Task 3---> Themes: Poverty

*We chose to use the scene in which Tsotsi follows the old man in the wheelchair to the open space under the bridge.

Characterization:

The old man presents himself as being overtly confident and unafraid, while he is in fact completely at the mercy of Tsotsi's better judgement. The man uses this mask of false confidence to compensate for the fear he is experiencing at the prospect of being robbed or killed. The theme of poverty is evident in the fact that the man has no home to keep him safe, and is therefore at the mercy of not only the elements, but also the night-life of his chosen area of temporary residence. The fact that he is poor has thus forced him to adopt a different, fiercer, character than he might have had if he was not poor and disabled. Tsotsi also has an apparent motive to rob the old man, because he himself is perceived to be poor by the way he dresses and where he lives.

Setting:

The setting of the scene is under a bridge in an area that looks largely uninhabited and, more importantly, uninhabitable. This shows us that the man has reached such a level of poverty that he now has to either find a new, temporary, residence every night of his life, or that he returns to this same place because he has found it to be safe enough. The desolate setting also indicates that no one that did not have extreme need would be at this location at that time of night.

Costuming:

The old man is dressed in what looks like ragged clothing, generally worn by people who do not have much else to wear. His clothes are black, and this creates a sense that they may be dirty and unwashed. Tsotsi's costume is also dark, and unremarkable. The combination of these colours brings forth the theme of poverty quite well.

A pearl of wisdom from the incredible islet that is...Sparzibar