2. ANALYSIS OF THE NOVEL.
TITLE: MADAM THIS IS ANNIE.
AUTHOR: DIANNE CASE
PUBLISHERS: MACMILLAN.
YEAR: 1996
PRINTED AND BOUND IN MALAYSIA.
A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE NOVEL.
The novel portray Annie‟s own story in series of internal menologies addressed to her white
employer “Madam”. The narration in the story shows how the two characters share life
experiences and how they are separated and influenced by the inequalities of apartheid policy in
South Africa.
Annie‟s story provide a painful honest portrait of women‟s life and relationships and of
South African societies and later apartheid finally came to and end in early 1990s.
CHAPTERS SUMMARY.
CHAPTER 1.
This chapter describe Annie‟s journey to Mrs. Rodgers (Madam). She was contemplating on
the letter and instruction on how to get to Mrs. Rodgers place. We are also introduced to Annie‟s
husband laving love relations with another woman. Annie had a big fight with her husband and
the man decided to leave the house. Annie explained how she used to take care of her husband
and she was not sure if the woman could manage to do that, she had a jealous.
Annie also explains her role as mother to inform her children, especially her big son Temba
how to take care of woman when he gets married.
3. CHAPTER 2.
Annie has arrived at Mrs. Rodgers house, she describe how the house was beautifully and
big. The chapter also introduces as to Annie‟s real name, she is called Nombulelo Nonkonyana.
Annie thought of new experiences she is going to face in the house, she thought of going to have
heavy work load and wanted to go back home, but she was forced by circumstances and
responsibilities that she has to work and get money to support her family.
We are also introduced to Annie‟s children; the son is called Temba and two daughters are
Nomsa and Thandi. Annie‟s husband does not send money for the kids, so Annie has to work
hard to feed her children.
CHAPTER 3.
The first part of the chapter describe the different experiences Annie had when she wanted
get into the house, she was frighten by the dog- Bruno after she had ring the alarm bell. Annie
was welcome by Andrew. Annie met two women she could not identify her employer, she
thought they both belong there, but later she manage to know the madam. Annie was given tea
she name tea as “sugar-water”. Annie introduced herself to Craig‟s mother and she was not sure
how the name sounds to others, because it not her real name.
Annie explain how the police were disturbing the blacks living in Cape town she says
„‟…..men in their brown uniforms hitting and kicking their women mothers, grand mothers,
wives, girlfriends ,one old ,old people‟‟( pg:8)
In Bantu Affairs conducted by the police Annie explained that the police are also corrupt
she says „‟ Shame ,sometimes some people who led a little bit of money offered it to the Bantu
Affairs people to leave them alone.
CHAPTER 4.
Annie was instructed work to do in the house, and they made arrangement and agreement
on the payment. Annie received some material things for her children. She was happy with her
work though with challenges from the children. She says „‟ the children, my children, Temba,
Nomsa and Thandi they do not like their mother to go for work‟‟ (pg: 11)
4. Mrs. Rodgers explained how the whites think and feel about the blacks, blacks are
considered as stupid, they are regarded as animals (pg:10)
CHAPTER 5.
Madam, Amines employer introduces her name, she is Melanie. Craig‟s mother is smoking
much; Amine is not impressed by the habit.
CHAPTER 6.
Amine describes how she enjoys her work. She takes care of Melisa, washing, cleaning the
rooms and washes the dishes. She was not happy with Andrews‟s habit of urinating in bed at
night. She suggests Andrew should not drink tea at night with his supper (pg 13).
CHAPTER 7.
Amine was impressed by her employer‟s views to accept her as part of the family. „‟Oh yes,
that is the nicest, nicest thing to say to someone more specifically somebody who was not born in
your family‟‟ (pg: 14.)
CHAPTER 8.
Annie was given a dress petticoat, she was very happy, but she did not wear and she lied
when she say “I use it every Sunday madam” (pg 15).
CHAPTER 9.
The chapter introduced us to political issues, especially to have division in respect of races
in south Africa, that is government for whites, colored and Asians, the same will apply in the
parliament. Annie was not involved. Madam was happy with the political proposal and she say.
“I am going to vote “yes” in the referendum, Annie, for my country and for you”(pg.16).
CHAPTER 10.
Mr. Rodgers at home, he looks at Annie all the time, without saying a word. Annie was
worried because she is not used to the man. She describes the man as big and well dressed. He
used to tell her to polish golf shoes, but this day he did not say anything. (Pg .17).
5. CHAPTER 11.
The chapters portray Annie‟s loves to Melissa. She shares ideas with her sisters-in-law and
mother –in-law who told them her experiences that the white babies used to drink at her breasts.
But her believes is that when they grow up they treat black people like dogs. Annie wishes
Melissa to grow up and God give her a husband who will take care of her without
troublesproblems.
CHAPTER 12.
Annie is feeding the child, Melissa. They are sharing the same spoon for porridge. Annie
was frightened after noticing there is fight in “Madam” room. She commented that “A man
always fight in his house when there is another woman in love with him (pg 20). Annie describes
the man-woman relationship, especially as parents, but she has negative attitude towards men,
she remains with a stand that father is responsible to take care of his own children.
CHAPTER 13.
Annie at the shop to buy newspaper, she found woman gossiping about Madam, she
informed her employer; Craig‟s mother was one of the gossiping woman.
CHAPTER 14.
Mrs. Rodgers wanted to attended important meeting and Annie must take chance to go and
work. She woke up very early at three o‟clock and decide to leave to catch early bus. Temba was
not in favors for mother to leave at that time for life safety, but Annie decides to go for work.
Temba followed her, but they were warned to return home by Sipho-the young man. It was stay-
away day. (Strike day).
CHAPTER 15.
The chapter portray strikes in schools, Annie was not happy with the habit, and Mrs. Rodgers
was also angry and she say “do you know how much of our tax money goes to black schools”?
Mrs. Rodgers does not like the black to liberate themselves; she says “The black people should
help the white people” (pg 27).
6. CHAPTER 16.
The chapter describe the police riot and children are burning tyres in the road, the situation is
terrible as Annie explain. Grandmother was talking with Temba, Nomsa and Thandi especially
on the question of education. With apartheid policy Temba does not see the meaning of
education……. “it was a waste to educate black people”( pg 28). Annie wanted Temba to change
his view and do the exams.
CHAPTER 17.
Information is given through mass media on the distribution of power in the government
majority especially black are not happy.”…..the colored and the Indian are not happy too, just
because three government is a joke”(pg 29).
CHAPTER 18
The chapter describes experiences the children get when parents are in quarrel. Annie reflects
her own experience and addresses it to Mrs. Rodgers “Madam”. Parents conflict was not there In
the past, but if there parents handled with care…”Do you know madam, my mother and my
father, shame, they are all two dead today, but never quarreled in front of us kinds” (pg 30).
Parents need to handle their temper and be a good example for their children.
CHAPTER 19.
Annie‟s mother-in-law is sick, and the man, the old goat don‟t have money to help his
mother, he send his sister to request money from Annie, she was not happy but later decided to
give fifty rand and he was suppose to return back (pg .32).
CHPTER 20.
Chapter exposes us to Andrew as stubborn child as he was disturbing Annie, when she was
cleaning the house. He was sent home plus other students as there was a riot in the schools. Mrs.
Rodgers commented that she will go to see the principal (pg.34).
7. CHAPTER 21.
Annie and Mrs. Rodgers are sharing life experiences, especially in love affairs. Mrs. Rodgers
proposed the two to have other men. Annie did not agree, she has a stand of remaining alone for
the rest of her life- - - “he is still my husband. Yes he is the father of my children and I don‟t
know if i will ever want another man”.
The idea of jealousy is also described when Annie says “….you must be thankful that it is
not for another woman that your husband left you, otherwise you will not find peace in your
heart. It eats you madam” (pg, 36-37) Women are described as they are tolerant in handling the
difficult situations.
CHAPTER 22.
Annie is described as a hard worker and responsible mother , she find money to support her
children she takes night shift to work at the hotel (Pg 38) “Mrs. Kalu tells me about the job at
the hotel” Annie worked hard to clear her debts the little Television she bought (Pg ,39).
CHAPTER 23.
Annie‟s children are growing up. Temba is not in favors for mother to work at the hotel at
night. He says “the girls must see their mother every night” (pg40). Annie argued that she has to
work hard until she is tired or become old. She says no, when my body tells me one day to stop,
then that day I will stop. Temba wanted to see his father to give him money, but Annie is not
sure if the old goat will give him some money.
CHAPTER 24.
This chapter portray Annie‟s mother –in-law sickness. She is very cold all the time and lies
in her bed coughing (pg41) she was given medicine and herbs but there was no relief. One of her
daughter who works in the hospital says she must come to hospital to see Doctor Pillay but she
doesn‟t want to go or even doctor to come to her at home. She did not like to eat food. Really she
was sick.
8. CHAPTER 25.
Madam planned to plant trees to conserve environment, “….. We are going to plant a tree to
save the world….” Annie argued it is good thing to conserve environment because even the
Bible says, “The fire will come and take everything” The implication is that without preserving
the environment the world will perish because of global warming. The man who was digging the
hole to plant tree wanted to talk to Annie but she was not happy the man looks ugly( pg 44).
The chapter also explains Madam promises to have a tour to observe snow Annie was
very happy to have that occasion.
CHAPTER 26.
The chapter exposes us to internal conflict and disappointment. Annie‟s sister in law not the
one who works at the hospital , she says to Annie and her mother and other relatives that they
take that child of that bad woman and that old goat and they say it is the child of their brother.
Annie becomes very cross and disappointed. She says that she know that old goat sleeps with
that bad woman and he makes a wife of her and she is not his wife because Annie is not
divorced, she is still her wife. Annie‟s sister in law wants also Annie to take that child to be her
child. Annie regret and asked herself about Temba, Nomsa and Thandi?
CHAPTER 27.
The chapter reflects Annie‟s talk with her mother-in-law. Mother in law was very sick, she
could not peak loudly. And she has the serious words, to says to Annie that “forgive her first
born son and to understand that he is weak, but didn‟t I say long ago” (pg.46). She wanted to
read the Xhosa Bible but she didn‟t do that because the words are not going through her, heart
she began to cry and her two kids Nomsa and Thondi cried too after seeing their mother.
CHAPTER 28.
The chapter takes us back to Annie‟s mother –in-law sickness. Mother –in-laws daughter who
work in the hospital called the doctor tonight for the serious sickness of her mother, doctor Pillay
came to see the mother and says “… she is very bad and he wants them to go to hospital” (pg47).
But the mother refused she says. “I am going to die and I want to die in my own bed with her
9. children and her grand children around her. Annie says she can die because she is very thin from
not eating her food and tried to make her some custard to help her.
CHAPTER 29.
The old goat (Annie‟s husband) came to see mother with a child of that bad woman. Annie
get such as fright to see that child, she feels bad and wanted to kill that child to choke it deed (pg
48). The old goat looks at Annie‟s mother in law and it screams because she is so bad. Annie‟s
sister –in-law says the child see things. She takes the child from the old goat because he looks so
clumsy and the child can easily fall. They are all playing with the child and tickling it until it
laughs. Annie says “I cannot find any love for that child in my heart. Then she looks at the old
goat that is looking at her in a serious way for wrong he did to his family. (Pg.49).
CHPTER 30.
The chapter describes one of the events at the hotel where Annie was working at night. The
hotel manager blamed those who work late in the kitchen because they stole something in the
hotel. He pushed them harshly; the chef is standing there with the rude manager and looks to
them all like thieves. Annie was so angry but she said, she doesn‟t mind to leave that job because
she is so tired of it and her fingers are so sore from the steel wool (pg.50).
Annie think herself by saying ,”just now somebody will tell the story that I was sacked for
stealing and now everybody can believe that especially if they do not know me so well”. And
her children when they hear that story they can believe to.
It was the middle of the might the driver was not going to take them home they must sit
there until the morning comes. One lady said it must be the chef who is stealing the meat and
other say it must be the new woman who started last Wednesday night. Annie said I don‟t know
but it wasn‟t me ever.
CHAPTER 31.
Annie was busy reading Xhosa Bible when the old goat comes into her small house. He is
little drunk. Annie put her hand on her heart because she feels like it is going faster all the time.
The old goat sits next to her and puts his hand over her hand on her heart , Annie don‟t want him
10. to see him laughing. The old goat says to Annie “I am your man” Annie say “go to that bad
woman, you sleep with her go to her” Old goat laughs and said that she is bad woman and she is
not his wife. Old goat puts his hand around her wife and whispers in her ear. He tells his wife if
she loves him, and all of them start to laugh. Their children Nomsa and Thondi come in and see
their mother and father are together laughing after so much of bad feelings and so many years.
CHAPTER 32.
The old goat comes every night to see his mother; he is always full up of wine you can smell
when he talks. After seeing his mother he goes to Annie‟s Pondokkie to ask for food and then he
lies down on her bed. When Annie wants to sleep he gets up and he goes back to the bad woman.
One night he is so drunk that he cannot weak up, and Annie must go to sleep, she pushes him to
the wall and get into the bed. Annie doesn‟t sleep and cannot settle down. Then he wakes up
without saying, Annie see him is not so drunk anymore. The old goat takes off his trousers and
his shirt and hangs them on the chair. He gets into the bed next to the Annie and then something
happens. Annie said that “I don‟t know how it happens but it happens (pg.53) Annie thinks that it
is good for her and for her husband to be back with her wife.
CHAPTER 33.
Thandi brings the message to her mother that she must go to the meeting, it is important. Her
mother asks for letter but Thandi says that there is no letter but they must go, the child begs her
mother. Annie tells the two girls to ask her aunt if she is going to the meeting and she says she is
and Annie must go too. The old goat goes with them. The meeting is about white people will not
stand for it if the government man must close their schools. Annie was not hearing everything
due to the meeting was full, full, full, and it was a secret meeting. The meeting is in the church
not, one light not even one candle, the big children are all hiding around the church to see if the
riot polices hear about the meeting. They will go to jail if the police catch them, it is illegal
gathering and already twenty to thirty thousands children are sitting in jail with no fine and no
court case for saying they are in the struggle.
11. CHAPTER 34
The chapter introduces the conversation between Annie and Temba discussing about the
condition of the location where they are, which does not support them during winter periods
simply because it is cold even if they put the coat over still the feet feel like soaked wet from
cold. Also socks will not get dry since he didn‟t want to wear wet socks as they will make him
very sick which is difficult during winter time.
He also speaks about the road which is too wet to the bus stop. He also knows the dangerous to
make fire inside the house.
CHAPTER 35
It explains about Annie‟s past night dreams about his dead father and the warns, He was talking
about the old goat and bad women. She also dreamed about when chasing chicken with stick and
the way how feathers are flying all over as she was hitting very had .It was a reflection of her
dead father who is going to chase her using the same stick to hit her but as he runs away from
him she found herself catching an old tree to the highest to the extent of failing to come down.
While at the highest tree found a chicken with no feather sitting on the same branch crying and
bleeding from eyes. Her father is trying to call her to come down but she can‟t see him again
because the sun is shinning on the blood and every thing is red, I can‟t see my father and now I
am frightened.
CHAPTER 36
The chapter tells about Temba‟s life a neglected child by his father. He is in need of being
given all the things he need to be a good man ,how to look his wife one day; He also wants to be
taught how to fight for his country as Andrew is picked/chosen to go and fight for the border for
the country his sake and Temba is too .
CHAPTER 37
Temba‟s sisters –in –law who works at the hospital warns or complains that Temba is to small
to be in politics as if the riot happens the police who drive in the big casspirs are very cruel if
they catch Temba, the family will not see him again.
12. She also seen the importance of Old goat to leave out the bad woman and looks after his own
son and teach him to be a man and he must send him to the bush because he is big enough.
CHAPTER 38.
Annie‟s mother –in-law is worried as Temba is not seen for two night at home. Her mother –
in-law is in high blood problem but Annie tells her that don‟t worry because he is getting big and
may be he is sleeping with a girlfriend somewhere.
CHAPTER 39.
Annie explains the ongoing condition of her mother in law who is coughing big pieces of
blood but she didn‟t want to eat any kind of food prepared by her daughters and she don‟t want
to see even the doctor. Annie is also worried because she has missed her period for too long
when she slept with the old goat. She wants to keep the secret as people will say more and she
don‟t want another child.
CHAPTER 40.
The Old goat wants to talk with Annie a serious talk and he don‟t wants anyone to be around
to witness the conversation thus he decides to talk to Thondi and Nomsa to go to play because he
wants to talk to their mother.
CHAPTER 41.
It explains the sadness and loneliness of Annie as she never slept last night. She was turning
and drinking a lot of water and making a lot pee. She feels like in need of some one may be a
man or a woman who will listen and understand while speaks about her problem. As when she
found someone she will open her heart and talk her problems, because my troubles will not go
away on their own, they are so big they don‟t allow me to go to sleep.
CHAPTER 42.
Temba is no where to be seen, no body knows where he is, his friends or neighbours,
teachers, police or hospitals. The old goat reports this to his mother but not to Annie. He
proposes to look him the next day at the mortuary but his mother didn‟t agree that Temba is
13. dead. His mother then lie on her bed undressed and no need of blanket wondering whether the
old goat is sleeping or he is also worrying about his big son.
CHAPTER 43.
It is about Annie inner most thinking about the old goat, Temba and her mother in- law. All
these bring troubles to her and cause her body to shake and the head to sore. As she proceed
thinking she become very sad and disappointed to the extent that she never wants to speak to her
sister –in- law and mother –in law because her mother –in law is old and she is dying and its not
good to die when somebody is angry with you.
CHAPTER 44
In this chapter Annie went to work as usual. But was not ok, she was feeling so terrible, she
says she tried to smile so madam could not see her so sad. Even Melissa thee sweet girl Annie
was looking after noticed that she was very sad and the girl tells Annie to cheer up because
tomorrow will be a better day. Annie does not think that tomorrow will be a better day and she
believes that it will get vey ugly before it gets better.
Annie is trying to do the work as nothing happened but she couldn‟t take it. Madam comes
and tries to find out from Annie what was wrong but at the begin she could not talk. Although
she knows that she needed some one who could listen to her and take away her sorrow. Finally
as madam insisted Annie to tell her what was wrong, Annie managed to speak up and tell madam
what had happened.
Madam listens to Annie and then she told her that she should not fight the divorce because
the decision had already been made. What madam advice Annie is that her husband should pay
money to the lawyer who will put him in jail. Madam thinks Annie should go home to rest
because she was too sad and she refused. Cheering Annie up madam tells Annie to spend some
money on her self because she is working very hard.
14. CHAPTER 45.
In this chapter Annie is working late in madam‟s house, as she was not feeling to go home
yet. Annie did not worry of the Tsotsis because they all know Temba her elder son and they
knew that Annie was his mother so they could not harm her.
Luckily in the bus home she meets her neighbour and they walked home together .The
neighbour and they walked home together. The neighbour asks Annie about her mother in low
and she tells her how bad her mother in low is sick .The woman tells Annie about a good can
give her mother in low a good herbs to drink .She also tells Annie that she believe that may be it
is a dirt which someone send to her mother in law which makes her sick.
Annie agrees with her neighbor that maybe her mother in law is being witched.
CHAPTER 46
In this chapter Annie says she didn‟t tell Madam about Temba just because she didn‟t want
Madam to think she had a naught child.
CHAPTER 47
Here Annie is talking about the death of her Mother in law. She talks about how her Mother in
law was about to die and she called her, she says she was not able to see, her voice was softly
and if you cant understand what she was saying you will never understood.
Annie says she knew her time was here, then here old goat comes with the woman he want to
marry and Annie feels sorry for the lady because she is too young. Then the old goat and her they
hold the hands of the mother in low Annie says. ”the old lady calls for Temba because Temba
was the one she used to look after when Temba was smaller. The old goat tells his dying Mother
that he sent Temba way to the safe place, Annie was angry for that answer but she plays cool due
to situation.
Then Annie is steel telling on how her Mother in law used her last breath. Then Annie tells us
how she and that old goat cried over her Mother in law.
15. CHAPTER 48
Annie tells us that it is Saturday in thee funeral, and she tells how she goes to Madam and fetch
the cakes. Annie found Madam with that Man laying in Madams bed. Finally Annie explain thee
looks on Madams face and Annie steel justify it that it is not healthy a woman must have no man.
CHAPTER 49
Annie tells about the funeral and how many people had come including his son Temba. Annie
wonders how Temba have grown into a big Man like his dad but a little taller and his voice of a
man. Annie says she felt proud to think she had such a big and handsome son.
CHAPTER 50
In this chapter Annie says she was sad because of the divorce and she couldn‟t stop it. She
explains how she dream of her mother- in- law and she wanted to know what that dream meant.
Annie says when she became mother in law she would make sure she became good Mother in
law, and she couldn‟t take side with her son. Annie is wishing her divorce will be over soon so
she could go on with her life.
CHAPTER 51
Annie explains about how she got her divorce papers from her sister in law not the one who
works at the hospital she explains. She says “the papers book so serious with her full Xhosa
name”.
Annie explains about how she took the divorce papers to Madam and she was very cross.
Madam tries to help Annie by talking to a friend of Madam called Abraham, he was a lawyer and
Madam wanted him to take Annie‟s divorce into a legal action. Madam finds this friend through
the phone and she makes an appointment for the following day.
CHAPTER 52
Here Annie is patient as she listens to Craig‟s Mother who was lamenting about the president
De Klerk who put to un end the apartheid policy. Crag‟s Mother thinks apartheid was pretty, and
she calls black people baboons: Madam says some of the blacks have money so they can‟t be
16. called baboons. Now that apartheid is dead the black could live any where and Craig‟s Mother
asks Annie when will she move to Constantia and Annie replay that “she has her pondokkie”.
CHAPTER 53
Annie and Madam are in the office of Madams friends where they went to seek for legal help in
Annie‟s divorce and it was raining outside. The office of Madam‟s friend is field with papers.
CHAPTER 54.
Annie is very angry as she find difficult to get financial support she said that “you know that
old goat he will not give me fifty cents to buy half of loaf of bread for his kinds” it become
difficult for her husband “old goat” to give money for his children. The man in Claremont send
to Annie account for three hundred fifty rand but she find difficult to pay. She told madam if
possible to get an increase of fifty rand a month to pay. Madam agrees to pay that but Annie is
worry if she will keep it.
Annie is total proved that she has no husband as she show letter of divorce which she puts
with her account.
CHAPTER 55.
Annie is so sad, she consider the time when her husband “old goat” and that another woman as
they come to live in her mothers in laws house. She is the one who deserve to live there. Her
husband already married and they have baby with another woman. Changes of social relation
appear at the time when Annie goes to that house, where her husband and that woman live. They
don‟t greet her uncle. Annie great them Nomsa and Thandi find the place is better as they used to
play with that little boy of that woman. They even argue with Annie when she called them.
CHAPTER 56.
Madam and Annie are discussing about the young Melisa as she is in preparation of going to
school. The child is growing so fast as they are remembering how she was so young.
17. CHAPTER 57.
Madam and Annie are talking about marrying another husband. Madam advice Annie to
marry another husband as replacing her husband who has already run away to another woman.
Annie gives the story about Khayelitsha place by the sisis of church. It is a place where by
people living in difficult situation in tents. It is for various social services are in sufficient. It is
found that away the sick people lack health treatment.
Also they are talking about wedding of the Annie‟s ex-husband in her mothers in law. Annie
thinks herself where to go. At the end she decides to go at home in her Pondokkie and read her
Bible.
CHAPTER 58
The child Melissa is going to a fancy dress party. She is dressed just like Annie and she says
she is walking like Annie. Melisa is preparing as she put on a big tracksuit on top yellow overall
and she tie an apron over it and she pegs two pegs on it just because she sees Annie has two pegs
on her apron. She wants a curly perm like Annie‟s so madam and Annie put Vaseline in her hair.
CHAPTER 59
Madam and Annie are talking about the womb trouble and the habit used by Annie as she get
this problem. According to their believes Annie working with bare feet as sometimes when she
has got her period. “walking bare feet when you got your period that is very bad. Even Nomsa
when she gets her period first time and I tell her she must keep herself warm and she will get
used to this period of business with no pain…” it seemed that Annie teach Nomsa walking with
bare feet relieve pain as she has got her period.
CHAPTER 60.
Annie remember those day when they used to sit in her mother –in- law in kitchen at night
and talk about work and things. She remembers her saying about colonialism. She used to say “ a
white person never mind the face she shows to you and never mind the nice words he sometimes
says to you he is a white person and he will always be a white person”.
18. In additional to the information given to Annie‟s sister in law who is working at the hospital
as she explaining about the positive and negative attitude of the white person. She said; White
person may laugh with people and they keep on position but when you turn around they will
shoot you with their gun. You are not allowed to oppose them.
CHAPTER 61.
Annie and madam are discussing the problems facing children, effect and the solution to be
taken. Madam showed Annie the pictures in the newspaper about the children who have
disappeared. They think about may be somebody is stealing to cut them up to make a strong
“muti” some of the effect Annie think much as Madam also is thinking may be for bad men to
sleep with them.(doing sex).Annie give the solution may be the police must find man through
him into jail and never let him be free again. Also Annie intending to read the bible and ask for
God to look for them and give them back to their families.
CHAPTER 62.
There is sad song played in Madams house and Annie try to ask her but Madam can‟t reply.
Mr. Mark is coming and try to console Madam as she is crying and Annie advices her to marry
him. There Craig‟s mother come and call Madam. She discusses the issue of Annie why she is
crying and told Madam it is because of her husband who is falling in love with another woman.
Craig‟s mother Madam don‟t tell Annie. As Madam told Annie about what they discussed she
become furious and she says Craig‟s mother has a bad habit.
CHAPTER 63
The main argument of the chapter is the Annie‟s complain to the Madam about her (Annie)
broken marriage. Here is the main issue or the burning issue is “divorce”. It is presented in two
ways where by one side, Annie firstly presents to us about her Madams broke marriage as she
says. “you tell me your divorce is on and it is your husband who is divorcing you and you start
to cry again” (pg 102) on the other hand Annie notifies us that (readers) that she herself
underwent the same tragedy of being divorced by her husband (that old goat), “I remember what
you say to me when my divorce was on along time ago and I say it to you”.
19. CHAPTER 64
Here we are introduced to the health condition of the story teller (Annie) she thinks to have
high blood pressure. She also introduces us to the ways she is treating the problem, as she says I
am drinking hot water and cloves in the morning but it is not helping me. We find another man.
Doctor Pillay who tells the problem for Annie is her being getting old, she herself says, “Yoo
Madam, then doctor pillar is right and I must be getting old”.
CHAPTER 65
The chapter introduces us to Annie sadness about her Madam (employer) and she feels
sorry for her Madam to be divorced she says “ No woman gets married to get divorced” (pg 104)
here a woman is described symbolically as a flower and husband as a butterfly. Annie is in
comfort of her Madam (her employer) that after sometime her Madam would get used to that
difficult life of being abandoned by her beloved husband. After the divorce “you will have a
beginning to your life a place to start building it up again on real hopes and real dreams” (pg
102) Annie also proposed a substitute of Madams husband to quiche the loneliness “ that there
is always Mr. Mark to help you through the lonely times”. Yes, a woman is like a flower, when it
is a bud everyone is talking about how beautifully it will be when it opens and then it does it
really is beautiful and all the butterflies want to sit on that flower and make it their own.(pg 104)
shame, and then the flower fades and the butter flies don‟t want that flower anymore and her
special butterfly too, he will go on looking for a fresher flower to make his own, (pg 104). But
may be somebody will come and pull the faded petals from that flower and she will look just as
good as the new flower which are opening and may be her butterfly will come again to her.
Also she says one day anymore for her butterfly, may be one day a woman (flower) will
not long anymore for her butterfly may be one day she will look at the other butterflies and see
that they are beautiful too and she will be happy to let another butterfly sit on her and make his
own and then can get old together. Annie advice her madam to take Mr. Mark as a new butterfly
(man). “yes, you are very beautiful just like a beautiful flower and Mr. mark, he is not your
butterfly, but take him for the comfort and you wont be so alone with your problems (pg104)
20. CHAPTER 66.
In this chapter we are notified about Annie receipt of letter from her brother who livesstay in
Pedi. The letter is dedicated to both Annie and her husband (old goat) also we are notified to
Annie to restrict her husband (old goat) not to sit on her bed but rather sit on the chair.
Also the chapter introduces us to Temba, the elder son of Annie who pays visit to his uncle in
Pedi and his uncle sent him to the bush straight away.
Also old goat in the chapter also tells us that the old goat says sorry for not being
responsible to her family specifically to Temba. Another issue introduced here is the Temba‟s
marriage and the family is happy that he (Temba) is no longer chasing the politics anymore. His
uncle in Pedi has found Temba a good girl for wife.
The Temba‟s uncle makes the arrangement of seeing the parents of Temba‟s wife to be.
CHAPTER 67.
Chapter gives a reflection of good days the family of Annie and her husband had. She
explains her especially when she was expecting a baby boy (Temba). She also expresses her
jealousy up the woman with she shares a husband, yes, “I think of that woman and aim very
jealous of that woman and very sore in my heart today just because that old goat said just look
after her just because she is going to have another baby” (pg 104)
CHAPTER 68.
The chapter explains about Annie‟s regrets over past few years, of taking a career of being a
house worker to her madam; she regrets that she has not taken a right decision. Also she tells
about her feelings of what she could do to rescue her family from lack of basic needs, in other
words, Annie did not wants to abandon her family, since she was left by her husband.
She had no alternative, to take instead of finding a job for sustaining the family; however the
family also needed a care, family upbringing Temba left home, he was now after the chase of
politics. She feels bad about her two daughters (Nomsa and Thondi) who are staying with the
woman with whom she shares a husband. ”Yes, they are with that woman all the time and they
are looking after her kids like she is the real mother”
21. CHAPTER 69.
The chapter introduces us to the action of police to the school children. Also we are introduced
to what happed to Steve Biko who was among the fighters of apartheid regime in South Africa,
he was killed. Annie just surrenders everything to God because it is impossible to do anything
against this riot police force, “but the God knows yes the god sees every thing and he will deal
with those cruel people. This situation depict total oppression of the normal citizen who were
badly treated by whites Government.
CHAPTER 70.
Here we are introduced to Annie‟s religious belief. She is says she does go to church, that is
to say Annie is a Christian “ I have been born again” also we are notified that Annie joins the
choir expecting to get or looking for someone to marry. Unfortunately she could not find one,
she than gives up looking for men, she is despaired and she expresses her feelings that she does
not need men anymore to marry her.
CHAPTER 71.
The chapter focuses on the divorce of Madam the day is vey sad, with a lot of confusion
Madam could not withstand this difficult condition without having as many piles of cigarette as
she can smoke to relieve the pain of being divorced.
We are also informed of the husband of Madam that despite the divorce he underwent with
his wife (Madam he did not stop giving everything she needed as well as the children‟s
requirements. Apart from that we are introduced to Mr. Mark who took time to console Madam
after divorce, however they have even broken up with Madam so she is so lonely.
Again the resolution of the problem of divorces brought up. Madam‟s husband comes back
and starts holding her, forgetting what happened before. Also Annie remembers of the old goat
and she even thinks now that they should be rejoined to finish up their misunderstanding..
CHAPTER 72.
The chapter expresses about Madam sad sorry in remembrance of her first days of love with
her husband whom always loved her (Madam). Apart from that Annie comforts her madam that
22. it is possible that she (Madam) will get another man, but she (Annie) also argues her Madam to
be strong and so soon she will get used to that difficult, sad, and boring situation.
CHAPTER 73.
Here we are notified that Mandela (Madiba) is out of jail people had high hopes on Madiba,
that one day he would be out of jail and he will form a new government. People are talking of
good fruits they will get very soon, such as school boys will not be in riots any more, politics
will be separated from school work. Everybody is happy because they have seen Mr. Mandela
out of jail after all those many years. They sing praises of Mr. Mandela, saying he is a
gentleman.
CHAPTER 74.
Melissa called Annie to her room the other day and she made a promise to keep her secret
and she gabs my small finger with her small finger and she says we are now tossed in for secrets,
then she pulls her pants down and say.
Haai! Haai! Melissa!
And she says:
“look Annie, I have got three hairs on my cookie!”
The writer explains that Melissa is growing up and need to be taken care as a girl.
CHAPTER 75.
Temba‟s wedding is on. His wife to be comes from good people and Temba is working in
east London and he comes home to Pedi on weekends. His father is happy for good news of his
big boy he hope one day when he has a little bit of money to spare he will send to his mother and
sisters.
CHAPTER 76.
The old goat told the boss that his big son is getting married and his boss gives him one
thousand rand to give to Temba far a wedding present.
23. CHAPTER 77
Annie explains how Temba‟s party was celebrated. She says, “The people were happy for a
nice wedding and such a lot of people and such a lot of food and dancing and singing. A girls
comes from a nice family and she is so lovely.
CHAPTER 80
Annie is talking to Madam, her face is burning because she is shy about it and she don‟t know
what to think. It is on the proposal to be married by the man in the church. Annie was not ready
to accept the offer.
CHAPTER 81
It is school holiday and it is nearly Christmas and Andrew is waiting for his matrics results.
CHAPTER 82
White people are worried and this is because Mr. Mandela is going to be the new government.
CHAPTER 83
Temba‟s mother is going back home to stay with the grandchildren. She lament that she is tired
and her legs are swollen. She has retired from work and decided to stay in her father‟s home land
Pedi. Annie says …I am going back to Pedi.(pg.131).
24. ELEMENTS OF LITERARY WORK.
Any literary work has two elements namely, FORM and CONTENT. Form and content are
inseparable as they are related. (Kadeghe 2005)
Form in the essential structure of any work of art. When analyzing any literary work, the
following items are included in the analysis of form.1.Setting. 2. Plot. 3. Style. 4. Language. 5.
Characterization.
TITLE OF THE NOVEL:
MADAM, THIS IS ANNIE the title imply the person is introducing her name, in this case
Annie. The story reflect the personal experiences in life, work and the relationships of the
character Nombelelo Nankonyana who decide to introduce herself as Annie when she went to be
employed to the white woman. The story portray Annie‟s life as mother of the family and the
difficulties she faced when she was divorced by her husband ‟‟the old goat‟‟. Further explanation
on Annie work to sustain her family is also well described; she worked as house girl at madam
place and with increasing expenses to raise children she had to work in the hotel at night.
The title reflect the content of the story as it described who is Annie, what she did in response
to writers intention of showing with similar experiences in life there exist differences in number
of aspect as shown by madam and Annie in this internal monologue titled MADAM,THIS IS
ANNIE.
SETTING :The story is set in South Africa, especially Cape town and a village called Pedi
where Annie went after retiring doing work at madams house place. The story describe the last
yeas of apartheid regime in South Africa that is 1990s .
PLOT.
The novel Madam this is Annie is narration in chronological order. The novel start when Annie
started to work as house girl at madams house, the story develop up to point where we find
Annie‟s old age and decide to retire and went bad to Pedi. (e.g. in pg 131) chapter 83 Annie says
… just because it is this body which wants to sit down”. Another evidence that the story is
chronological is about Annie‟s children. We are introduced to Thandi ,Nomsa and Temba. “……
25. Nomsa and Thandi ,they are getting big now (pg 110). Also we find Temba, description from the
young age to his marriage chapter 77( pg.124).
DEVELOPMENT OF PLOT.
1. Exposition-Annie‟s journey to her employer Madam.
2. Raising Action- Annie‟s life and working experiences.
3. Climax- Annie‟s divorce.
4. Annie continued to live alone and supported her children.
5. Apartheid policy came to and end and Annie retired from work and went back to her fathers
land Pedi.
STYLE.
The novel MADAM THIS IS ANNIE is divided into 83 chapters, each chapter is numbered. In
the beginning of each chapter the writer has used the opening words, that is either Madam, oh
Madam or yes Madam. Many chapters are short covering one page. The shortest chapter is
chapter 46 with only three (3) lines which are made of two (2) sentences. The longest chapters
are chapter 14 and 40. The writer has also used a song to convey Madams feelings of loneliness
chapter 72 (pg 117).
LANGUAGE USE IN THE NOVEL “MADAM THIS IS ANNIE”
In this novel Dianne case has employer simple language in portraying her message. Where by
she use simple vocabularies also she used borrowed words from Xhosa and Arabic. The writer
has used long sentence to have clear explanation to give out characters aim message. There is
also the use of compound nouns to show relationships.
BORROWED WORDS :
Words included in certain language that are taken from another language. The author has used
borrowed words to bring the audience or readers into more attention and giving direct
clarification of the intended message. In this novel Dianne Case has used number of borrowed
words from other language as follows:
26. ( i ) .Xhosa word like –pondokkie – a small house hat pg 53.
-Dronkie – pg 43 nick name to a person.
-Mielies – kind of local food pg 40.
( ii ) Arabic words –Kaffir pg 43- name of a true.
-some one who is against something.
( iii ) bantu word- kombi –a small car pg 72.
-Tulababa – a song pg 91.
LEXICAL CATEGORIES.
The author uses various parts of speech and there is the use of long sentences. It is done
purposefully to give clear explanations on the intended message.
NOUNS :
Is the name of a thing, an idea ,a place or a person.
The writer has used mostly compound nouns which show relationships among the characters.
These are example like:-
-Mother in law.
- Crags mother
-Children father
- Sister in law
- Sugar water.
ADJECTIVE:
A word that tells more about nouns.
27. The writer has used various adjective to express her character and modifying her story as
follows:-
( i) Emotive adjective example: -old goat pg 92, 93.
-ugly dronkie pg 44.
-old dronkie pg 43.
( ii).Visual adjective; example. -rotten teeth pg 44.
-so pretty.
-blue eyes pg 100.
-white socks pg100.
VERBS :
A word or group of words that is used to indicate something happens (action) or exist. These
include transitive and transitive verbs, dynamic and transitive verbs, linking verbs and the like.
Most of the verbs used by Dianne case are of various kinds ranging from linking, dynamic and
transitive verbs as follows:
i) Linking verbs –example ……..is getting ….pg 44.
……….is waiting ….pg 129.
ii) Dynamic verbs –example …mother in law dying.
….are growing pg 40.
…..cleaning pg 43.
iii) Transitive verbs –example….you give me a piece of roller towel pg 73.
…he must pay me money every month pg 73
…the children don‟t want me to work at the hotel pg 40
28. ADVERBS.
Are words that add more information about place, time, manner, cause, or degree to a verb,
adjectives, a phrase or another adverb.
The writer also has used adverb to give clarity to her work in various sentences. Most of the
adverb used are adverbs of manner.
Examples -truly, really, seriously.
FIGURES OF SPEECH.
ELLIPSES:
These can be defined as the act of living a part of word or words from sentence deliberately
when the meaning can be understand without them.
Example:- - don‟t pg 60.
-child‟s pg 60.
- mustn‟t pg 83.
METAPHOR: Is the comparison of two unlike things without using conjunction such as “like”
or “as”. The writer on the novel use metaphor to associate directly the feature or character to be
owned by the mentioned things or names. Example. “The sun is big ball of fire “pg 43.
“She can be snow white” pg 94
SYMBOLISM: Refers to the use of words in such away that one thing stands for something
else. The writer uses it in showing strong feeling of bad behavior shown by a character or
showing the future events to come. Example. - That old goat (stubborn person) pg 92.
-Tree – salvation.
-Blood troubles –(die is near)
29. IMAGERY: It is an act of an author to create an imaginative picture in the mind of a reader . in
the novel the writer use imagery as she explain portray joyful and sadness situation shown by
some characters .
Examples:- “ Mr. Mark is so handsome with eyes that make me a small bird flying in the big
summer” ( madam may become happy with him) pg 100
-“poor mother who must be eating up inside their heads with worries “ children thinking
so much about their left mother) pg 98.
“I feel inside me is a big, big, empty hole (lonely situation) pg 89.
HYPERBOLE:
Is the exaggeration of the truth concerning aa certain things or person used by the writer to
convey a message intended( Kadeghe, M (2005).. In the novel madam This is Annie ,the writer
uses hyperbole in showing the extra characteristics of the character giving the message.
Example. –“ woman who sings … she wasn‟t sick and she wasn‟t old just too thin” pg 99.
-your eyes they are thick, thick, thick and red pg 99.
REPETITION:
the fact of doing or saying the same thing many times. The writer use repetition commonly in the
novel emphasis seriousness idea. Example she is very very sick pg 46) (serious sick). She was
dead, dead, dead, ..pg (exactly dead) his children are big, big, big,..pg 13 (full grown) ….tired ,
tired, …..pg 131. (Too tired) …a bad habit as Craig‟s mother a bad, a bad habit (pg 99)
PERSONIFICATION:
Is a metaphorical representation of an animal or character object as having human attributes. In
the novel the writer uses personification to call attention of read and convey message in a
particular aspects.
Example: –day and night eat you pg 37
-as tablets jump one by one pg 71)
-the weather is not so fierce. Pg 114.
30. -toothache comes backs for a short while to remind him pg 41.
-death is laughing pg 78.
SIMILE:
The situation where by a comparison of two unlike things is made using words like “as” or
“like”. In the novel simile is used in showing classification of a certain features of a person or
object in comparison with others.
Example – your house is beautiful like TV show.
- ashtray looks like a bowl of nuts pg 99.
-she looks like a little baby. (pg 77)
-she feels like a chicken born.
-Mr. Mark having blue eyes like pieces of sky (pg 99)
PROVERBS:
A well known phrase or sentence that gives advise or says something that is generally true in
particular language
. Example: -it is easy said than dance. Pg 102.
SAYING
These are popular says made by the nation of people which are mostly conducted as the truth and
used to convey or communicates certain idea..
Example- if you cannot say anything nice about somebody, don‟t say anything at all! Pg 101.
-white person is a white person. Pg 97.
IDIOM: is a group of words whose meaning is different from the meaning of the individual
words.
Example . –chase the flies away from my face(pg131).
31. THE USE OF RELATIVE PRONOUN “WHICH”
The writer Diane case decided to use his character Annie to show the negative attitude she has
to portray a certain aspects by the use of relative pronoun “which” that is always used in non-
human.
Example:- My sister in law the one which works at the hospital.
-Temba which gives me worry ( pg 63) .
-There is another woman which sleeps beside. (pg 20).
-This is your mother which your speaking to…(pg 61).
CHARACTERS AND CHARACTERIZATION.
Characters- refers to the all the qualities and features that make a person, groups of people, and
places different from others. In a literary work characters may be defined as a person or animal
in a book, play ,or film,(Hornby. (2010) Pg. 234).
-characterization-is the way that a writer makes characters in a book or play seem real. The way
in which something is described or defined. In the novel madam this is Annie the writer has used
a number of character that we have categorized into two groups namely by;
(i) Major character like Annie, madam, (Mrs. Rodgers) old goat, and Temba.
(ii) Minor character- Nomsa, Thandi, Andrew, Craig‟s mother.
Mother in-law, sisters in-law, Melisa, Botha, Mrs. Kalu, Mrs. Mandela, dr. pillar, De,-dark, bad
woman, police, chef, hotel manager, siphon, teachers; old sisi.
1. ANNIE:
-She is a main character.
-Her real name is Nombullels Nonkonya –pg 4
-She is black woman of Xhosa tribe –pg 100.
-She is a wife of old goat.
32. - A mother of three children- Thandi, Nomsa and Temba.
-She is a hard worker –pg 38,40.
She is a house girl at madams house.
-she has a true love (parental love).
-she was divorced by the old goat.
-she has little jealous to bad woman (pg 122.3)
-she has self personal common stand. (Tolerant)
-She is a Christian believer-(believe in power of prayer and reading bible)
2. MADAM:
-she is a white woman
-she is Rodgers wife (pg 07)
- A mother of two children (Andrew and Melisa)
-she is Annie‟s employer.
-her real name is Melanie.
- She is not favor of apartheid policy (pg 97)
- She was divorced by his husband (Rodgers)
-she is a kind woman.
-she is a chain smoker.
3. THE OLD –GOAT.
-He is husband to Annie and bad woman
- A father of Temba, Thandi, Nomsa and the child of bad woman
33. -he divorced Annie
-he is a drunkard man
-he is irresponsible father.
-he is polygamy.
-he is a betrayed
- He is committed to work (pg 122)
4.TEMBA:
-First son of Annie and old goat.
-he is a young political activist (pg61)
-he is stubborn child to his mother
- He dropped out from school. Life like other black. South African students
-he was assisted by his uncle to get married.pg 124)
- He is easy tempered (pg 60).
MINOR CHARACTERS.
1. CRAIGS MOTHER.
- She is a white woman
-A neighbor to madam
-She was segregate
-She like gossiping (pg 13) (101)
2. ANNIES MOTHER IN-LAW.
-She is old –goat mother
34. -She was sick and later died
-She is in favour her son to have another woman.
-She was conservative.
3. SISTERS IN LAW.
-They are old- goat sisters.
-They are against apartheid.
- One of them is working at the hospital.
-They supported old- goat to be with bad- woman.
4. ANDREW.
-He is Madam‟s son.
- He is a school boy
-He is stubborn to Annie.
5. MRS.KULLU.
-Annie‟s neighbour.
-She assisted Annie to get job at the hotel.
35. CONTENT.
The content of any literary work includes:- Kadeghe, (2005).Themes, Philosophy/Point of view,
messages, lessons and the relevance of the work.
Bellow is the analysis of the content in the novel Madam This is Annie by Dianne Case.
THEMES IN THE NOVEL MADAM, THIS IS ANNIE.
1. APARTHEID POLICY IN SOUTH AFRICA.
The former political system in south Africa in which only white people had full
political right and other people, especially black people were forced to live away from white
people, go to separate schools etc(.Hornby pg .55)
The novel reflect the last years of apartheid regime in south Africa, the writer has portrayed
number of incidence which show the differences in right to enjoy the freedom among the blacks
and whites in south Africa. Black were not allowed to walk. Black were not allowed to buy
things in some shops.
The struggle to eradicate apartheid rule is also well explained for example. Fight for the struggle
for majority rule which encouraged and people are suppose to participate (pg 26.)
The hope for majority rule is also explained because the writer says Mr. Mandela is going to be
the new government pg 13, 19 also majority rule agreement between Mandela and De- Klerk pg
119).
The apartheid policy was associated with some practices which are clearly shown in the novel.
(i). SEGREGATION.
Craig‟s mother prohibit Annie to listen to Radio in Xhosa language pg 100.
(ii). DEHUMANIZATION.
Annie‟s mother in law explain the relation which existed between black and white and black
were considered inferior and treated badly .Example in pg 18 she says “they treat us black people
like dogs.
36. (iii). OPPRESSION. Police force is addressed negatively as they use force and beat school
children pg 112.. what the riot police do to the school children and it is too, too, terrible. The
police can be quite cruel. Pg 55 “…old goat say twenty to thirty thousand are sitting in jail with
no fire no court case for saying they are in the struggle.
Page 97- yes white people are bad, you cant trust them. They will laugh with you but they tell
the government to keep you on your place and you think they are nice to you but when you turn
around they smooth you wife their gun.
Police normally harass and kick people , this is described in (pg 8 )the third paragraph
“..never mind if you were a woman and even if you were pregnant. They will bit you”.
2: ROLE OF PARENTS:
The writer had used Annie‟s family to explain the role of parents. To their children example
parents are considered to be the modal, to give good example to their children (pg 30) when
Annie describes that her parents never quarreled in front of kids. The writer also used parents to
support children in all aspect and work hard to give them their basic needs (pg 38)- Annie had to
work hard to meet expenses of growing children.
Also father and mother are all responsible in upbringing the children (pg 62) “Temba should
be instructed by his father”.
3: CONFLCT:
Serious disagreement or argument about events or ideas, Hornbry, (2010pg.304) Examples.
Personal conflict:-
(i). This happens when Annie was thinking a lot of things, but no one to share with her ideas,
thus she didn‟t sleep last night as she wished of she had some one to talk with and express her
troubles‟. “ it is not so bad especially when you hear your self telling your problem to somebody.
As you talk that sadness is not so sad any more and ever when you fell me what you are going to
do it looks like you fell better (pg 69).
37. (ii). Mrs. Rodgers also had personal conflict, she was divorced (pg.99), Annie describes the
situation ,when she found Madam listening music and drinking too much. “you will tell me if
you want pg 100.
(iii). Annie‟s husband, the old goat inner conflicts –as he is feeling loneliness due to the
catastrophes surrounding him as he don‟t know how he feels but it is not a good feeling, he
decide to blow his nose hard and yes there are still tears coming into his eyes he doesn‟t know
what to say and what to do at what time he says “I feel like some one hit me hard on my head
and kicked me hard in my stomach and want to vomit” pg 66.
Interpersonal conflict.
(i).Annie and Temba.
When Temba started to participate in political affairs Annie was not in favour but in one of the
incident to left pg 61. When Annie was away at night to work at the hotel, Temba did not agree
with the situation and he told his mother.
(ii).Annie‟s conflict with her sister in law.
This happens when Annie feels disappointed and sees life becoming very cruel for her due to his
sadness caused by her mother in law as she say “ when I speak to my mother in law she makes
me angry (pg 71) she also refuses to talk with her sister in law. I will never speak to her again
never, never ,never.(pg 71).
4: MARRIAGE:
A legal relationship between a husband and wife. A ceremony in which two people become
husband and wife. In the novel Madam This is Annie marriage is portrayed as important element
in forming a family and up bring the new generation “ all my life I had only the man that old
goat he took me from my fathers house” “yes he is the father of my children and I don‟t know if
I will ever want another man” (pg 36).
Temba‟s uncles also tells us about marriage when Temba wanted to have wife (pg 105) .” yes
Temba he‟s big now and what to take a wife for herself…”(pg 121) “ yes ,it will be so good for
me to go back to Pedi to my fathers house to see my son getting marred and to talk to people I
have forgotten.
38. 5: DIVORCE:
The legal ending of a marriage separation, the ending of a relationship between husband and
wife.(pg 102) describe Mrs. Rodger divorce (madam) when Annie send …your divorce is on and
it is your husband who is divorcing you and you start crying. (Pg 86) describe Annie‟s divorce.
The divorce is over look at this letter … that old goat a free man and me? I have no husband.
6: TRADITIONAL MEDICINE –HERBS:
The writer also portrayed the use of herbs as an alternative way for treatment, but in the novel
Annie‟s mother in-law was not ready to accept either of the treatment as she refused to go to
hospital. In( pg 41) the writer tell us the use of cloves to treat teeth. Also (pg 77) when Annie
says “…. A woman who can give her mother in-law a good herbs to mix it with a boiling water”
traditionally herbs are used for treatment of varieties of diseases in many African societies.
7: BELIEVES:
The writer of the novel Madam This Annie has also described the questions of belief in
number of ways, in the first way she describe the superstation beliefs in (pg 77) when Annie was
reflecting and explaining to Madam the sickness of her mother in-law “ may be it is a dirt which
somebody send to her make like that”
In the second way the writer has used Annie to belief in Bible and power of prayer. She
believed that in reading Bible and praying she is communicating to God and she may be assisted
in her problems (pg 98) “ to night when I read my bible I will ask the God to look for them and
give the back to their families and hope that they are not seriously hurt already”.
8: LOVE.
In the novel madam this is Annie the idea of love is well described, the writer portray the issue
of love in its two categories, namely. I) Romantic love.
ii) Parental love.
39. Romantic love:
Is concerned or connected wife love or sexual relationship, example Annie was talking with
Madam pg 35, she says “ . A woman must be a little fat that is womanly and the men like it. Also
in pg 100 we exposed to romantic love when Annie says “ Mr. Mark tells me he is taking you out
for a little bit and he takes you in your bedroom to get undressed but it is not my business. Also
(pg 115 and 117) clearly give more example on how Diane case wanted to describe the issue of
romantic love.
Parental love.
Shown by the main character Annie when she heard that her son Temba is no where to be seen
everywhere, she decided to get ice, cold and lie on the bed undressed, and no need of blanket to
mourn about her son (pg70) also when Annie portraying that “ Temba can stay home safely kept
away from troubles” pg 60.
Again it was portrayed by Temba‟s sister in- law when she herd that Temba wants to engage in
politics, she refuses him to engage in politics as he is still young and where he will be caught by
police who used to drive the big casspirs the family will not see him again “ Temba is too small
to be in politics” (pg 62)
9. POVERTY:
The state or condition of being unable to get the basic needs. The writer has portrayed the
problem of poverty especially for the blacks they were not empowered to utilize the resources
found in South Africa due to apartheid policy. Example people like, Annie old woman sisi (pg
131) were given items to support their family. Also in pg 24 where Annie and Temba were back
home during the stay away day we see Temba sat up from his mattress on the flour, this indicate
they had no bed. Also Annie wanted to have some items, she had to borrow items example TV
then pay on in monthly instatement , this indicate she was living poor life.
10.CORUPTION:
Another problem describe by Dianne case in his work Madam This is Annie is the question of
corruption ,literary corruption refers to misuse of power or public fund for person gain in the
novel police are portrayed great participants in corruption when the writer says “ shame”
40. sometimes some people who had a little bit of money offered it to the Bantu affairs people to
leave than alone well they took the money but did not stop the next van from taking them away.
Also the court system practiced corruption when the writer portrays “……then there was a
big ,big court case just like murderess and thief‟s in the court .if you had the money for
admission of guilt the you paid it ….sit in jail until somebody found the money somewhere and
come to fetch you.
11. JELOUSY.
Author described the issue of jalousie by using Annie when the Old goat decide to have another
woman (pg 36). “yes ,there are some times at night when I wake up and my body is burning for
that old goat, but I don‟t want him back. No, not after he tested the meat of another woman.
Also (pg 77) describes jealousy when Annie say “Madam, I find that I don‟t hate her as
thought I used to but I cannot look at the old goat because he is the one –ye he is the one” . pg
122 and 129 also describe Annie feeling to another woman and the way old goat has forgotten
his family and he don‟t send money to support his children .”….he will never have the money
because his wife takes all his money”. Another is evidence of Annie jealous is indicated in (pg
107) “yes, I think of that time and I am very, very jealous of that woman and very sore in my
heart today just because ….another baby”
12. POSITION OF WOMAN IN THE SOCIETY.
This entails the way the society views a woman.
Hardworking people in the society, the writer describes Annie over worked her body ,so
that she can feed the family .She worked in madams house and also in the hotel as extra
job.
A woman has a true love to her husband, in the novel woman are described to be faithful
to their husband they had not been the source of divorce , though she was abandoned by
the old she still says ,” may be one day when he gets old and sick that bad woman will
throw him away and then I will look after him because he is still my husband ( pg. 36).
41. A woman is being described as a close care taker of the family ,Annie had to work hard
to ensure that the family would not die of hunger, her three children, Temba , Nomsa, and
Thandi and her mother in- law ,all these people depended Annie for everything.
Woman is being described as a foresighted person Annie‟s mother in law advised Annie
to look for a job to rescue the family. Also Annie herself saw the necessity to of having a
job the looked far for the well being of the family.
A woman is also described as a very tolerated and patient person in the society. Madam
(Annie‟s employer) was divorced by her husband (Rodgers) also Annie was divorced by
her old goat but they did not abandon their families especially the children despite the
hardship these women faced. Annie tolerated all the pain of missing her husband and the
pain of working the whole day “I must tell the truth the work is hard and my back
complains” ( pg 38).
13.POLYGAMISM.
Is the custom of having more than one wife? This custom has been very vividly portrayed in the
novel “Madam This is Annie. Shown by Temba‟s father when he decide to look for another wife
and neglect his former one starving alone. He has decided to live with another woman but where
is his father? Yes he is with that bad woman (pg 61)
The story teller introduced us to Annie speaking of her husband (whom she refereed to as old
goat) she says, “I says to him how many ...Babies is he and that young wife of his going to have
“ pg 106)
14. POLITICAL AFFAIRS POLITICAL ACTIVITIES.
In the novel Madam This is Annie‟s politics is prominently discussed , people talk of their
rights, the incoming leadership and the hope they have for the coming of the black government
or the government led by blacks.
Your referendum was yes, but the people in the location are not happy at all ( pg 29), this
shows people need new leadership, though not being given freedom ,they need majority
rule.
42. Also the writer goes on telling us through the action of Temba, whom his mother (Annie)
tells that the boy is chasing politics, fighting for his country. (Pg 60).
The black people had put their hopes on some prominent figures like Mandela (Madiba) “
the day will come when Madiba will be the government in this country “ Mr. Mandela,
Madiba, he is a gentlemen.
Also some of the people lost their lives during apartheid, political struggle in south
Africa, the front line people like Steve Biko got killed by the white regime “look what
they did to Steve Biko and he was a good man” (pg 112).
The white coloroud minority were not pleased of handling the leadership to the black, i.e.
they are not ready to be led by black leader , killing of Steve Biko proves to us that the
whites were so reluctant to allow black regime into leadership of South Africa
15. BETRAYAL. Hornbry, (2010 pg.126).This is hurting somebody who trust on you or on
another person by not being loyal or faithful to him her .
The character have shown lack of loyalty to their fellows in the novel Madam This is
Annie
Mr. Rodgers is not loyal to his wife (Madam) he divorces his wife because of another
woman “ must be he has another woman “( pg 20)
Also the clear evidence is that men who have external love affairs will fight their woman
at home to find the reason why they are with other woman ,or to justify their external
love affairs by showing weakness their wives have. “a man always fights in his house
when there is another woman which he sleeps beside “ (pg 20 )
Old dog has not been loyal to his children and wife, by not sending any money home to
sustain the family basic needs he cliental to another woman. Annie complains that the old
goat has abandoned the family, something which is not loyal to marriage conduct she
says “ after he tested the meat of another woman” (pg 36), he has forgotten his family
completely.
43. 16. FAMILY IRRESPONSIBILITY
Portrayed by Temba‟s‟ father who tends to extend that he is not his son. Temba then lacks
special care so as to be a good man being taught how to care his wife the coming days and also
how to fight for his country as his fellow Andrew is picked to go and fight for the border. (Pg 61)
He does not also teach his son to be a man instead he think woman can do so but it is vice-versa
“ A woman can not teach a big boy to be a man” (pg 61).
17. LACK OF HEALTH CARE IGNORANCE.
This theme has being portrayed by character sisi when she was sick with blood coming out of her
nose, ears, and eyes, she never consulted or dared to go to hospital until the last time when now
she realizes to go to hospital it was too late and when the blood stopped “ it was over for that
poor sisi she was dead leaving some very small children with no care “ (pg 64).
18. SEXUAL SATISFACTIONS IN MARRIAGE.
Portrayed by Annie when she sacrifice her self to her man as she says “when I have something
and somebody wants what I have then I rather give it to that person because it will not make me
happy to sit with something which is mine and that person wants it yes, it will not be pleasure for
me any more”(pg 81).
Also we get another evidence in (pg 53) ,Annie says “He takes off his trousers and get into the
bed next to me and then something happens, I don‟t know how it happens but it happens. And I
think it was good for him to be back with his wife and it was good for me, we didn‟t talk not one
word and I didn‟t fight it.
POINT OF VIEW.
Dianne case has used interior monologue where by she presented of the views other characters
who she considered to bring the message to the readers, through the use of first person singer “1”
the philosophical point of views of Dianne case show that she wanted to show the experience and
changes in family life especially on woman side and their roles. Also she tired to show how
government is responsible in well fare of the majority where by the government employs bad
policies that affect direct the families especially children as in the apartheid policy where most
black Africans children left schools due to that policy.
44. RELEVANCE OF THE NOVEL TO TANZANIAN SOCIETIES:
The novel MADAM THIS IS ANNIE portrays number of issues which are relevant to Tanzanian
and whole world at large. Being set in South Africa during the last years of apartheid regime in
south Africa where racial segregation, oppression, dehumanization was the common practice of a
day to day life, there are many countries in the world where such practice exist even today
(2011) In Tanzanian with privatization, where foreign investors have invested in number of
sectors, there exist a problem of racial segregation and oppression to blacks who are working in
this industries/sectors. Racism in employment is a problem.
Also Diane case exposes the role of parents as a central point to mould young to be useful
members in the society. Many parents are trying to perform their role, as guardian, advisers,
protection to children and the role model to the future generation
The writer has also described the issue of corruption in Tanzania and in many countries in the
world the problem of corruption is serious and helps in undermining human right and is
drawbacks to true independence and sustainable development.
The problem of divorce is persistence in the recent past and is more serious presently, many
families in Tanzania disintegrate because of number of reasons but more commonly men
authority to make decision on matters concerning family has fostered the issue of divorce in
many families.
Also majority participation in matters concerning the welfare of the group is very significant as
we are told that with agreement between De-clerk and Nelson Mandela and the involvement of
majority black. South Africa in enjoying the true independence and the resources found in their
country the policy of apartheid was brought to an end. Tanzania participate in meeting at local
level, but through representative democracy (local government and parliament) national matters
are discussed.
Political awareness among young is well described in the novel. Many Tanzanian young are
aware about political issues and they are participating in political rallies.
45. Most fathers in many Tanzanian families neglect their role as fathers to take care of the
children; they left the role to mothers and other relatives something which result to moral decay
and street children.
LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM THE NOVEL.
Dianne case in her work MADAM, THIS IS ANNIE teaches her reader many lessons.
1. She teaches her readers parents should work together for the prosperity of the family.
2. It is important to work hard and be committed to what one has decided.
3. Also we are taught that our difference should not be barriers to support each other in
matters with mutual benefit.
4. We also learn that as human being we make mistake in everyday life. We as suppose to
apologies. Example Annie‟s mother –in-law asked for apology to Annie the way she
handled to Old goat.
5. The government should not force and use violence in implementing its policies and
programmers.
46. REFERENCES.
Case, D (1996). Madam This is Annie. Oxford: Macmillan Publishers Ltd.).
Hornbry, A.S. (2010) Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary: Oxford University Press
Kadeghe, M (2005). Literature Textbook for Advance Level. Dar es Salaam: Afro plus
Industries Ltd.
Killam, D. (2004). Literature of Africa. United States of America: Greenwood Publishing
Group, Inc.
You can communicate with the writer of this work through email balohhonada@yahoo.com
NADA SILLO BALOHHO
MARCH 2013
AYATSEA-BABATI-MANYARA-TANZANIA.
