Nadine Gordimer

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Literature is defined as “writings in which expression and form, [are] in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest, [and] and are characteristic features” (Dictionary). Literature is commonly in connection with the cultural ideas and values. It is almost impossible to understand works of literature without knowing it’s cultural context. Literature offers insight into culture throughout the world. Nadine Gordimer, a South African writer, offers insight into her own literature.
Nadine Gordimer is a 90 year old South African writer whose literature “explore[s] the effect of Apartheid on the lives of South Africans” (Biography). In 1991, Gordimer won the Nobel Prize for Literature for her magnificent novels and short stories. The three uttermost cultural values of South Africa, which Gordimer wrote about are personal safety, segregation, and fear. These values are evident in two of her short stories: “Once Upon a Time” and “Country Lovers.” “Once Upon a Time” is a children’s story about a family who had an extensive amount of fear towards violence where they lived so they began building a wall to protect themselves. This wall, which eventually became a barricade, caused agony upon the family. “Country Lovers” is a short story which explores the stern segregation between blacks and whites. In the story, a black women and a white man fall in love. As an interracial couple, they wen’t against many of the laws of relationships and marriage in South Africa. Through these two short stories and numerous other pieces of Gordimer’s literature, readers are offered insight into South African culture.
“Once Upon a Time,” Gordimer’s children's story, reflects upon the excessive amount of fear in South African’s culture. Duri...

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...e - Sixth Course-British Literature. Online. 20 Feb 2014. (NOTE: the story was originally published in 1989).

Gordimer, Nadine. “Country Lovers.” Soldier’s Embrace. Online. 5 March 2014. (NOTE: the story was originally published in 1975.)

Byrnes, Mark. “Life in Apartheid Era South Africa” The Atlantic Cities Archives. 10 Dec. 2013. 5 March 2014.

Steirn, Adrain. “21 Icons: Nadine Gordimer.” Youtube. 8 Sept 2013. 5 March 2014.

Shoul, Marc. Mandela’s Visible Legacy: South Africa’s Interracial Couples No Longer Need to Hide.” NBC News. Online. 14 June 2013. 5 March 2014.

Brown, Ryan Lenora. “Briefing: How violent is South Africa?” The Christian Science Monitor. Online. 22 Feb 2103. 5 March 2014.

"Literature." Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.

"Nadine Gordimer Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.

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