Character analysis of 'The toilet'

[Audio] Good morning everyone. Today we will be exploring the characters of Irene, the Madam and the Toilet in order to gain a more detailed understanding of the protagonist in this story. We will be looking at their strengths, weaknesses, and the conflicts they bring to the narrative. Let's get started..

[Audio] This presentation will explore the characters in the story and their relationship to the narrator. We will analyse the narrator's strengths, weaknesses, and conflicts as they interact with the other characters. This will involve examining Irene, the Madam and the Toilet, and their role in highlighting the protagonist's qualities. The analysis is intended to give the reader a better understanding of the protagonist and create a compelling narrative. Additionally, we will consider how the other characters influence the protagonist's journey and how this may influence the story's outcome..

[Audio] The narrator is an independent and strong-minded individual, disinclined to abide by social norms. She is intent on pursuing a career in acting, a decision that does not please her family. This causes a persistent discord between the narrator and her mother concerning their beliefs, dispositions and experiences. Additionally, the narrator demonstrates her autonomy by rebuffing conventionality when pushed to do so by her mother, as seen when she expresses that she would rather be designated as “stupid” then obliged to have lunch with boys. This provides evidence of her self-determination and unwillingness to comply with societal standards..

[Audio] Irene is a round character, exhibiting both positive and negative traits. Despite her lack of education and fear of the Madam, she has a soft spot for her sister, doing her utmost to shield her from harm. Her complexity and deep-rooted nature make her an enigmatic and captivating part of the story, serving as a foil to her sister, the narrator..

[Audio] The Madam is a prominent figure in the story, symbolizing the unfeeling and unfair rule of the apartheid system. As a white female, she possessed certain liberties that enabled her to behave in a manner which ignored and disregarded the narrator's requirements. Her obliviousness to the threat of the narrator's being in her domicile, together with her lack of sympathy, were all outcomes of the era she lived in. Her behaviour illustrates the unchecked influence of racism and how it can lead to potentially fatal consequences for those it subjugates..

[Audio] The toilet in this story has many beneficial qualities, acting as a round character. It provides a refuge and protection for the narrator during the harsh winter, and a private space for the narrator to think. These qualities make the toilet an essential part of the narrator’s journey and her growth throughout the story..