Essay Questions

How does the theme of unfaithfulness manifest itself in the Beauty's Gift by Sindiwe Magona?

The Five Firm Friends (FFF) are all suspicious of their husbands after realizing that one of their own, Beauty is dying of HIV that she contracted from her husband. They all decide to compel their husbands to undergo an HIV test because they do not trust them any longer. When Cordelia confronts her husband, Vuyo, and demands that they must be tested of HIV, he beats her and leaves. Vuyo’s behavior and approach towards Cordelia's request for an HIV test confirm that he is an unfaithful man. The behaviors of Luvo, Selby, and Amanda's husband confirm that they all unfaithful to their wives because they are not ready for HIV tests.

How does the theme of nuptial abuse manifest itself in Beauty's Gift by Sindiwe Magona?

The husbands in Beauty's Gift feel that they are superior to women and they use them as objects of sex. Beauty is dying of HIV that she contracted from her husband who is not even regretful of what he did. When Cordelia asks her husband to go for an HIV test, he beats her up and decides to leave. The husbands of Amanda, Doris, and Faith are no better because they do not treat their wives well. Therefore, marital abuse emerges as one of the main themes in Beauty’s Gift.

What is the significance of women’s unity according to Sindiwe Magona?

Women in Beauty’s Gift are coming together to better their lives and ensure that they are safe. By coming together, these women resolve to compel their husbands to undergo HIV tests so as not to endanger their lives. Beauty has just died of HIV that she contracted from her husband. Cordelia, Amanda, Doris, and Faith are suspecting their husbands of unfaithfulness. Therefore, the best way of ensuring that they are secure is to force their husbands to undergo an HIV test. The reader realizes that unit of purpose is vital for these women to secure their lives.