HENG 51116

ENGLISH: INTRODUCTION TO
READING LITERATURE

FELIX AWUNG
E-mail: felix.awung@spu.ac.za
SETTING (CHS 1 – 6)
 CHAPTER 1

• Physical setting—the land of the Tswanas. Capital city, Kunana. The Tswanas are living in a rura
area
• Historical setting - 1830’s. During the Difiquane (Mfecane). The Matabele who fled from the
Zulus under Shaka, scattered many groups and settled in the Transvaal where they subjugated the
Tswanas and collected taxes. Their capital is Inzwinyani
• Social setting - The Batswanas traditional, pastoral way of life. Occupations of men and women
• Ideological setting – There is a political dimension to the setting. There is not just tension but
full-blown hostility between groups over power, land and cattle
 CHAPTERS 2 – 4 & CHAPTER 6
• Physical setting—the forest where Ra-thanga and Mhudi wander separately after the battle (Mhudi tells the
story of the death and destruction). At one moment, the land (Mother Earth) presents dangers and creates fear
(eg., jackals, wolves, Matabele, rhinoceros, a porcupine hole,…darkness, lions….) and at another moment,
the natural environment (Nature) provides (water, berries, bulbs) and protects (the sheltered ravine)
• Historical setting - 1830’s. During the Difiquane (Mfecane). The Matabele who fled from the Zulus under
Shaka, scattered many groups and settled in the Transvaal where they subjugated the Tswanas and collected
taxes. Their capital is Inzwinyani
• Ideological setting – The author is making a point about land dispossession. The Barolong have been forced
to leave their land, which exposes them to the dangers of the forests. A point is also been made that land was
the source of livelihood and protection of the Tswanas before Europeans dispossessed them of the land
 CHAPTER 5
• Physical setting—the land of the Matabele, Mzilikazi’s court in his capital city, Inzwinyani.

• Historical setting - Matabele celebration of the battle victory over Kgosi Tauana’s Tswanas at Kunana, 1830.

• Social setting – Matabele celebration of the military prowess of the young soldiers led by Mziliakazi’s son,
Langa; from all of the Matabeleland people descend on the capital to feast and celebrate, dance, sing and praise in
songs and speeches. They have looted the corn bins of Kunana and the cattle

• Ideological setting – In the midst of victory, even while the victors seem “drunk with their power” there are
ominous signs in nature, like the reaction of the wild animals and the looted cattle and calves. Ideologically, the
author is setting a foreboding mood, as if to ask,“Will the Matabele’s fortunes continue”/ last?