Feb 6 Africa

A Conversation from the Third Floor
Mohamed El-Bisatie

This is a descriptive story that focuses on the setting and its changes to move the story forward. The woman is not described, the baby is mentioned just briefly and the husband is never fully seen. The policeman, the guard and the prison are described in great length. The conversation between the husband and wife is mundane and typical of a normal visit between spouses who are separated. There is talk of the house, repairs, the state of the children and the plans for the upcoiming season change. Its the state of thr guard and the policeman that suggest to the reader that this couple is not ordinary, and the conversation, despite its contents is not as mundane as originally assumed. During these times, in this region visits with prisoners are not poermissable and it is suggested that the wife makes it possible through unknown powers of persuarion. After the conversation she assumes her normal role in life, provider for care of the baby and a devoted spouse content to sit outside the tall inaccessible prison where her husband resides.

Papa, Snake & I
B. L. Honwana
This story is told from the perspective of Ginho who is struggling with being not quite a child and not yet a man in the eyes of his family and neighbors. He is conflicted about going hunting as usual, a childish habit or attempting to take care of the snake that is residing in the family chicken coop. He is mean to his younger brother becaue he is afraid and unsure of the decision to go ahead and hunt the snake. He is also confused with the presence of Sartina. She is waiting for his older brother, but Ginho has begun to have new feelings regarding her and it adds to his inner conflict as well. His decision to hunt the snake results in a kill, but it also results in problems for his father because the snake bites the Counselor's dog while Ginho watches without prventing it. This detailed story illustrates his struggling between roles but it also respresents his relationship with his family. His father and him talk as equals and in a few short statements manage to convey their thoughts about family, politics and love. As he goes to bed he forces himself to think of the girl as opposed to having nightmares about the deaths he saw that day.

The Bridegroom
Nadine Gordimer

A man who is never given a name goes through the otions of his routine as a Roads Department supervisor outside of Francistown. The other people are describes as black, so he must not be or must be froma different region. He is a leader in charge of many people and routines, but he is giddy with the proscpect of bringing his wife home in a matter of days. The story is very detailed about his routine and the people around him and he relishes in his nightly rituals. While reflecting on his place in life and his life in the Roads Department he is trying to imagine what it will be like with his wife by his side.

The Betrayal
Ahmed Essop
Dr Kamal is the president of the political group the Oriental Front and has waited years to reach his position. However he believes young people should be politicslly minded and diud nothing as a group of young people he has mentored formed a political group that threatened to effect his. The leader of the Youth League planned to address the Oriental Front and was prepared to illustrate his groups power. The Dr, knowing it was going to be a futile attempt watched as chaos broke out among the groups. He stayed to watch knowing he was the catalyst for the action, but proved he was a coward again and fled. This, to me, is why politics are a waste because the leader fled...but only after he started the opposition in the first place. And these people lead our countries and make decisions for the people.

Protista
Dambudzo Marechera

Symbolic story about a man in exile. He longs for his wife, Maria and he recalls his childhood from his sick bed. His life of exile was one of rejection and loss before he was ever sentenced. He talks of dreams and situations where he was cast out, marked and haunted. Although he is not of sound mind, the images he recalls speak of a life of loss and pain. When he talks of becoming part of the hut he oddly enough feels empowered by this. At the end he is the manfish and this is significant because he was told a manfish was once someone who drowned and calls to children and others to join him in his watery grave. His proclaiment that he is a manfish gives him power and dignity in his last moments of a man exiled in a dry and barren place.

The Coffee Cart Girl
Ezekiel Mphahlele
Pinkie and China are part of the lowerclass trying to make a living when jobs and security are scarce. There is a start of a love affair that is never actualized because they are at the mercy of their class. China becomes distraught over Pinkie's talks with a cheapjack. While he owns his own tiny shop, he is just as much a prosoner to the political forces as they are. China is jealous of his standing and an act of almost-violence ends his relationship with Pinkie. She does not fight back, even against him. In the end Pinkie loses her cart, the cheapjack is gone and China sees how helpless they all truly are.