All through life people face problems of racism and prejudice. Also people have to work their way through the system and adopt the surroundings around them. In the novel, The Power of One, the author, Bryce Courtenay, creates these two themes of interest to the reader. The novel takes place in South Africa where the idea of racism is
very prevalent. Not only does the main character, Peekay, experience this hatred, but
other characters throughout the novel get a taste of the racial tensions. Also the other
theme is making the system work for the individual. This means adapting to a certain
behavior for a person or a group. Peekay and other characters in the novel sometimes
have to change their ways for someone else. Courtenay proves these two themes are true
An example of racism in the novel is at Peekay's boxing matches. Since Peekay
efforts previously he is known as " Tadpole Angel" ,or hope, by many Africans. He
receives a black following at his matches. Since the Africans are not usually allowed to
watch the fight, they have to sing. "...in return for admitting them to the boxing matches
at the Prince of Wales School they were required to sing..."(356 Courtenay) The blacks
adapt to this way of life thinking they are being treated good.
One example of how the characters work within the system is the "Bank". The
Bank is created by Peekay and his best friend Morrie Levy. Not only the source of
Peekay's income, the bank creates a union between the two friends and the student body.
" We called it Boarder's Bank, but it became simply known as The Bank and it was an
immediate success...also the day boys regarded The Bank as a valued institution."(353
Courtenay). Knowing that with good care and precise keeping of this bank, Morrie and
Peekay had found their nitch in society. They worked their way through the
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