A study of identity in post-apartheid South African English literature: &lt;i&gt;The Pickup&lt;/i&gt; by Nadine Gordimer

M.J Cloete

doi:10.4102/lit.v26i1.218

Abstract

In examining aspects of identity in “The Pickup” (2001), Nadine Gordimer’s latest novel, this article indicates new trends in postapartheid South African English literature as well. In the article it is indicated that identity has always been an important theme in Gordimer’s novels. Her earlier novels tend to focus on her characters’ struggle to attain political or racial rather than personal freedom, while her later novels increasingly tend to examine the construction of individual identities. “The Pickup” has continued this search for identity, but against a new and interesting perspective, a perspective that is in line with the political transformation of post-apartheid South Africa after 1994. Moreover, this theme is extremely relevant in the twenty-first century with its increased emphasis on place and globalisation. This article thus examines the theme of identity in “The Pickup”, first against a South African background and then against the backdrop of an unknown town somewhere in the desert – most probably in Northern Africa.

Highlights

In examining aspects of identity in “The Pickup” (2001), Nadine Gordimer’s latest novel, this article indicates new trends in postapartheid South African English literature as well
This article examines the theme of identity in “The Pickup”, first against a South African background and against the backdrop of an unknown town somewhere in the desert – most probably in Northern Africa
“The Pickup” sit hierdie soeke na identiteit voort, maar vanuit ’n nuwe en interessante perspektief, ’n perspektief wat in ooreenstemming is met die politieke transformasie in die Suid-Afrika van die tydperk ná apartheid

Summary

Introduction

“Not yet time to despair” aptly heads Michiel Heyns’ (2002:74) review of The Pickup by Nadine Gordimer, and The restless supermarket by Ivan Vladislavic. Heyns (2002:76) concludes his review of these two novels by remarking: the old question of what South African authors will write about after Apartheid has been given a rich variety of answers These two novels provide us with two more, suggesting that it’s not time yet to despair for lack of a subject matter. This article aims to indicate that perceived new trends in South African English literature in general, and fiction in particular, have led to the creation of identities that have assumed new significance and more variety in current South African writing than in earlier protest or struggle writing where characterisation frequently veered in the direction of stereotyping This point of departure will be followed by focusing on the theme of identity in Nadine Gordimer’s most recent post-apartheid novel, The Pickup (2001) – written after the independence of 1994 and set against a post-apartheid backdrop

Identity as central theme in Nadine Gordimer’s novels

Definition of terminology

The theme of identity as expressed in The Pickup

Shifting Identities and a sense of belonging in another country

Conclusion