Hoppie Groenewald's Legacy

Hoppie Groenewald’s Legacy upon Peekay’s Life
Humans are ignorant. History has been marked by violence, hate, and discrimination. The name and legacy of Adolf Hitler still brings chills to a world that vividly remembers the millions of Jewish lives lost. Such genocide occurs every day. An obscure, yet no less horrific instance of such prejudice is the prosecution of Englishmen in early 20th century South Africa. After fighting several wars, the Boers develop a sense of loathing and disgust towards the English, and pass it to their children. Courtenay’s novel The Power of One introduces us to Peekay in such a toxic environment. The intellectually precocious Peekay realizes at the age of five that he is targeted for being different:

After meeting Hoppie and watching him defeat the giant Jackhammer Smit, however, Peekay learns a mantra that will change his life forever: “Fight first with the head, then with the heart” (103). Peekay remembers Hoppie’s slogan for the rest of his life, and applies it not only to boxing, but also to his life; by doing so, he avenges his miserable childhood at the hands of the Judge. At first, Peekay uses Hoppie’s dictum only in boxing. In every match, he emphasizes the proverb to himself before he fights: “First with your head, then with your heart, first with your head, then with your heart, Hoppie’s words drummed through my brain as I tried to stay alive” (220). Peekay repeats the mantra several times, producing a serious, focused atmosphere. His use of “drummed” emphasizes this methodical repetition. By reiterating the phrase, Peekay stresses the importance of the mantra in his boxing life. And it turns out that following the motto is wise. Peekay realizes that he has to make Bronkhorst step closer to him by using his head and analyzing his opponent. Then, in order to make him do so, Peekay uses his heart: “Come closer, Boer bastard.

When Peekay wants Morrie to start betting on the Geldenhuis match, Morrie is doubtful because he is “making book in the dark” (339). Peekay considers Morrie the embodiment of Hoppie’s advice when Morrie says: “No offense Peekay, but next time first the facts then the trust.” (340). Peekay appreciates that Morrie is able to place logic over friendship. When Peekay wins, however, Morrie is able to trust in his skill. Morrie and Peekay also use their head in setting up a gigantic scam. When Geldenhuis and Morrie bet on the outcome of the match, Morrie asks Geldenhuis: “Twenty percent of the winnings or fifty quid now, it’s your choice” (403). Morrie, knowing that Geldenhuis had never seen a 50-quid bill, used his knowledge of psychology to earn a profit, as twenty percent of the winnings would have amounted to far more than 50 pounds. Morrie deliberately uses the word “now”, knowing that Geldenhuis would seek immediate gratification. After Morrie gives Geldenhuis the 50 pounds, Geldenhuis foolishly challenges Peekay to a match, and Morrie bets on Peekay: “I bet you fifty quid Peekay smacks your arse!” (405). By using provocative language such as “smacks your arse”, Morrie is deliberately goading Geldenhuis into accepting the bet. Geldenhuis, a proud man, is in a dilemma: he either bets and, in all probability, loses fifty quid; or he can deny the bet and admit to himself that