1. Symbolism:
* The wall: This central symbol represents the growing divide between races in South Africa. It starts as a protective measure but becomes increasingly isolating and oppressive, mirroring the apartheid regime's policies.
* The barbed wire: This signifies the danger and fear that permeate the lives of the characters and their community. It represents the physical and psychological barriers erected by fear.
* The dog: This acts as a symbol of the increasing militarization and violence of the society. Its presence and aggression are seen as a necessary defense against perceived threats, even though the threats may be imagined or exaggerated.
* The "once upon a time" opening: This fairytale-like beginning creates a sense of irony and disillusionment, as the story unfolds with a brutal reality far removed from the traditional happy endings of fairy tales.
2. Irony:
* Situational irony: The story opens with the family taking precautions against "the others," only to find themselves trapped by their own fears and paranoia. The measures taken to protect themselves ultimately lead to their downfall.
* Dramatic irony: The reader is aware of the true threat to the family, but they are oblivious, focusing on imagined enemies. This creates a tension and sense of unease.
3. Imagery:
* Visual imagery: The story is full of vivid descriptions of the wall, the barbed wire, and the dog, creating a tangible and unsettling atmosphere.
* Auditory imagery: The sound of the dog barking, the sounds of the family's fear and paranoia contribute to the suspenseful mood.
4. Foreshadowing:
* The opening line ("Once upon a time, there was a town...") hints at the tragic ending. The fairytale setting sets up the expectation of a happy resolution, which is then subverted by the events that follow.
* The family's increasing paranoia and the escalation of security measures foreshadow the tragic conclusion.
5. Theme:
* Fear and paranoia: The story explores the destructive consequences of fear and how it can lead to self-imposed isolation and violence.
* The nature of prejudice and discrimination: The family's prejudice against "the others" is a reflection of the larger social and political context of apartheid. The story shows how discrimination can dehumanize both the victim and the perpetrator.
* The loss of innocence: The family's journey from a state of relative security to their eventual demise shows the loss of innocence in a society plagued by fear and violence.
6. Tone:
* Suspenseful and ominous: The story's use of imagery, symbolism, and foreshadowing creates a sense of unease and dread throughout.
* Satirical: The tale subtly mocks the absurdity and futility of the family's actions, highlighting the irrationality of their fears.
7. Structure:
* The story's structure is simple yet effective. It follows a chronological order, beginning with the family's initial security measures and culminating in the tragic consequences of their actions. This linear structure allows the reader to witness the gradual escalation of the situation and the increasing sense of dread.
By utilizing these literary devices, Nadine Gordimer crafts a powerful and thought-provoking story that critiques the destructive effects of fear, prejudice, and violence in a society fractured by racial division.