July in the Bakkie
“They stood in the midday sun and watched, over at the deserted dwelling-place, the yellow bakkie being reversed, bucking forward, leaping suddenly backwards again; kicking to a stop. July was at the wheel.” (57)
This image of July learning to drive, coming through the view of Bam and Maureen, resonates as an image of July becoming free of them. He has taken the keys of the bakkie and is now using it as though it was his own—or so they imagine. In his mind, it is only practical that he learn to drive so as to get supplies for them and continue to serve them. His independence, however, is a foil for their dependence and the image of him learning to drive illustrates exactly that tension.
Maureen Experiencing Contentment on the Land
“She squatted, carefully basting the carcass with the juices it gave off into an old powdered-milk tin she held, a stick’s length away from her, among the flames. Sweat and smoke swam across her vision and now and then she staggered up for a respite, laughing at herself, while Bam took over.” (79)
This image of Maureen cooking the meat of the warthogs that Bam hunted stands out as an image of happiness on the land. In this moment, Maureen and Bam seem to have forgotten their circumstance or at least have let go of their anxiety and have finally found some harmony with it. The moment is rich, but it doesn’t last as Maureen returns to doubting July and they both return to scanning the radio for any news.
July's Wife's Character
“July’s unsmiling wife was laughing, looking straight at those white leg: she did not turn away when Maureen caught her at it. Laughing: why shouldn’t she? July’s wife with those great hams outbalancing the rest of her—Maureen laughed back at her, at her small pretty tight-drawn face whose blackness was a closed quality acting upon it from within rather than a matter of pigment.” (92)
This is an image of July’s wife from Maureen’s view, as they work together in the fields, collecting wild greens. Maureen rolls up her pants and her white, hairy legs with varicose veins are exposed. The image of July’s wife laughing at this sight without turning away at once reveals her honest amazement with the white woman, while showing the unique connection between the two women. Maureen is not insulted or offended. She takes the laughter as an honest expression and she returns the laughter.
Villagers Seeing the Helicopter
“They shriek, all of them; a woman races past Maureen laughing in terror, the baby on her back rocked amok.” (158)
When the helicopter comes to the village, everyone comes out and looks up. They’ve never seen a helicopter come so low. The image is of their reaction as it descends; their fear gives the impression that an attack is underway. Though this is not the case, it remains unknown as to who is in the helicopter.
