Too Late the Phalarope: An Online Discussion

Too Late the PhalaropeAs announced a number of weeks ago, my post today is intended to initiate a discussion of Alan Paton’s novel Too Late the Phalarope. I hope you made time to read it and now understand why it’s on my favorites list!

Biographical details about the author can be found on a number of websites, including here and here.

By way of introducing this discussion, I suggest that the major themes of the novel are justice, repentance, and mercy. Pieter van Vlaanderen’s story demonstrates how the actions of one man can destroy many; but also how, as the young dominee preaches in his first sermon, “a man might turn again, taking his part again in God’s plan for the world, so that through a man, himself healed and refreshed, might flow a stream of living water to refresh us all, his home, his church, his town, his people, and the world” (chapter 10).

I encourage you to respond by posting a comment or series of comments. Interact with others, if you like. Since there are a few editions out there, use chapter numbers rather than page numbers if you need to reference a specific scene. The following questions are meant to stimulate conversation, but don’t feel obligated to respond to all or any of them! (If you do, please indicate which question you’re answering.) Even if your comment is brief, please describe your overall response to the book. I’ll be checking in throughout the day. Can’t wait to read your comments!

Questions to get you started:

1) Most of the characters seem to view Pieter as noble, yet he has a tortured soul—long before he gives in to what tempts him. What does he feel so guilty about? Describe the power of guilt before and after his offense.

2) Pieter struggles with his depression and temptation for a long time before he decides to give in to the “black mood.” What is that turning point for him?

3) Pieter is responsible for his actions, but Tante Sophie also blames herself more than once. Why does she hold herself responsible? Should she? Who else might legitimately deserve some blame and why?

4) Discuss how nature is used symbolically. For example, Pieter’s father is described as a lion several times—why? Stephanie is described as a “tigress for the child”—what does Paton mean? How do the storms, the sound of wind in the trees, the boat ride near the waterfall, etc., advance the narrative?

5) What is the significance of the phalarope?

6) At various points Pieter almost unburdens himself to Kappie, the young dominee, and the captain. What is it about each of them in particular that draws him to them? Why does he ultimately not admit to them his terror and ask for their help?

7) In chapter 32, Pieter trembles “with the secret knowledge of the abject creature that was himself,” and, later, finds himself “in a sad tormented company.” What does the narrative say about human depravity?

8) Several times the narrator refers to the Scripture, “ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened.” Pieter cries out repeatedly to God for mercy—both before he commits the offense and after. Does he receive it? If so, in what way?

9) In what other ways are Scripture references and biblical language used?

10) Discuss the difference between penitence and brokenness (see chapter 37). At what point does Pieter become truly broken?

11) How does the captain demonstrate the divine balance of justice and mercy? Compare his character to that of the lieutenant’s father.

12) How does the setting of the novel (South Africa during the Apartheid era) contribute to the themes?

27. December 2005 by Mindy
Categories: Reviews | 18 comments

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