Kaffir Boy Study Guide

Global Literature Name:_______________________

Kaffir Boy Study Guide

1. In the introduction, Mark Mathabane explains the system of Apartheid and how he escaped its clutches. How did Mark Mathabane escape the poverty of the Alexandra ghetto?




2. The living conditions of South Africans in the Bantu locations (forced homelands) were especially cruel. Who lived in these areas and how did the government keep most white South Africans and the world ignorant to the extent of these conditions?




3. Describe Alexandra. How was society structured? How were jobs and living conditions based on skin color?





4. On the map of South Africa, show where Mark’s parents came from? Why might they have moved to Alexandra?























5. Who were the Peri-Urban? Describe their weapon.




6. What is the problem regarding Mark’s mother’s passbook? How is this resolved?





7. How does Mark treat his siblings when the Peri-Urban are in the neighborhood? How could one explain his actions? Give specific examples.






8. Who are the Msomi?






9. Although the Peri-Urban decide to leave Mark’s family alone they have already accomplished something that affects Mark? What is this?

Mau Mau reading (click to enlarge the reading)

Letter to Mr.K

Letter to Mr.K
Transition
1. What have been your strengths/ weaknesses in making the transition to high school?
2. As a student, what are your strengths? In what areas would you like to improve?
3. What has been your greatest success in high school thus far?
4. What is your action plan for making the improvements you’d like to see? What’s your plan to maintain your strengths?
Music and Poetry

1. Describe your current relationship with music?
2. What are some of your favorite groups/bands, songs, genres, etc?
3. Describe your current relationship with poetry.
4. What are some of your favorite poems/ poets?
5. Describe one poem or song that you connect with. What is it about this poem or song that causes you to connect so strongly?