Recurring+Themes

Some recurring themes that occur is the theme of racism, and hate amongst other ethnicities. We continue to see how The Judge and his friends(Afrikaners) abuse and make fun of the only British boy in the school, Peekay. Historically, the Afrikaners and the British were never on good terms, and have hatred for one another. For example, Peekay had normal torture sessions that included "holding up an iron bar, shooting practice on Peekay"(43). The author even calls the Judges and his group in another term-the Nazi Party. We can therefore see that the conflict between Afrikaners and the British, or Englishmen is highly racial, and one of Peekay's most devastating challenges he needs to deal with. Not only do we see racial differences between the Dutch and the British, but also the "whites" and the "blacks." Later when Peekay goes to buy tackies, he enters a building written "Blacks Only"(55) and wonders why this was so. It also says that "Africans hurried with bundles on their heads to ride on the third class portion of the train."(63) Lastly, Jews were also discriminated against, as we can observe Mevrou's rude attitude towards the shoe shop owner, later explaining to Peekay "not to talk to that-that dirty Jew in the accursed language, English."(59) This has significant importance since it shows how hatred for another ethnicity does nothing but harm to people.
 * Chapters 1-4**

Another theme that we can see is the theme of independence. From the start of the story, Peekay is alone in many ways. He has no family, while his real mother is known to have a nervous breakdown, and is in a "special place" where Peekay cannot reach her. Instead, he is taken care of by a "Zulu nanny that was made for laughter, warmth, and softness."(3) Furthermore, he is alone in his school, being the youngest boy by two years, and being the only British in his school among hundreds of Afrikan students. Imagine the pressure and loneliness he must be feeling! Occasionally, he will have friends beside him like Granpa Chook, or the magician that helps solve his bed wetting problems. All these unfortunate events have led him, however, to become a stronger person that can survive in the harsh challenges that has yet to arrive.


 * Chapters 5~7**

These chapters were all tied together by the unifying thought of confidence and hope for Peekay. One of the recurring themes we can see in these chapters is the theme of big always beats small. This comes up a lot during chapter six, the boxing scene. This teachers Peekay a valuable lesson when Hooper defeats Jackhammer Smit who was around twice his size in a boxing game. The motto that Hooper teaches him, "First the head, then with the heart, that's how a man stays ahead from the start"(103) gives great strength to Peekay as now he has hope in defeating bigger obstacles that may come in his way. In the past, however, it was known to Peekay as big always wins small with the case of the Judges and his friends, being all a size or two bigger than him always winning Peekay. I think that this theme will recur later in the book where Peekay will have to deal with obstacles or people too big for him at first glance. This can also be seen as the "David and Goliath" theme, as the referee said in the boxing tournament.

Another theme we can see is the theme of pride and confidence, and the matter of camouflage. This relates to the theme above, since both themes give Peekay hope in battling future problems. Hattie teaches him that "pride is holding you head up when everyone around you has theirs bowed, and courage is what makes you do it."(124) Peekay is at first confused, since all along he thought that camouflage was the best way to survive in the world. He would normally have his head bowed down with all the others instead of putting it upright like Hattie had told him. He finds it confusing now, but I think he will learn the true meaning of Pride and Courage possibly for the defense of his race.