Character Analyses
Boston:
Miriam to baby, with Tsotsi replying 'Every man has a real name, from his mother.' Boston to Tsotsi 'Decency, do u know that word?' 'decency means making a f.cking decent living, sonny' Fela 'If i take him back can I still come here?' Tsotsi 'He went to work one day and never came back' Miriam. When Miriam tries to name him, Tsotsi corrects her: ‘His name is David.’ His redemption is through this child, and so he gives him the name he forgot. When Miriam asks why he is going to keep David: He threw back his head, and she saw the shine of desperation on his forehead as he struggled with that one mighty word. Why, why was he? Unlike Tsotsi, Miriam has overcome the poor hand life has dealt her with a determined and persistent love. She makes ends meet as a seamstress, and finds joy in her artistic endeavors, but is driven by the unconditional love for her child.
Boston is one of the four members in Tsotsi’s gang. He is understood to be the most civilized of the group. Boston is also the only gang member who is opposed to violence and murder, as we see when he becomes sick after the murder of Gumboot. Boston blames this on the fact that he has a soul and tries to make Tsotsi understand how he feels for their victims. Boston’s main problem is his curiosity he tends to ask too many questions which led to his demise with Tsotsi. Later on in the novel Tsotsi comes to the realization that he truly needs Boston. Tsotsi becomes a hypocrite of sorts when he saves Boston in order to ask him questions when earlier Tsotsi himself beat Boston close to death for asking questions. Boston’s compassionate and gentle outlook on life is one of many catalysts for the gradual change in Tsotsi character.
Morris:
When Tsotsi decides to head to the city in order to find the next victim he stumbles upon a man named Morris Tshabalala. Morris is a man who has lost his legs and carries himself around all day on his hands. Through the horrific event that took his legs Morris has also lost the love of life, he no longer appreciates life as he used to. As Tsotsi stalks Morris down the dark alleys ways, Morris begins to realize that his life may come to an end shortly. The near death experience allows Morris to realize that he still loves life, that if he dies here tonight in this dark alley he will never get the chance to see the falling of rain, or the warm cobbled streets on his bare hands. Tsotsi’s starts to pity this small crippled man as he lurks him in the alleys, eventually when he confronts Morris he decides to spare his life. Morris’s new perspective that life is beautiful rubs off on Tsotsi and Tsotsi realizes that he no longer wants to kill anymore. Through the interaction with Morris, Tsotsi learns to view life as special and unique and Morris leaves Tsotsi with one final word; that all mothers love their children.
Butcher:
Butcher is viewed as the most important member of the gang when it comes to killing and robbing people. He has a very accurate attack, and because of this, he never misses. The killing and robbing of Gumboot was made easy by Butcher; he was able to attack, weaken and eventually kill Gumboot extremely fast. Butcher also raped Rosie with help from Die Aap. Butcher and Die Aap are the closest out of the group, they are very coordinated in their thinking and their actions
Dia Aap:
Die Aap is an Afrikaner word that translates into “Monkey”. He is given this name based solely upon his appearance. He has extensive arms and he is stronger than the rest of the boys. The three other members of the gang see him as a threat. Although he is older than Tsotsi; he views Tsotsi as a role model. Tsotsi knows this but he is sometimes frightened by Die Aap. Die Aap is a very loyal person. When Tsotsi splits up the gang, Die Aap becomes very upset because he feels as if they are his brothers.
Miriam:
Miriam is a random girl that Tsotsi meets but he forces her to come help take care of the baby. He gets her to breast feed it. Once she is there and is helping the baby she tries to convince Tsotsi to give her the baby to take care of because she doesn’t believe a thug is a good father for the baby. Tsotsi refuses though because he needs the baby. Miriam relates to mother Mary form the bible because she is a caring, innocent, mothering character.
The Baby:
The baby is given to Tsotsi in the beginning of the novel by a woman during a robbery. Tsotsi keeps the baby for the remainder of the book and soon it represents his innocents from his past and helps him to care about and value human life. The baby is not a main character in the story but it is one of the most important. When Tsotsi names it David he realizes that he has to keep his it alive in order for himself to become David instead of Tsotsi.
Tsotsi:
Throughout the novel we see an evolution of Tsotsis’ character from a hard uncaring individual to a man with an understanding much greater than that of an average man. In the early stages Tsotsi demonstrates his hard uncaring shell when he jumps on the train killing Gumboot for no reason other than the color of his tie, his smile, and the money he carried with him. As innocent man dead. But underneath all that is a man who is scared of what caring could do to him. Tsotsi carries fear, a fear of the past and the pain such memories could bring him. He cannot begin to care for others as he refuses to admit feelings himself. But as Tsotsi begins to stalk Morris an element of curiosity arises within him. A will to know the events of the past. He is a driven man and once he has his sights set on something nothing will hold him back. As Tsotsi begins to learn of his past this is where we see the change. Tsotsi develops an element of compassion. He sympathizes with his victims- first Morris and later Boston. AS well we see Tsotsi to be patient as he stalks Morris.
Tsotsi Miriam Smith
Isaiah:
We only see Isaiah as the book comes to a close in the final chapter of the book but he plays a pivotal role in the Tsotsi quest for God and ultimately redemption. He is a symbol as a figure in Christianity, a prophet, being a link to God. He is communicating through Isaiah t Tsotsi showing there is still a chance for redemption. He is kind and obedient as shown by his work in the garden.
Tsotsi Miriam In The Bible
Character Analysis
Tsotsi Character Analysis
Our initial impression of Tsotsi would be that he is ruthless man who isolates himself emotionally. He doesn’t talk about his current state of mind, collaborative his thoughts with others or reminisce of his past. The only form of communication to others is when he commands his gang members to carry out a specific action. Tsotsi lives by three rules: 1- working in the moment, 2-never think about his past and 3- not tolerating any kind of questions. Regimenting himself so strictly enables him to only look out for his best self-interest, this is what brings Tsotsi to being the leader of his gang as he is the youngest in age out of the other thee members. Handpicking his victims for his next murder case is solely based upon his agitation level. The death of Gumboot was because of thee reason: he smiled too much and looked too happy, his tie reminded him of his own childhood and he had money. Gumboot was living a happy fulfilling life, one that isn’t seen in the township that he lives in. Tsotsi believes that by following these three principles is his sense of personal protection, by isolating himself from risks of learning about his pasts is the safest choice of living.
After targeting Morris, the man who had lost both of his legs Tsotsi has redeveloped a major emotion: compassion. After targeting Morris and stalking him Tsotsi is able to relate Morris to his old yellow dog as they have both lost their use of legs. This memory had triggered the sense of sympathy towards Morris, being how powerless and helpless he is. This emotion becomes summoned because through his childhood, he watched his father break his dogs back. However he was unable to help his dog out y his father’s rage and seeing eventually his dog dying had brought Tsotsi to be powerless with the desperate want to fix things. Having the same emotions towards Morris brings the first time ever Tsotsi has developed emotions towards anyone else. Ultimately through these emotions this also marks the first time Tsotsi decided not to kill his targeted victim. Showing that he is able to control himself over his impulses by making decisions over them. This is the start of his journey of gaining self-decency as he regains a sense of humanity and discovering more about his past.
In the flashback of his childhood of when he was ten years old -a time when David Madondo was all that existed-Tsotsi reveals his innocence. As a child, Tsotsi was very energetic, obedient and happy. He didn’t have anything to fear at this point, he was full of life and appreciating everything there was to offer. Tsotsi was very timid as well -never speaking out of term and always looking for his mother’s approval for answers-. He grew up in the township, having porridge for supper and sharing a single blanket with his mother for warmth: a typical family from poverty. Losing his mother to the police raid, having the disproval of his own grandmother then his built-up image of his father after killing his dog being shattered- he fled his house. Tsotsi took away the fact that you cannot put your trust in other people; you must be self-sufficient to make progression. After leaving his first gang, the river gang he learnt the basis of survival where, again you need to look after yourself first and foremost. He learnt that emotions are what weaken you as well, and becoming weak will make you more vulnerable to death. In order to survive he had to lock up his emotions and rely and trust only himself. This set the stage for current-day Tsotsi as he became so focused on survival, he detached himself from humanity; carrying no reason to live aside from surviving as long as possible.
Being directed by Boston, Tsotsi ended up in front of “The Church of Christ the Dreamer” in pursuit of finding answers for him. By looking for answers from God, Tsotsi is seeking guidance by an external source; he is breaking down his walls of isolation. Tsotsi has finally realized that he doesn’t just have to life on survival mode: he is able to embrace his life and live out who he actually is. “He [God] has got something to do with me,” Tsotsi is admitting to having a connection with God. Being connected to a higher power, he is surrendering his superiority of being the leader and knowing what to do and when. Tsotsi believes that through connecting to God he will be closer to discovering himself as a whole and will ultimately help him reclaim his former life.
In the end, we can conclude that Tsotsi has developed integrity. This is seen when he dives into the crumbling ruins to reach the hiding place of his baby. Just before running out the door, his final conversation with Miriam concludes to dropping his identity of being a “tsotsi” and reclaiming his former life as David Madondo. Knowing that he isn’t going to be coming back alive gives him the strength to admit the identity of how he wants to be remembered: self-sacrificing, morally just man. Tsotsi has been able to break out of his “isolated shell” when he sacrifices his life by crushing himself under the fallen ruins to go after the baby. Tsotsi has been able to connect the baby as him; by going back into the ruins to save the baby, he really is saving himself. Although Tsotsi is in a nineteen-year old boy, he is still mentally occupying a ten-year old brain. After revealing his body and seeing a smile pasted on his face shows that Tsotsi is satisfied with his sacrifice. He realized he found his destination of who he is, and has grown into who he was supposed to become.
Tsotsi Miriam
Die Aap
Nicked from his long arms resembling an ape, Die Aap is one of the members in Tsotsi’s gang. He is a very intent listener rather than speaker. Die Aap doesn’t occupy any kind of a job, rather his life consists of drinking, gangs activities: obeying and conducting the orders from Tsotsi. He accepts the life he has, he doesn’t try to challenge Tsotsi’s authority or break free from his state of black oppression.
He resembles the stereotypical male black South African during the time of South Africans apartheid: no purpose for life, no goals or dreams.
Butcher
Butcher has the similar build as Tsotsi: lithe bone supply however he had unpredictable eyes and an unnerving lower lip. He was also a listener, however he became very agitated with long explanations or stories. He spoke very minimal, topping it off at a maximum of ten words. He is also apart of Tsotsi’s gang. He never question’s Tsotsi’s motives, rather he supports him and enforces what’s tolds.
Similar to Die Aap, he resembles the lifestyle of a black man in South Africa during their apartheid: jobless and caught up in drinking and participates in gang violence.
Miriam
Miriam is an eighteen-year old with a six month old baby, Simon; named after her husband. She is a civilian of the Johannesburg Township as she never acts out of line or goes against authority. However she was guilty on holding onto the hope that her husband will return home after eight months. She was afraid of facing reality, of resuming a life without him. She is connected to Tsotsi as she is the provider of milk for his baby.
Miriam had taught Tsotsi the unconditional love between a mother and their child. After coming to terms with herself that her husband will never come back, that he was robbed of his life by the police, she was able to teach Tsotsi that he has to let go of the past. She also became his rock or constant. Tstosi would come back to her for help, confess to her about his true identity, and to talk to. She was seen as a nurturer for his baby through bathing, feeding and ensuring that he was happy.
Morris
Tsotsi Miriam's Shack
Morris is an elder man who had lost his legs from a mineshaft collapse; he uses his arms as his method of transportation. He is not afraid of others or living his life. Morris became a very self-reliant and self-dependable man, as he doesn’t have anyone else to lean against, only himself. Despite his inabilities he is very optimistic and is able to make the most out of his situation by appreciating the fact that he still is living. He is able to see and enjoy all the beautiful features to earth. Morris is also a wise man; he knows that he has reached the highest point in his life; all he can do is enjoy himself and be grateful for his life that he still has. He was a target of Tsotsi’s as he had planned on killing him as he found Morris to be a disgrace to society. Totsi had stalked and observed Morris and eventually had encountered him.
Confronting Morris, Tsotsi learned the raw willingness to living; and that there is more to life than was you can physically see. Morris showed Tsotsi how to appreciate the gifts given to just living on the earth. Unable to steal his life away from Morris, he became the first victim that Tsotsi has not murdered. Morris had also uncovered the childhood memory of Tsotsi’s crippled yellow dog as they both didn’t have useful legs. This memory had struck Tsotsi as he had realized that this was the “final reality” in life, which was held in the purest form. This marked the first time that Tsotsi had actually felt emotions (compassion) towards others. Allowing Morris to continue living, he became his first target that he has never killed. This also helped in showing Tsotsi that there are choices in life, life isn’t carved in stone you can always make changes.
Boston
Boston is very curious and knowledgeable, as he constantly seeks for answers and asks questions because he doesn’t accept what he was given. Known as being the smart one, Boston is always telling stories as well. However he is seen as the weakest link in Tsotsi’s gang by asking all the questions. Formerly, he had enrolled into university, however by raping a girl he got expelled. Boston did hold visions of his future. He had dreams of actually living his life. Unfortunately he too has become victimized into the apartheid stereotype as a black male by being jobless, constantly drinking alcohol and really having no purpose for life.
Boston’s questions helps to unlock Tsotsi’s past. After accusing Tsotsi of having no decency, Boston actually initiates the spark for Tsotsi’s unconscious pursuit of finding his true identity and bringing on s form of decency. Although Boston knows that it is too late to accomplish what he wants to do in the end, he encourages Tsotsi to embrace his new, changed self. Boston also helps guide Tsotsi in going to the church and finding God.
Isaiah
He was the church bell boy. Although being an older man, he is treating as a little boy by the white workers there. He is seen as being a “uncaring” and irresponsible as he doesn’t seek out the detail and perfection in his work. Isaiah was the one who had told Tsotsi about God and Jesus when he had stopped outside “The Church of Christ the Dreamer”, and answering al the questions asked by Tsotsi.
Isaiah symbolizes the role of Christianity: welcoming everybody and spreading God’s word. He also brings the education to Tsotsi that the former gang actions he had done –thefts, murders- re actually sins but they can always be forgiven. Isaiah juxtaposes the bible: Isaiah the prophet.
The Baby
Tsotsi had snatched the baby from his fleeing mother after hearing his cries inside a shoebox. The baby is a newborn infant and presented life’s form in being the most vulnerable and dependable. The baby ran into many near-death situations under Tsotsi’s care. This baby brought on accountability towards Tsotsi as he had to constantly change, feed and meet the baby’s demands. In the end, Tsotsi names the baby David, after himself.
The baby, in its purest state of life helped bring clarity to Tsotsi. He had uncovered flashbacks of his own childhood, experiencing this the first time he ended up one of his three rules: never ask question. The baby had initiated the curiosity inside of Tsotsi as he had become thirsty in needing the knowledge and answers in discovering his past. The baby’s ability in uncovering the past to Tsotsi helped form his identity and brought back his willingness to living life again. The baby acts as a catalyst towards Tsotsi’s self-discovery by unlicking his childhood, he can form his identity as a person. Ultimately we come to the understanding that Tsotsi is the baby,-although he is inside a nineteen-year old body, he only has knowledge of a ten year old-. In the end, he is not only saving the baby from dying, but he is also saving himself.