1. Historical Setting:
- The story takes place in South Africa during the apartheid era.
- It highlights the social and political context of the country during a period of racial segregation and oppression.
2. Narrative Structure:
- The book follows a nonlinear narrative structure.
- Delius uses flashbacks, memories, and fragmented accounts to piece together the story.
3. Main Character:
- The protagonist is a young boy named David, who is deaf.
- He represents the marginalized voices in society and highlights the struggles of individuals with disabilities.
4. Deaf Community:
- The story features the deaf community and its unique culture, experiences, and challenges.
- Delius portrays the isolation and discrimination faced by the deaf community in a hearing-dominated world.
5. Language:
- Delius experiments with language and uses fragmented sentences to reflect the protagonist's deafness.
- He plays with silence, sound, and the absence of speech to convey emotions and thoughts.
6. Coming of Age:
- The book follows David's journey as he navigates adolescence, discovering himself and his place in society.
- It explores themes of identity, family, friendship, and love.
7. Social and Political Commentary:
- Delius uses the protagonist's deafness as a metaphor for the silencing and oppression of marginalized groups under apartheid.
- He critiques social injustice and the dehumanizing effects of discrimination.
8. Symbolism and Allegory:
- The book is rich in symbolism and allegorical elements.
- Delius uses various objects, characters, and events to symbolize larger socio-political issues.
9. Cultural Identity:
- It addresses issues of cultural hybridity and the tensions between different cultural practices.
- The protagonist struggles with his identity as an Afrikaner with British roots, reflecting the complex cultural landscape of South Africa.
10. Sensory Experience:
- Delius pays close attention to sensory experiences, describing the world through the perspectives of sight, touch, and taste.
- He constructs scenes that engage the senses and transport the reader into David's world.
"Deaf-and-Dumb-School" offers a unique and thought-provoking exploration of disability, social injustice, and the human experience in a racially tense and discriminatory society.