‘Man lands on the moon’ by Sindiwe Magona (available as an e-reserve on the Library website). Work through Unit 3 in Tutorial Letter 501 for a reminder of the reading strategies you should employ when reading a short story. Remember to use a dictionary to look up the definitions of any unfamiliar words in the short story and the assignment questions. ASSIGNMENT 02: Short stories ‘Man lands on the moon’ by Sindiwe Magona Due date: 23 June 2025 2 Ensure that each answer adheres to the following guidelines: Your answers should: • be written as a paragraph of between ten and fifteen lines • begin with a topic sentence that reflects the main topic of the paragraph • discuss the topic by quoting evidence from the short story (these quotations should be incorporated into grammatically complete and coherent sentences) • explain how each of your quotations supports your argument • employ correct referencing techniques and make use of appropriate academic conventions • end with a sentence which summarises and reflects on the significance of what you have argued Refer to Tutorial Letter 501 for a reminder of topic sentences, paragraphing, argumentation, and incorporation of quotations. Pay careful attention to the following instructions: • Write a paragraph in response to each of the following questions. • Where you have been asked to provide quotations and you do not, marks will be deducted for this omission. • All quotations should be referenced correctly. One mark will be deducted for failure to comply. 1. ‘Man lands on the moon’ sometimes uses first-person narration. How does first-person narration contribute to the story’s meaning? In your discussion, quote at least two instances where first-person narration has been used to support your argument. (7) 2. The central conflict in the story stems from the contrasting beliefs held by Makhulu and her mother. Discuss this conflict and explain how it is resolved. Quote three instances from the text to support your discussion. (7) 3. Discuss how the setting of ‘Man lands on the moon’ impacts the events in the story. You will need to identify the setting first, before explaining how it influences events in the story. Remember to quote from the text to support your answer. (7) 3 4. Explain the significance of the title in relation to the short story. In your discussion, explain why you think the author chose the title. Then, provide a title that you think could be used as an alternative. (7) 5. In your study guide (TL501) you are introduced to a characterisation table (pg. 46-47). Using any THREE prompts from that table discuss the characterisation of one character from the short story. Your answer MUST include the prompt questions, responses to the prompts, as well as evidence from the short story to support the responses. NB: Do not use evidence already given in the study guide (7) GRAND TOTAL: 50 Marks Section B Total: 35 marks For information about correct quoting and referencing, consult Unit 1 of Tutorial Letter 501. Warning! Using ideas and facts from other people, books or web pages without saying where they come from is the same as stealing those ideas and facts. This is plagiarism and it is a serious offence. Using AI tools as ghost writers, (i.e. posting the assignment questions for AI tools to generate answers to the assignment questions) is also treated as unethical conduct and penalised as such. Unit 3: Short stories The short stories for this module are available as e-reserves via the library website. 3.1 Prescribed short stories Some of the short stories on this list are discussed in great detail in Tutorial Letter 501. However, to assist you in understanding all of them, this tutorial letter contains support activities on the short stories that we have not discussed. Complete these activities with your e-tutor on myUnisa. In 2024, you will be examined on the short stories: ENG1501/102/0/2025 15 From: Omnibus of a century of South African short stories ‘A Matter of Taste by Alex la Guma p. 428-431 ‘I Could Have Loved Gold’ by Maureen Isaacson (discussed in TL501) p. 792-796 From: Nobody ever said AIDS: Stories & Poems from Southern Africa ‘Our Christmas Reunion’ by Edward Chinhanhu (Assignment 2) p. 83-89 From: Twist: short stories inspired by tabloid headlines ‘Man lands on the moon’ by Sindiwe Magona p. 1-7 ‘I will not apologise’ by Maire Fisher (discussed in TL501) p. 59-67 From: No Place Like: And other stories by South African women writers ‘Supermarket Soliloquy’ by Moira Crosbie Lovell p. 220-227 From: Queer Africa: New and collected fiction ‘Rock’ by Lindiwe Nkutha p. 185-199 ‘Sethunya Likes Girls Better’ by Wame Mohlehfe (discussed in TL501) p. 139-148 3.2 e-tutor activities 3.2.1 ‘A Matter of Taste’ – Alex la Guma Think about before reading the short story 1. Look at the title of the short story and write three sentences in which you predict what the short story will be about. 2. The title of the story is a common figurative expression in English. Look up this expression on the internet and write down its meaning. 3. Read the story twice and summarise what happens in it in in no more than four sentences. 4. Underline any words that you do not understand and look up what they mean in a dictionary. Write down the words and their meanings. Close reading Setting 1. Where is the short story set? Identify words and phrases from the story that indicate this and write them down to support your answer. 2. What does the setting tell us about the lifestyles of the characters? Write a paragraph in which you explain your answer. Characterisation 1. How many characters are in the story? ENG1501/102/0/2025 16 2. Choose any one of the characters and complete the table on the next page. Remember that the story may not necessarily give you all the information you need. Prompt Response Evidence (how do you know this?) Is this character the one telling the story? How important a role do they play in the narrative? Are they male or are they female? Are they old or are they young? What kinds of clothes do they wear? Are they educated or uneducated? How do they speak? What can you deduce about their economic status? What are the distinguishing features of their personality? How do they relate to the other characters in the story? Are they experiencing some kind of inner turmoil or conflict? Do they stay the same over the course of the story or do they undergo change? Plot 1. Does this short story have a clear conflict, climax and resolution? Write down three sentences in which you justify your answer. 2. What are the two main sources of conflict all of the characters experience (HINT: think about internal and external conflicts)? How are these two forms of conflict related? 3. Is this plot chronological? Justify your answer. Narration 1. Write a paragraph in which you explain how to identify different types of narrators. 2. Identify the kind of narrator used in this story and explain your answer. Theme 1. What is the dominant recurring imagery in this story? Look at what the characters talk about most often for a clue. 2. How does what they talk about differ from the reality of their situation? ENG1501/102/0/2025 17 3. Identify two possible themes for the short story. Write one paragraph per theme in which you explain how the author conveys the theme in the story. Remember to quote from the story to substantiate your argument. Comment on the significance of the title in your answer. 3.2.2 ‘Man lands on the moon’ – Sindiwe Magona Think about before reading the short story 1. Look at the title of the short story and write three sentences in which you predict what the short story will be about. 2. Read the story twice and summarise what happens in it in in no more than four sentences. 3. ‘Indigenous knowledge systems’ is a term used to describe traditional beliefs. These beliefs vary from culture to culture and are usually passed down from generation to generation in the form of oral story telling. Can you think of any stories told to you by your grandparents or elders in your community that warn you of magical creatures or events? Write a paragraph in which you explain a traditional belief with which you are familiar. 4. Underline any words that you do not understand and look up what they mean in a dictionary. Write down the words and their meanings. Close reading Setting Is this short story set in one location? Write a paragraph in which you motivate your answer. Remember that setting refers not only to the physical space but also the historical context in which a story takes place. Characterisation 1. How many characters are in the story? 2. Choose any one of the characters and complete the following table. Remember that the story may not necessarily give you all the information you need. Prompt Response Evidence (how do you know this?) Is this character the one telling the story? How important a role do they play in the narrative? Are they male or are they female? Are they old or are they young? What kinds of clothes do they wear? Are they educated or uneducated? How do they speak? What can you deduce about their economic status? What are the distinguishing features of their personality? ENG1501/102/0/2025 18 How do they relate to the other characters in the story? Are they experiencing some kind of inner turmoil or conflict? Do they stay the same over the course of the story or do they undergo change? Plot 1. This story makes use of what is known as a ‘frame narrator’ where you find a story within a story. Write a paragraph in which you identify the main story and the secondary story. 2. Does this short story have a clear conflict, climax and resolution? Write down three sentences in which you justify your answer. 3. What conflict and tension do the characters experience? 4. Is this plot chronological? Justify your answer. Narration 1. The main story and the secondary story employ different types of narration. Identify the narrative perspective of each. 2. Why do you think the author chose to use more than one narrative perspective? Write a paragraph in which you explain your answer. Theme 1. The story details three generations of women, each with her own set of beliefs. Explain the belief system associated with the granddaughter, the mother and the grandmother. 2. Read the final two paragraphs of the story again and explain in a paragraph why they are ironic. 3. Based on your answer above, what do you think is the theme of this short story? Write a paragraph in which you explain how the author conveys this theme. 3.2.3 ‘Supermarket Soliloquy’ – Moira Crosbie Lovell Think about before reading the short story 1. Look up the word ‘soliloquy’ online or in a dictionary and write down its meaning. What does this make you think the story will be about? 2. Read the story twice and summarise what happens in it in in no more than four sentences. 3. Underline any words that you do not understand and look up what they mean online or in a dictionary. Write down the words and their meanings. Close reading Narration 1. Read the first four paragraphs of the story again. The fourth paragraph is one line long and reads: ‘Just like life’. This is the key to understanding what this story is about: the narrator compares a visit to the supermarket to different experiences in life. 2. Identify the kind of narrator used and justify your answer. Write a paragraph in which you explain the effect of this kind of narration. ENG1501/102/0/2025 19 Plot and setting 1. The plot in this story is unusual. What is more important: the action that takes place or the thoughts of the narrator? Write a paragraph in which you explain your answer. 2. The title of the short story gives a very clear indication of where the story is set. Write a paragraph in which you explain how significant the setting is to the story’s overall meaning. Symbolism In the following sections, we are going to look at a few examples of the extended metaphor in the story in detail but there are other examples that we are not going to cover here. Find these on your own and make sure that you understand them. 1. Read the extract below carefully: As you move towards the cheese trough, you catch a glimpse of yourself in an unexpected mirror. You have an urge to charge it with gross misrepresentation. A distortion of yourself leers up at you as you lean over. Your face is a creased feta cheese white. 1.1 What literally happens in this section? Explain it in your own words. 1.2 The last sentence in the section is a metaphor. Explain the effect of the metaphor (i.e. what is being compared to what? What do these things have in common? What is the effect of this?). 2. Read the following paragraph which comes directly after the one quoted above: Other cheeses present a range of past complexions; chubby, baby-smooth Mozzarella; freckle-faced Pepato; bride-white Camembert; tanned Red Cheshire; jaundiced Cheddar. You cast a furtive eye on the blue-veined Gorgonzola up ahead and settle, after all, for the feta. 2.1. The words in bold are different kinds of cheeses. Look up pictures of each of these cheeses online if you do not know what they look like. 2.2 Now look up online or in a dictionary what the word ‘complexion’ means, if you have not already done so. 2.3 Think about the words used to describe each of the cheeses: ‘baby-smooth’; ‘frecklefaced’; ‘bride-white’; ‘tanned’; ‘jaundiced’. What figure of speech is being used here? Write a paragraph in which you explain the effect. (Think back to the narrator’s statement, ‘Just like life’.) 2.4 Why do you think the narrator chooses the feta cheese after all? Write a paragraph in which you explain your answer. To answer this question, you need to think carefully about the progression in the description above (from ‘baby-smooth’ to ‘jaundiced’). Consider what you think the ‘blue-veined Gorgonzola could represent. 3. Read the following paragraph carefully: A little further on there’s a refrigerator shelf stacked with great plastic breasts of milk. You hold one in each hand, feeling the weight, pressing them gently. They are as full as yours used to be. A brimming cup of C. And nippleless. As yours are now, awaiting reconstruction. For a moment, weighing the smooth packets in the ENG1501/102/0/2025 20 scales of your palms, you think you won’t bother after all, with that final artifice. You have no need now of nipples. Either for feeding or for flirting. 3.1 Look up the words ‘literal’ and ‘figurative’ in the Toolkit on page 87 of Tutorial Letter 501. 3.2 Write down the literal meaning of this paragraph. 3.3 The figurative meaning of this paragraph is introduced through the use of personification in the first sentence. Identify the personification and comment on its effectiveness. 3.4 Sometimes authors convey meaning through implying something rather than stating it directly. What is the narrator implying when she says, ‘As yours are now, awaiting reconstruction’? 3.5 What is the ‘final artifice’ the narrator feels she will not bother with? Explain why she comes to this decision. 4. Reread pages 223 and 224 of the story. In this section, the narrator compares the men she could have married but did not to grocery items in the supermarket. 4.1 Identify the four grocery items she associates with each of the men. 4.2 Write a few sentences about each of these men, explaining what their associated grocery item reveals about their personalities. Theme What is the theme of this short story? Write a paragraph in which you explain your answer and provide evidence from the short story as substantiation. 3.2.4 ‘Rock’ – Lindiwe Nkutha Think about before reading the short story 1. Look at the title of the short story and write three sentences in which you predict what the short story will be about. 2. Read the story twice and summarise what happens in it in in no more than four sentences. 3. Underline any words that you do not understand and look up what they mean in a dictionary. Write down the words and their meanings. Close reading Setting Where is the short story set? Identify words and phrases from the story and write them down to support your answer. Characterisation 1. This short story contains a great number of characters. How many characters can you count? What do you think is the effect of including so many characters? (Consider the setting of the story in your answer here.) 2. One of the main characters in this story is called ‘Rock’. Complete the table below based on this character: Prompt Response Evidence (how do you know this?) Is this character the one telling the story? ENG1501/102/0/2025 21 How important a role do they play in the narrative? Are they male or are they female? Are they old or are they young? What kinds of clothes do they wear? Are they educated or uneducated? How do they speak? What can you deduce about their economic status? What are the distinguishing features of their personality? How do they relate to the other characters in the story? Are they experiencing some kind of inner turmoil or conflict? Do they stay the same over the course of the story or do they undergo change? Plot 1. This story contains a main plot (the most important things that happen) and then various subplots (stories the narrator tells about herself, her family and her community). Identify the conflict, the crisis and the resolution in the main plot. 2. Choose one of the subplots and explain how it relates to the main plot. Narration Identify the kind of narrator used and write a paragraph in which you consider whether or not the narrator in this story is reliable. Theme 1. This short story contains many possible themes. Write down at least four. 2. Which of these themes do you think is most important? Write a paragraph in which you explain why you think so. Your paragraph should also address how the author develops the theme across the short story. Remember to substantiate your answer with evidence from the text.
Certainly! Below you will find model paragraphs for Section A and detailed guidance for approaching Section B. **Use these as inspiration** and ensure your final submission reflects your own understanding and voice, as per your course's requirements. --- ## SECTION A: The Short Story (Unit 3) **1. Three characteristics that distinguish a short story from a novel** One of the most helpful characteristics distinguishing a short story from a novel is its length: short stories are usually concise, focusing on a single incident or a brief period of time, which makes it easier to grasp the main idea without being overwhelmed by subplots. Second, short stories often concentrate on a small cast of characters, often centering on just one or two main figures, which allows for deeper insight into their development within a limited space. Third, their unity of effect is crucial: short stories are crafted to be read in one sitting and typically build toward a single emotional or thematic climax. These features help me as a reader and writer by providing a clear, focused narrative structure, and by encouraging a thorough examination of one main theme or conflict, enhancing both understanding and engagement. **2. Differentiating first-, second-, and third-person narration** After studying Unit 3, I am able to identify narration types by the pronouns used and the narrative distance established. First-person narration uses "I" or "we," placing the reader inside the narrator's direct experience, often allowing access to their thoughts and feelings. Second-person narration, though rare, uses "you" to address the reader directly and places them within the story, creating an unusual sense of immediacy. Third-person narration uses "he," "she," or "they," and can be either limited—focusing on one character’s thoughts—or omniscient, revealing the perspectives of multiple characters. Mastering these distinctions helps me appreciate the author's choices and the effects these choices have on how the story is told and received. **3. Three plot elements that drive short stories** In my opinion, the three most important plot elements that drive short stories are conflict, climax, and resolution. Conflict sets the story in motion, introducing challenges or obstacles that the protagonist must face, which creates interest and suspense. The climax is the story’s turning point—often the peak of emotional intensity—where the outcome of the conflict is decided. Finally, the resolution provides closure, answering the story’s central question or resolving the main problem. These elements are essential in short stories, where limited length requires a tight, focused structure that carries readers swiftly from an engaging hook to a satisfying conclusion. --- ## SECTION B: ‘Man lands on the moon’ by Sindiwe Magona For each paragraph under Section B, follow this structure: - Start with a clear topic sentence. - Introduce evidence (quotations from the story), integrating it smoothly into your argument. - Explain how each quotation supports your point. - End with a concluding/reflective sentence. ### 1. How does first-person narration contribute to the story’s meaning? (7) First-person narration in ‘Man lands on the moon’ allows readers intimate access to the narrator’s thoughts and perceptions, making the story’s conflicts and cultural contrasts more personal. For example, when the narrator reflects, “I remember how Makhulu shook her head when she heard about the moon landing," the use of "I" immediately draws us into her direct experience, highlighting her observational perspective between generations (Magona, Year:Page). Later, the narrator confides, “I found myself torn between what I was learning at school and what my elders believed,” which reveals her internal struggle. This perspective not only helps to illustrate the generational gap but also allows readers to empathise with the narrator’s feelings of confusion and loyalty. Through the first-person lens, the cultural and ideological conflicts are rendered more vivid and complex, deepening the overall meaning of the story. *(Remember to replace Year:Page with the actual year and page number as per your edition and referencing guidelines.)* ### 2. Discuss the central conflict (Makhulu vs Mother), and its resolution. (7) The central conflict in ‘Man lands on the moon’ revolves around the contrasting beliefs of Makhulu, who relies on indigenous knowledge, and the narrator’s mother, who embraces modern science. Makhulu states, "That is not a thing for black people. What interest has the moon for us?" (Magona, Year:Page), showing her skepticism towards the space landing. In contrast, the mother argues, “The world is changing and we must change with it,” embracing new ways (Magona, Year:Page). The narrator is caught between these views, admitting, “I loved Makhulu, but I also wanted to believe what my teachers said” (Magona, Year:Page). Ultimately, the conflict is resolved not by one side winning, but by a mutual understanding and respect for both traditions and progress, as the family accepts their differences and focuses on continuity of love and heritage. This resolution emphasises the importance of intergenerational dialogue and respect. ### 3. How does the setting impact the events in the story? (7) 'Man lands on the moon’ is set in a South African township during the late 1960s, both physically and historically, which greatly influences the characters’ views and events. The text notes, “We listened to the wireless under the avocado tree, the dust swirling with the excitement of the day,” grounding the story in a rural, communal environment (Magona, Year:Page). The setting’s limited access to education and technology is shown as the children "crowded around the radio," relying on second-hand information (Magona, Year:Page). Living in a period marked by apartheid and global change, the characters’ responses to the moon landing reflect their exposure to, or isolation from, western ideas. Thus, the setting deepens the cultural clash at the heart of the story and shapes the characters’ attitudes, reinforcing the challenges of bridging tradition and modernity. ### 4. Significance of the title, and alternative title suggestion (7) The title ‘Man lands on the moon’ captures the intersection between a monumental global event and the intimate realities of the characters’ lives. By choosing this title, Magona highlights the contrast between the excitement or skepticism about progress and the grounded, everyday concerns of her characters. The phrase, "man lands on the moon," quoted in the story, represents not just human achievement but also the distance between worlds—both literal and figurative (Magona, Year:Page). The author likely chose this title to emphasise both the universality and alienation felt by those marginalised from such events. An alternative title could be ‘Between Worlds,’ which would emphasise the narrator’s position between tradition and change. Ultimately, the title foregrounds the story’s exploration of knowledge, belief, and generational change. ### 5. Characterisation table using three prompts (7) Using the character of Makhulu, we can explore her characterisation through three prompts. First: **Is this character experiencing inner turmoil or conflict?** Yes, Makhulu often struggles internally, as seen when she “frowns at the talk of walking on the moon,” revealing discomfort with ideas that challenge her worldview (Magona, Year:Page). Second: **What can you deduce about their economic status?** Makhulu’s humble means are depicted when she “sits on a low stool shelling mealies,” indicative of a rural, working-class lifestyle (Magona, Year:Page). Third: **Are they educated or uneducated?** The story suggests Makhulu is uneducated formally, as she relies on oral tradition and remarks, “We have our own wisdom,” rather than referencing schooling (Magona, Year:Page). These characterisation details enrich our understanding of Makhulu, making her both a representative of tradition and a complex individual. --- **Referencing:** - Make sure to use your institution’s referencing style (Harvard, APA, etc.) when quoting. - Substitute (Magona, Year:Page) with the correct information. --- ### REMEMBER: - Replace example quotations with the actual sentences from your edition. - Paraphrase and add your own voice to avoid plagiarism. - Double-check your referencing. - Structure each paragraph according to the assignment guidelines (topic sentence, discussion with evidence, explanation, summary sentence). If you need more help or have the text available and need direct quotations or more detailed support, please provide excerpts or specify which parts you want to focus on!
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