Analyzing 'Once Upon a Time' by Nadine Gordimer: Exploring Themes of Apartheid and Security

The structure of this story is similar to a fairy tale in that it begins with the phrase 'Once upon a time,' follows a linear narrative structure, and contains elements like a family, a home, and a sense of threat. For example, the story starts with 'Once upon a time,' and the family faces the fear of burglaries, builds walls, and takes extreme security measures.

By reading this story, we can infer that Gordimer's political point of view critiques apartheid and supports change in South Africa. The story reflects the oppressive nature of apartheid and the characters' extreme security measures. Despite her books being banned, Gordimer's decision to stay in South Africa instead of leaving shows her dedication to fighting apartheid and working for political change.

At the end of the story, Gordimer leaves the outcome unstated, leaving the reader with questions. It can be inferred that the family's security measures fail, as they become 'prisoners' in their own home. This relates to the idea of living 'happily ever after' as an illusion, as the story reveals the negative consequences of extreme security measures and the impact of a divided society.

The phrase 'wise old witch' used to describe the husband's mother can symbolize the government of South Africa. The term implies that the government had control, knowledge, and dominance over its citizens. Just as a witch holds power, the government, particularly during apartheid, held authority over people's lives.

The cat in the story symbolizes the dangers and consequences of a divided society caused by apartheid. The cat's ability to move freely represents the freedom denied to the characters due to their fear-driven security measures. The cat's presence foreshadows potential threats and intrusion, while its death symbolizes the tragedy and destruction caused by apartheid.

The theme of this story is the illusion of security and the destructive consequences of a divided society. Gordimer develops this theme through the story's structure, which contrasts with the harsh reality of apartheid, and symbols like walls and security systems representing fear-driven actions. These elements convey the message that true security cannot be achieved through division and fear, but through unity and addressing injustices.