Mother to Mother

Virginity (Symbol)

Childhood pregnancy is rampant in Mandisa's community. As a consequence, she was taught from a young age to protect her virginity. Her mother, who had gotten pregnant at a young age herself, was determined to ensure that Mandisa didn't become pregnant herself. Despite her best efforts, Mandisa still becomes pregnant with China's baby at a young age. Notably, however, Mandisa always refused to have vaginal intercourse with China, and so her hymen is still attached throughout her pregnancy. It is her son who finally breaks her hymen: "My virginity was rent not by a lover or husband, even. No, but by my son" (110). Therefore, virginity takes on a larger meaning in her mind. The fact of her virginity until Mxolisi's birth has always set her apart from others: "I, unlike the lies of Nono or even Ribba, had not been a loose young woman" (110).