Unit 2: Winds of Change

About the Author Gcina Mhlophe

• Gcina Mhlophe is a renowned South African writer, storyteller, poet, playwright, and actress.
• Born in 1958 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, she grew up during the apartheid era, which deeply influenced her work.
• Mhlophe is celebrated for her contribution to South African literature and theater, particularly in preserving and promoting African oral storytelling traditions.
• She has written numerous books for children and adults, and her work often explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, and social justice.
• "The Toilet" is an autobiographical piece from her memoir that reflects her struggles and determination during her early years in Johannesburg.

Summary of the Story

"The Toilet" is a powerful memoir excerpt that chronicles the author's challenging journey as a young woman in Johannesburg, South Africa. After completing her matric exams, Gcina Mhlophe stays with her elder sister, who works as a domestic worker in Orange Grove. Due to apartheid-era restrictions and her sister's employment situation, she must remain hidden from the white employers, spending weekdays locked in her sister's back room.

The narrator finds temporary work at a clothing factory but faces the challenge of leaving early in the morning and returning late to avoid detection. During the two-hour gap before catching her bus to work, she discovers an unlocked public toilet in a nearby park, which becomes her sanctuary. This small, private space provides shelter from the cold winter mornings and becomes a place where she can read, think, and eventually rediscover her passion for writing.

Despite facing isolation, family disapproval of her career aspirations, and the constant fear of being discovered, the narrator finds solace in her "toilet" refuge. She purchases a notebook and begins writing again, rekindling the creative spirit she had in school. The story reaches a poignant moment when she discovers the toilet has been locked, forcing her to accept that this space was never truly hers. However, she adapts by writing on a nearby bench, demonstrating her resilience and determination to pursue her dreams despite obstacles.

The memoir powerfully illustrates themes of perseverance, the search for identity, social inequality under apartheid, and the transformative power of personal initiative and creativity.

Answers to "While We Read" Questions

a. Do you wish to do something different, like the author? Why?

This is a personal reflection question. Sample answer: Like the author, many young people wish to pursue unconventional careers that align with their passions rather than following traditional, "respectable" professions. The desire to do something different often stems from a need for self-expression, creativity, and authenticity. However, this path requires courage to face family expectations and societal pressure, much like Gcina Mhlophe experienced.

b. Why was the author locked up in the room on weekdays?

The author was locked in her sister's room on weekdays to prevent the white employers (the Madam) from discovering her presence. As a domestic worker's guest, she was not supposed to be on the premises. The apartheid-era social structure and her sister's vulnerable employment position made it necessary to keep her hidden. The room was close to the swimming pool where the Madam spent time, so the author had to remain extremely quiet to avoid detection.

c. What made the author choose the toilet as her private space to read?

The author initially sought shelter in the public toilet because it was raining heavily one morning. She discovered it was unlocked and provided protection from the weather. Subsequently, she chose it as her regular private space because it offered shelter from the cold winter mornings, protection from the wind once the door was closed, and most importantly, it provided privacy. The small space felt like it was made to fit her alone, giving her a sense of ownership and security during a time when she had no space to call her own.

d. Why did the narrator like the toilet?

The narrator liked the toilet for several reasons:

• It provided shelter from the harsh winter cold and wind
• The small, enclosed space gave her a sense of privacy and intimacy
• It felt like it was made specifically for her, giving her a feeling of ownership
• It became a safe haven where she could think, daydream, and later write without interruption
• It offered her independence and personal space during a period when she was constantly hiding and dependent on others

e. 'I couldn't concentrate in class....', says the narrator. Why?

The narrator couldn't concentrate in class because she was so excited about showing her first poem to her English teacher. The anticipation and nervous excitement of sharing her creative work overwhelmed her ability to focus on regular classroom activities throughout the entire day.

f. What prompted the narrator to buy a notebook?

The narrator was prompted to buy a notebook after spending time in the toilet thinking and daydreaming, particularly imagining herself performing in plays. She began questioning why she had stopped writing since leaving school, remembering how she used to write poems and stories for school magazines and competitions. The encouragement she had received from her English teacher and the joy she found in writing motivated her to purchase a notebook, hoping to start writing again.

g. The narrator had to come and go secretly. Why?

The narrator had to come and go secretly because the white employers (her sister's Madam and Sir) were not aware that she was staying on the premises. Her presence was unauthorized, and if discovered, it could have resulted in her sister losing her job. The apartheid-era regulations and the strict control white employers exercised over their domestic workers' lives made it necessary for her to remain completely hidden and move about undetected.

h. How did the narrator manage her secret stay?

The narrator managed her secret stay through careful planning and timing:

• She woke up before dawn and left the premises by 5:30 AM, before the employers woke up
• She carried her shoes and only put them on after leaving the gate to avoid making noise
• She returned in the evening at 6:30 PM when the white people were having supper, using this distraction to slip in unnoticed
• She waited in the park until the right time to return
• She kept completely quiet during the day when locked in the room
• She coordinated her movements with her sister's schedule
• She rolled up her bedding each morning and hid it under her sister's bed

i. Why was the narrator unable to move or respond to the call?

The narrator was unable to move or respond to the Madam's call because two large dogs had discovered her and were standing directly in front of her, barking aggressively with their teeth bared. She was paralyzed with fear, believing that if she moved even slightly, the dogs would attack and tear her to pieces. Her heart was pounding, her mouth went dry, and she remained completely still, not daring to look at the dogs or respond to the Madam's voice calling for "Irene" (her sister).

j. What annoyed Irene, the narrator's sister?

Irene was annoyed because her sister had entered the premises alone and been discovered by the Madam and the dogs. She was frustrated that her sister hadn't waited for her so they could walk in together, which would have allowed her to claim it was just a visit. The incident put Irene in a difficult position, making it harder to explain her sister's presence if the employers saw her entering again. Irene was also stressed about the risk this posed to her job security.

k. Did the narrator feel lonely and sad? Pick out the sentences that justify your response.

Yes, the narrator felt extremely lonely and sad. The following sentences justify this:

• "I was very bored and lonely."
• "I just wanted to howl like a dog."
• "I wished somebody would come and be my friend, and tell me that I was not useless, and that my sister did not hate me, and tell me that one day I would have a nice place to live...anything."
• "I wrote anything that came to my head – in the same way I would have done if I'd had a friend to talk to."

l. What changes did she notice in the toilet?

The narrator noticed that the toilet door had been painted and a new windowpane had replaced the old broken one. These improvements indicated that the municipal authorities had renovated the public facility, making it look fresher and better maintained than when she first discovered it.

m. What made the narrator accept the fact that the toilet was not hers?

The narrator accepted that the toilet was not hers when she arrived one morning eager to write a story about an incident at work, only to find the door locked. This sudden denial of access made her realize that she had no real ownership or control over this space. It was a public facility that could be locked at any time, reminding her that her sense of possession was only an illusion. The physical barrier forced her to confront the reality of her situation.

Answers to "Let's Rewind" Questions

1. The public toilet unexpectedly turned out to be a useful and valuable location for the narrator. How did that happen?

The public toilet became valuable through a series of circumstances and the narrator's resourcefulness. Initially seeking shelter from rain, she discovered this unlocked facility during the two-hour gap she had to fill each morning before work. What began as a practical solution evolved into something much more significant. The toilet provided:

• Physical shelter: Protection from harsh winter cold and wind during early morning hours
• Privacy and personal space: In a life where she had to remain hidden and had no space of her own, this small enclosed area gave her a sense of ownership and independence
• A creative sanctuary: The privacy and quiet time allowed her to think, daydream, and eventually rediscover her passion for writing
• Psychological refuge: It became a place where she could escape the stress of her hidden existence and reconnect with her identity as a writer

The toilet's value lay not in its physical attributes but in what it enabled her to do—reclaim her creative voice and maintain her dignity during a deeply challenging period.

2. The narrator did not get any support from her family in becoming a writer. Is support and encouragement really necessary to accomplish one's dream? Discuss.

Support and encouragement are valuable but not absolutely necessary to accomplish one's dreams, as the narrator's story demonstrates. However, they play different roles:

Arguments for support being necessary:

• Encouragement boosts confidence and motivation (as shown by her English teacher's impact)
• Family support provides emotional and sometimes financial stability
• Validation from others helps during difficult times
• A supportive environment reduces obstacles and stress

Arguments showing dreams can be achieved without support:

• The narrator pursued writing despite her mother's disapproval and lack of family encouragement
• Internal motivation and personal determination can be stronger than external support
• Adversity can strengthen resolve and make success more meaningful
• Self-belief and passion can sustain one through challenges

The story suggests that while support makes the journey easier, determination, self-belief, and finding alternative sources of inspiration (like the toilet sanctuary) can compensate for its absence. However, some form of encouragement—even from a single teacher—can plant important seeds of confidence.

3. 'Bitter experiences in life moulded Mhlope the writer.' Do you agree? State your reasons.

Yes, this statement is strongly supported by the narrative. Bitter experiences moulded Mhlophe as a writer in several ways:

Evidence from the text:

• Isolation and loneliness: Being locked in a room and having no friends forced her to turn inward, developing her inner world and imagination
• Lack of space and freedom: The constraint of having no place of her own made even a public toilet precious, teaching her to value small mercies and find creative solutions
• Social inequality: Living under apartheid's shadow, hiding from white employers, and experiencing discrimination gave her powerful material and perspective for her writing
• Emotional hardship: Feeling unwanted by family, questioned about her worth, and experiencing rejection strengthened her need for self-expression through writing
• The toilet experience: This humble space became symbolic of finding dignity and purpose in the most unlikely places

These experiences provided her with:

• Authentic material: Real suffering and struggle to write about
• Empathy: Understanding of marginalized people's experiences
• Resilience: The determination to continue writing despite obstacles
• Unique perspective: Insight into social injustice and human dignity

Writers often transform pain into art, and Mhlophe's difficult experiences clearly shaped her voice, themes, and commitment to storytelling.

4. The narrator was always excited to go to the park and occupy the toilet. Substantiate the statement.

The text provides several instances that substantiate the narrator's excitement about going to the toilet:

Evidence of excitement:

• "I felt my spirits really lifting as I put on my shoes outside the gate" – showing emotional uplift as she approached her sanctuary
• "I was walking faster, and my feet were feeling lighter all the time" – physical manifestation of her enthusiasm
• "I smiled to myself as I reached the door" – expressing joy upon arrival
• "I was smiling when I reached for the door" – anticipating writing about a workplace incident
• "I enjoyed that kind of privacy" – clear statement of positive feelings about the space
• She made sure her notebook was in her bag, showing preparation and eagerness

Reasons for her excitement:

• The toilet was her only private space where she could be herself
• It provided escape from the stress and confinement of hiding
• It allowed her to reconnect with her passion for writing
• The space gave her a sense of ownership and control in a life where she had neither
• It was where she could daydream freely about her aspirations
• Writing in the toilet helped her process her experiences and emotions

This excitement represents the profound human need for personal space, creative expression, and psychological freedom—all of which the toilet uniquely provided.

5. How did the narrator adapt to the fact that the toilet was not hers?

The narrator's adaptation demonstrates remarkable resilience and flexibility:

Initial realization:

• Finding the toilet locked forced her to accept the truth: "I think for the first time I accepted that the toilet was not mine after all"
• This moment was significant because she had developed an emotional attachment to the space

Her adaptation:

• Rather than being defeated, she immediately found an alternative: "Slowly I walked over to the bench nearby"
• She didn't let the locked door stop her creative process: "watched the early spring sun come up, and wrote the story anyway"
• The phrase "wrote the story anyway" is particularly powerful—showing her determination to continue regardless of circumstances

Significance of her adaptation:

• She learned that her writing didn't depend on a specific location
• She discovered that her creativity was portable and resilient
• She realized that while the physical space was valuable, what mattered most was her commitment to writing
• This experience taught her to be flexible and find creative solutions when circumstances change

The adaptation shows maturity and growth—understanding that while we may lose things we value, our core purpose and determination can remain intact. The narrator's ability to simply move to a bench and continue writing demonstrates that her identity as a writer was now internal rather than dependent on external circumstances.

Key Themes

1. Perseverance and Determination: Despite numerous obstacles, the narrator pursues her passion for writing
2. Social Inequality: The story exposes the harsh realities of apartheid-era South Africa
3. Search for Identity: The narrator's struggle to define herself beyond family expectations
4. Power of Creativity: Writing becomes a tool for survival and self-expression
5. Resilience: Adapting to difficult circumstances and finding dignity in small spaces
6. Isolation and Belonging: The tension between physical isolation and the search for connection

Important Quotes

• "The path from dreams to success does exist. You only need the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it." – Kalpana Chawla
• "I enjoyed that kind of privacy. I did a lot of thinking while I sat on the toilet seat."
• "I just wanted to howl like a dog. I wished somebody would come and be my friend..."
• "I think for the first time I accepted that the toilet was not mine after all."
• "Slowly I walked over to the bench nearby, watched the early spring sun come up, and wrote the story anyway."