IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES (IJELCS )

E-ISSN 2545-5702
P-ISSN 2695-2157
VOL. 10 NO. 3 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijelcs.vol.10.no3.2025.pg30.41

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A Thematic Study of Apartheid in Alex La Guma’s A Walk in the Night

Zalima Abba Gambo

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Abstract

This study explores the theme of apartheid as depicted in Alex La Guma's novella A Walk in the Night. Set in apartheid-era South Africa, the novella offers a poignant critique of the racial segregation and systemic oppression that defined this period. Through a close reading of the text, the research examines the ways in which La Guma portrays the brutal realities of apartheid, focusing on the dehumanization and marginalization of non-white characters. It also analyses the use of symbolism and narrative techniques that La Guma employs to convey the pervasive sense of fear, anger, and hopelessness that permeates the story. The research further discusses the implications of apartheid on the psychological and social dynamics of the characters, emphasizing how the author uses their stories to critique the broader socio- political system. In addition to a thematic analysis, the study situates A Walk in the Night within the larger context of South African literature and resistance writing, drawing connections between La Guma's work and the broader struggle against apartheid. The research underscores the novella's significance as a literary work that not only documents the horrors of apartheid but also serves as a form of resistance against the oppressive regime. Through this thematic study, the project aims to contribute to the understanding of apartheid's impact on South African literature and to highlight the enduring relevance of Alex La Guma's work in contemporary discussions of race, oppression, and social justice using dialectic school of thought which is an offshoot of Marxism by Karl Max.

keywords:

Apartheid, South Africa, Blacks

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