Nothing But The Truth Essay Essay

In the novel Nothing but the Truth, umteen differences are seen between Thando and Mandisa. These differences are seen through their different ethnical understandings and their relationships with their set outs. Thando and Mandisa two similarly agree very different views on the Truth and atonement commission ( pardon) hearing.In the play, the character of Thando is presented to us as a lovable and caring character. Her father, Sipho, in s come out of the closethwest Africa, raises her. He is very traditional and has instilled the said(prenominal) teachings into Thando. Thandos cultural roots are present passim the play. You deal see this in the way she mourns her uncles death and refuses at first to go out with Mandisa to Johannesburg. Sipho and Thando excessively arrange for a cultural funeral which includes the slaughtering of an ox. Thandos hospitality towards Mandisa and her constant use of Afri kitty phrases(Ndyintombi,tata, malome) displays her traditional African roots throughout the play . Labola is in any case mentioned which is part of traditional African culture.Mandisa, however, is presented to us as almost the opposite to Thando. Mandisa is cross-filen to us as an modern fashion fountain who can be selfish. She, un want Mandisa is outspoken and isnt afraid to verbalize her opinions even when she is in a home with people she just met. Mandisa is also insensitive to cultural, South African way of living. This is seen in the play when she says to Mandisa daughter He wont allow you when Thando turns her down when she was asked to accompany her to Johannesburg. She also turns her Makhaya surname to Mckay and does non understand isiXhosa(she keeps asking Thando to translate what her uncle says). It is evident that her cultural roots are lost. Her fathers body had been cremated which was not typical of South African tradition and Mandisa only mourns her fathers death for 2 weeks. Mandisa does not understand that South Africa is not Engl and and is insensitive to the Sipho when he feels violated that his brothers body had been created. She responded to him by insensitively proverb thats what everybody does in England. Mandisa and Thando both howeverlove to be called African PrincessThe relationship that Thando has with Sipho is that of a very obedient daughter who carries out her duties. She rejects Mandisas invitation to Johannesburg because her father wouldnt allow it and never does anything without the consent of Sipho(Ill have to ask tata first). The duties that she carries out are seen when she doesnt go steady the house without preparing a meal for her father first. She values her traditions and explains the traditions of mourning to Mandisa saying that her father would expect them to show some respect for atleast a month as children. Her obedience is also shown when she says I live under his jacket crown and for as long as I live here, I have to live by his rules. Her attitude towards her father is resp ectful and obedient.Mandisa, having being brought up In Engand, away from her cultural roots is very different from Thando. She is not affected by Sipho feeling violated by his brothers cremation and retorts Oh this is ridiculous, I didnt come to argue nearly the ashes. Mandisa also tries to change Thandos point just about not going to Johannesburg with her You dont have to do what pleases him. Her independence and tendency of speaking her mind and not caring about others perception of her, makes her seem to be insensitive and disrespectful towards the older generation.Thando and Mandisa also have different views of the TRC hearing and dont agree on how the amnesties were being dealt with. Mandisas views are unsympathetic towards the TRC because she is angry at the occurrence thatsomeone can commit murder and still be for given without being given justice. Her view is cynical and her talk of revenge shows an unsympathetic side to her character. She thinks that the plan of Ubunt u is giving in also easily and that the amnesty process is too lenient. Her vengeful side is shown when she agrees with Sipho when he says that the minister of security should be judged by a black judge and that he should serve prison for some years when Sipho was drunk. Her answer was always yes, thats more I like it, Exactly. Mandisa believes that the government has sold out for international approval and has not considered the peoples carry for revengeand that full disclosure was not given at the amnesty hearings(she points out that it is still not known who gave Craig Williomson his order) and argues that there was an outcry against him receiving amnesty.Thando on the other hand, works at the TRC and has a very positive bearing towards the process although she can see the dirt to it . One gets confused sometimes especially when so umpteen lies are told. She believes that it was the wrong thing to do to be vengeful-Where would revenge get us besides more forcefulness? She personally believes that re-building the nation is what matters most. Thando embraces forgiveness If all those who suffered can forgive, so can you. She also contradicts to Mandisas accusation of the TRC being too easy by reminding her that some people such as Derby-Lewis had been punished.Although there are many differences between Thando and Mandisa, the sisters also share many similarities. African heritage is all important(p) to both of them- they both enjoy being called African princess by their fathers and Mandisa refers to SA as home I am happy to be home. She also speaks of audition to stories about home. Thandos defensive and quick response to Mandisa when she disrespects their lifestyle show some respect for our tradition shows her protective and possessiveness of her African roots. Like Mandisa, Thando is also an independent thinker. This is present throughout the play when Thando is always contradicting to whatever Mandisa says about the amnesty Some people like Derby -Lewis have been punished and her open-mindness is shown when she explains to her father that some black people in SA are also practicing cremation in todays times. Both sisters are so different, yet so alike.