"The House Gun"

Paper Summary:

The writer of this paper examines the novel from a different perspective than the usual analysis of racism and apartheid in South Africa. Rather, it analyzes "The House Gun" with respect to the way traditional roles in a marriage are reversed in this book. It shows how the role reversal in the couple's marriage is especially exhibited in the ways in which they cope with their son's trial and imprisonment.

From the Paper:

"As Gordimer quickly points out on page 16 of this book, "This is not a detective novel." And indeed, this book is not a detective novel, or even a mystery, in the traditional sense of the word. There is no question as to who has committed the crime: there is no doubt whatsoever that Duncan did it. What is a mystery are the deep-seated reasons why Duncan committed the murder (obvious motivation aside). The book explores these reasons as well as the effect having to cope with the tragedy, the trial, and its aftermath has on Harald and Claudia."

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