Once Upon A Time By Nadine Gordimer
Folly Kouevidjin
Nadine Gordimer’s “Once Upon a Time” has a message of having paranoia take over your mind. The man and the wife in the story are so overtaken by fear and worry, that they try turning their once pleasant home into a second version of Fort Knox. This all culminates in the family suffering in the end when their child gets severely wounded in their overly fortified residence. The tale of paranoia and panic is heightened by the narrative devices used within it. Irony, syntax and humor are used to drive the story home.
The irony in the short story is quite tragic. The way it opens is very cheerful and joyous, however that all changes once the man and woman start to have doubts enter their minds concerning the safety of their home.
Nadine Gordimer’s “Once Upon a Time” has a message of having paranoia take over your mind. The man and the wife in the story are so overtaken by fear and worry, that they try turning their once pleasant home into a second version of Fort Knox. This all culminates in the family suffering in the end when their child gets severely wounded in their overly fortified residence. The tale of paranoia and panic is heightened by the narrative devices used within it. Irony, syntax and humor are used to drive the story home.
The irony in the short story is quite tragic. The way it opens is very cheerful and joyous, however that all changes once the man and woman start to have doubts enter their minds concerning the safety of their home.