the toilet short story summary essay

The Sitting Bee

Short Story Reviews

The Toilet by Gcina Mhlophe

In The Toilet by Gcina Mhlophe we have the theme of identity, conflict, freedom, escape, change and independence. Narrated in the first person by a young girl called Mholo the reader realises after reading the story that Mhlophe may be exploring the theme of identity. The narrator is at a crossroad in her life and really doesn’t know how she should progress. Though her mother thinks that perhaps the narrator could become a teacher or nurse the narrator herself has other aspirations. She thinks that perhaps she might become an actress however she does a have a love for writing. Something which helps to not only give the narrator pleasure but also a sense of identity. It is while writing in the toilet that the narrator feels free. No longer is she restrained by the obstacles around her. She does not have to think about her living arrangements with her sister nor does she have to worry about her temporary job. The narrator’s living arrangements might be important as they are the driving factor behind the narrator’s desire to escape into writing. She is literally silenced while she is living with her sister due to her sister’s fear that the house owner will discover that the narrator is living there.

It is also possible that Mhlophe is using the silence that the narrator lives under to symbolically highlight the conditions of the time (apartheid). With black South Africans not being allowed to have their own voice. In reality there was no equality at the time. It is also possible that Mhlophe is suggesting that the narrator’s sister’s room could symbolise South Africa as a whole. It is after all controlled by the white house owner who does not afford the narrator the opportunity to wait for her sister when she is confronted by the dogs. It is as though the narrator is an unwelcome guest and as such she is not allowed to wait for her sister. What is also interesting about the story is the lack of support that the narrator receives from her sister. If anything the narrator’s sister is a realist and considers the narrator’s activities to be a waste of time. The narrator has been educated. Yet she does not know what she wants to do with her life. Which is understandable for someone as young as the narrator. She is also in a city in whereby she knows very few people and as such has very few opportunities.

In many ways there is a conflict between the narrator and her sister. Though the narrator’s sister may be considered to be doing her best for the narrator. By providing the narrator with lodgings and reading material. She still nonetheless is critical of the narrator. Which some critics might find acceptable considering that the narrator’s sister could lose her accommodation due to her actions. However the narrator appears to be sensitive to her sister’s remarks and criticisms. Which may be one of the reasons why the narrator decides to write. Rather than internalise how she is feeling the narrator is writing and expressing herself through her writing. It may also be a case that the narrator is independent of others. Perhaps not her sister who she is reliant on but her co-worker in the factory who suggests she get one of the boys who work in the factory to buy her lunch. Rather than do this the narrator prefers to keep to herself and continues with her routine of dining alone. If anything the narrator is showing her ability to think for herself. To not be dependent on other people. Though again the case is very much different when it comes to the narrator’s sister criticizing her.

The end of the story is also interesting as there is a sense that the narrator is finally free. Something that is noticeable by the fact that the narrator is forced to write in public when she discovers that the toilet is occupied. It is as though the narrator’s identity has been settled and she is not concerned about others seeing her writing. For the narrator the most important thing to do is to write. The location where she writes is no longer important to the narrator. Where once she craved the privacy of the toilet. This is no longer the case. If anything Mhlophe might be suggesting that the narrator has not only found her identity but she has also matured as a person. However it is noticeable that the narrator’s living arrangements with her sister remain the same. That there has been no change there. Which may leave some readers to suggest that Mhlophe is highlighting the continuance of of the status quo politically. However on a personal level everything has changed for the narrator. She may live under a regime that is unfair but she still nonetheless has the abilities to escape from her environment through her writing.

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95 comments

can you help me with these questions about this short story(the toilet) please,i am supposed to write it as a one page essay

1.what is significant about the one place where the young narrator could read,think,daydream and write her stories?

2.what does the place reveal about society and what does it reveal about the narrator?

3.why do you think the narrator does not mention she was not allowed to use the toilet?

4.at the end of the story what does the narrator lose and what does she achieve?

I won’t be able to write a one page essay for you but I can give you some points you can work on.

1. The toilet is significant as it allows the narrator to be free. It is the only place. Though it is ironically a confined space. In which she feels free to write and daydream.

2. I’m not sure about this question. With regard to society it may suggest that society is not allowing for others (like the narrator) to be free or to think for themselves and act as they feel they should. As for the narrator it highlights that she is uncaring as to where she may do her work. It does not bother her that it is a public toilet. She is relaxed about it. Her freedom is not stifled by the toilet’s location.

3. Perhaps the narrator does not see the limits that others have imposed on her.

4. She loses use of the toilet though that may not harm the narrator as she achieves independence from others. You might like to recheck this answer for yourself.

thank you so much dermot

you’re super smart

Hii can u plz help me with this question

The narrator is the main character. And the story goes through a year in school. As the narrator grows.

Hi, Can you help me in Explaining what is the narrator’s and character’s most powerful response to her crises on the story

To read and write. In order to forget the circumstances she finds herself under.

Hey, I’ve got a follow up question… how does this response empower her ?

Can you tell me the cliamx and the resolution of it please

May you can help me. So what’s the summary of the story?

A young girl struggles to find her place in the world. She eventually finds solace in a toilet and finds not only herself but a connection with the world.

Can you please help me if they said i should write an essay decribing the main character and how does the main character contribute to the theme of the story? Im supposed to write 1 and half page

What is the main role of the main character?

How relevant is the title

can somebody help summarize the whole story in one page?

what is the setting of the story and when does conflict start?

What would be the conclusion of the story?

a little help please, why do you think the narrator does not mention she was not allowed to use the toilet?

What is the message of the story

“The floor was painted red and the walls were cream white” explain the relevance of the toilet’s renovation in the context of the story

What can i say if a question asks the theme of transcendence in essay form?

Can you please help…

What is the plot and sub-plot of the story

why does the story have such an unusual title?

Why does the story have such an unusual title

Why do you think the narrator does not mention that she was not allowed to use the toilet

So what you mean is that the toilet that the narrator was using was for the whites only and please quote from the story

How is the narrator being oppressed by her sister’s madam?

Describe how the narrater Mholo is oppressed by her mother her sister her sisters madam Gwendolene

what is the main characters most powerful responses to the crisis she is facing

explain how this response empowers her

explain how her self empowerment skills may empower people today in crisis like gender base violence and corona virus

Identify what you think is the narrator and main character’s most powerful response to her crises .

Identify the narrator, what do they mean pick out features of the narrator?

May you please help 1. Identify what do you think us the narrator and main character’s most powerful response to her crisis

Please help me explain how reading and writing empowers the main character.

What does the toilet play on the protagonist?

IS THIS SHORT STORY INCLUDED IN “RECOGNITION :anthology of SA SHORT STORIES”

Can you please help me with these questions about this short story (the toilet) 1.What role does the toilet play on the protagonut.? 2.in what way are both sisters affected by the political situation that was in place during this era.? 3. Comment on the elder sisters attitude towards the narrator.? 4.how does the elder sister positively contributed to the narrators future carrer?

Can you please help. I need points from the story that proves that the narrator was struggling to find her own identity

How does the narrator spend her time in the toilet and what does this reveal about her??

Who is the narrator of the story? And how does this affect the point of view of the story?

Help please….How does the narrator role affect the point of view of the story?

Sorry….but help write down the following words and,next to each word ,write the part of the story that applies to it. 1. exposition 2. rising action 3. conflict 4. climax 5. dénouement/resolution

Life saver…thanks

From the extract of the story as a whole describe the madam’s lifestyle

plz help me here .Imagine you are Mholo when you find the toilet locked .Write your thoughts

So I’m confused what the tone and mood of the story would be.

Please help,what is the logical and chronological order in the short story?

Where is the story set

1) what led the narrator to seek comfort in the toilet?

2) who is the “I” in the passage

3) Describe the condition of the toilet?

4) The word ” Non-European represented particular race groups in the history of South Africa . Mention any race it represented

5) Why was the narrator not allowed to stay with her sister

What are the skills that the narrator display and how they impact her life?

I need help with these questions.

1) What happens in the text when the two cultures clash, when one sees itself superior to another? 2) Describe the two or more cultures exhibited in the text. What does each value? What does each reject? 3) Who in the text is considered the “Other”? 4) Demonstrate how the superior culture’s dominance affects the colonized culture. 5) How do the colonized people view themselves? Is there any change in this view by the end of the text? 6) Cite the various ways that the oppressed culture is silenced.

Gcina Mhlophe ‘”the toilet” briefly identify the various skills that the narrator displays and indicate how they impact on her life

what are the various skills that narrator displays and indicate how they impact on her life

briefly describe the various skills the narrator displays and indicate how they impact her life 2.

Which are the skills of the narrator

Skills of the narrator

goodnight ,please help with these questions

briefly identify various skills that the narrator displays and indicate how they impact her life identify the narrator’s most significant skill how does the narrator develops her most significant skill?? analyse its impact on her life

how the narrator develops her most significant skills

Afternoon please help me with this question Based on the story as a whole, identify the narrators most significant skills and provide a brief evidence for your answer

Kindly briefly identify various skills that the narrator displays, and indicate how they impact on her life

1. identify various skills that the narrator displays, and indicate how they impact on her life.

2. Based on the story as a whole, identify the narrator’s most significant skill

3. Analyse how the narrator develops her most significant skill

which skills did the narrator display and how did they impact on her life?

What is the exposition for the story?

Hi please help me. 1. the narrator was breaking the law by living wit her sister. True or false, provide a reason 2. Describe the madman’s lifestyle 3. How the narrator’s attitude differs from her sister’s? 4. Why the toilet was ultimately locked? 5. Why narrator chooses to spend time in toilet?

Can someone help me with this “imagine you are the narrator write a letter to you more telling her about painful experiences of staying in Johannesburg” help me guys please

The narrator’s attitude towards life ?

I need help by summarizing the story.

What other genres that influence the short story ?

What is the conflict of the story

Hey can you help me I’m supposed to write an essay exploring how her Courage and determination should serve as an inspiration idk if you can help?

hey can you help me , I’m supposed to write an essay on what happened after the toilet has been locked. I don’t know where to start or what to write

and my essay is due on friday

Who are the madam and Irene and what is their relationships

How is the toilet so significant to the speaker?

What is the setting of the story?

Can you help me what is the resolution of the story

Hi can u plz help with, what is the escape of the story

The narrator uses writing as a form of escape. She wants to escape from the environment she finds herself in.

Hi can u please help me whats the point of view

First person by a young girl called Mholo. The narrator may be Mholo herself when she was younger.

What is the setting of the story

Can u help me with the importance of the toilet in a comic strip

Hi please help me analyse the role of the setting ……..i’m expected to write an essay of about 300 words please help

I mainly deal with the themes of a story and some symbolism if I see it. For the setting perhaps you could look at how Mholo feels at her sister’s lodgings compared to the release she gets from writing in the toilet. How controlling the landlady is something you could also look at.

You might also look at how the privacy of a toilet allows for Mholo open up and write. To express herself.

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A Guide to Gcina Mhlophe's 'The Toilet'

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SHORT STORY ANALYSIS QUESTIONS – “The Toilet” by Gcina Mhlope

1. What is the main element in the story? (plot, theme, characters, setting, etc..)

This story is theme-driven. The idea (i.e the value statement) that things should be a particular way (and not the way they are) and it is this idea drives the thoughts and behaviour of the main character, the narrator. The reader is allowed to witness the passion, courage and resilience of a female African artist (in this case, a writer) who struggles to overcome multiple barriers (her gender, “race” and economic class) in her attempt at artistic expression.

2. What sort of conflict confronts the main character(s) (internal or external)? Explain.

The narrator experiences external conflict. The demands of the rest of the world force the narrator to modify her behaviour. (e.g She has to keep quiet and be silent, when all she wants to do is sing and express herself.)

The narrator experiences internal conflict. The world forces her to be a consumer of thoughts, whereas she wants to be a creator and expresser of thought. (e.g She gets bored of reading the magazines and longs to write.)

3. How does the author handle characterisation (description, conversation, actions)?

The author does not provide any physical description of the narrator or her sister. Indeed, the reader is only told their respective names a while into the story. Mhlope forces the reader to form an opinion of these two characters unencumbered by distracting detail. The reader’s opinion of these two characters is thus inevitably formed by their responses (intellectual and behavioural) to the demands, constraints and restrictions of the social, political and economic reality in which they find themselves.

The Term Paper on Black Cat Narrator Poe Story

The Effect of the Use of Irony on the Progress of Poe's Short Story, 'The Black Cat " This Paper will interpret a short story, 'The Black Cat', by Edgar Allan Poe. My Purpose is to show the effect of the use of irony on the progress of the short story. I Suspect that use of irony in Edgar Allan Poe's short story, 'The Black Cat,' is one of the main points which allows the hidden character of the ...

4. What is the time setting for the action? Period of history? Season? Time of day? How much time does the story cover?

The story is set in apartheid-era South Africa, and its duration is most likely a few weeks, a couple of months at most.

5. What is (i) the rising point, (ii) climax, and (iii) the resolution/denouement of the story?

(i) The rising point: The narrator secures a job at a factory, but her wages are not enough to allow her to move of her sister’s room and rent her own accommodation. This forces her to come and go in secret. The subterfuge causes her some distress as she has to leave earlier than necessary, and return home long after she has finished at her work. This is all in an attempt to avoid the scrutiny of the Madam, who would not take kindly to her lodger (the sister) allowing other people to stay with her in the room.

(ii) The climax: The narrator comes home before her sister and decides to enter the Madam’s premises. Unfortunately, she finds the room locked. Unable to enter, she decides to wait for her sister in front of the room. This is where the Madam finds her after the barking of the dogs give away her presence. The sister is angry when she finds out, and this leads to tension between the two characters. This scene physically illustrates the narrator’s sense of being “locked out” of the kind of life she so desperately wants to live.

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Lit. Summaries

• Biographies

The Toilet: A Critical Analysis by Amiri Baraka

• Amiri Baraka

In his essay “The Toilet: A Critical Analysis,” Amiri Baraka delves into the significance of the toilet as a cultural symbol and its role in reinforcing societal power dynamics. Baraka argues that the toilet is not just a mundane object, but rather a site of political and social struggle. Through his analysis, Baraka sheds light on the ways in which the toilet has been used to perpetuate oppression and marginalization, and offers a critique of the dominant cultural narratives surrounding this often-overlooked fixture.

In his essay “The Toilet: A Critical Analysis,” Amiri Baraka explores the significance of the toilet as a symbol of power and oppression. He argues that the toilet is not just a mundane object, but a site of social and political struggle. Baraka contends that the toilet is a tool of domination, used to reinforce hierarchies of race, class, and gender. He points out that access to clean and safe toilets is often denied to marginalized communities, such as people of color and the poor. Baraka also highlights the ways in which the toilet has been used to enforce gender norms and control women’s bodies. He notes that the design of public restrooms often reflects a binary understanding of gender, with separate facilities for men and women. This, he argues, reinforces the idea that there are only two genders and that they are fundamentally different. Overall, Baraka’s essay challenges us to think critically about the ways in which everyday objects can be used to uphold systems of oppression.

The Historical Significance of the Toilet

The toilet has played a significant role in human history, yet it is often overlooked and taken for granted. In ancient civilizations, such as the Indus Valley and Roman Empire, toilets were a symbol of wealth and status. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the modern toilet as we know it today was invented. This invention revolutionized sanitation and public health, reducing the spread of diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever. The toilet also played a role in social and cultural movements, such as the feminist movement, which fought for equal access to public restrooms for women. The historical significance of the toilet cannot be ignored, and it continues to shape our daily lives and impact society as a whole.

The Toilet as a Symbol of Power and Control

In his essay “The Toilet: A Critical Analysis,” Amiri Baraka explores the toilet as a symbol of power and control. He argues that the toilet is not just a functional object, but a tool of oppression used to reinforce societal hierarchies. Baraka notes that the design of public restrooms often reflects the dominant culture’s values and norms, with separate facilities for men and women, and sometimes even separate facilities for different races or classes. This segregation, he suggests, reinforces the idea that certain groups are superior to others and should not have to share the same space. Furthermore, Baraka points out that the cleanliness and maintenance of public restrooms is often neglected, particularly in low-income areas or communities of color. This neglect sends a message that these groups are not deserving of basic sanitation and hygiene. Overall, Baraka’s analysis of the toilet as a symbol of power and control highlights the ways in which seemingly mundane objects can perpetuate systemic inequalities.

The Toilet and Racial Segregation

In his essay “The Toilet: A Critical Analysis,” Amiri Baraka explores the history of racial segregation in public restrooms. He argues that the toilet has been a site of racial tension and discrimination for centuries, with white people using their access to clean, well-maintained facilities as a way to assert their superiority over people of color. Baraka notes that even after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed segregation in public spaces, many businesses and institutions continued to maintain separate restrooms for white and non-white patrons. He also points out that the issue of transgender bathroom access has further complicated the debate over who is allowed to use which facilities. Overall, Baraka’s essay highlights the ways in which seemingly mundane aspects of daily life can reflect and perpetuate systemic inequalities.

The Gender Politics of the Toilet

The gender politics of the toilet have been a contentious issue for decades. Amiri Baraka’s critical analysis of the toilet sheds light on the ways in which gender and power intersect in this seemingly mundane space. Baraka argues that the toilet is not just a physical space, but a site of social and political struggle. He notes that the design and use of toilets are often gendered, with men’s and women’s restrooms being segregated and designed differently. This segregation reinforces traditional gender roles and reinforces the idea that men and women are fundamentally different. Furthermore, the lack of gender-neutral restrooms can be exclusionary for non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals. Baraka’s analysis highlights the need for more inclusive and equitable restroom design and policies.

The Toilet and Class Struggle

In his essay “The Toilet: A Critical Analysis,” Amiri Baraka explores the social and political implications of the toilet. He argues that the toilet is not just a physical object, but a symbol of class struggle. Baraka contends that the toilet is a site of power and control, where those in positions of authority exert their dominance over those who are marginalized. He suggests that the design and placement of toilets in public spaces reflect the social hierarchies of our society. For example, he notes that in many public restrooms, the toilets for women are often located further away and in less accessible areas than those for men. This, he argues, is a reflection of the patriarchal structures that govern our society. Baraka’s analysis of the toilet is a powerful reminder that seemingly mundane objects can reveal deep-seated inequalities and power dynamics.

The Toilet and Environmentalism

The toilet is often overlooked as a potential source of environmental impact. However, it is important to consider the ways in which our toilet habits can contribute to environmental degradation. For example, flushing non-biodegradable items such as wipes or feminine hygiene products can lead to clogged pipes and sewage backups. Additionally, traditional toilets use a significant amount of water with each flush, contributing to water waste. As we consider ways to be more environmentally conscious in our daily lives, it is important to also consider our toilet habits and how we can make changes to reduce our impact.

The Toilet as a Site of Resistance and Rebellion

The toilet has long been considered a mundane and unremarkable fixture in our daily lives. However, for Amiri Baraka, the toilet is a site of resistance and rebellion. In his critical analysis, Baraka argues that the toilet is a space where individuals can assert their autonomy and challenge societal norms. He contends that the act of using the toilet is a private and intimate experience that allows individuals to assert their bodily autonomy and reject societal expectations. Furthermore, Baraka argues that the toilet is a space where individuals can challenge gender norms and expectations. By using the toilet, individuals can reject the gender binary and assert their own gender identity. Overall, Baraka’s analysis of the toilet as a site of resistance and rebellion challenges us to rethink the ways in which we view this seemingly mundane fixture and the ways in which we can use it to assert our own autonomy and challenge societal norms.

The Toilet and the Body

The toilet is a crucial aspect of our daily lives, yet it is often overlooked and taken for granted. Amiri Baraka’s critical analysis of the toilet sheds light on the ways in which it reflects and reinforces societal norms and power dynamics. One of the most striking points Baraka makes is the connection between the design of the toilet and the way we view and treat our bodies. He argues that the toilet’s emphasis on cleanliness and containment reinforces a sense of shame and disgust towards bodily functions, particularly those associated with women and people of color. By examining the toilet through a critical lens, we can begin to question and challenge the ways in which it shapes our relationship with our bodies and with each other.

The Toilet in Literature and Art

The toilet has been a recurring theme in literature and art throughout history. From the ancient Roman frescoes depicting public latrines to Marcel Duchamp’s infamous “Fountain” sculpture, the toilet has been used as a symbol of bodily functions, social class, and even political commentary. In Amiri Baraka’s “The Toilet: A Critical Analysis,” he delves into the significance of the toilet in African American literature and culture. Baraka argues that the toilet represents a space of both physical and psychological confinement for black individuals, as they are often relegated to using separate and inferior facilities. He also explores how the toilet can be used as a metaphor for the dehumanization and oppression of black people in society. Through his analysis, Baraka sheds light on the complex and often overlooked role of the toilet in shaping cultural narratives and social hierarchies.

The Future of the Toilet

The future of the toilet is a topic that has been gaining attention in recent years. With concerns about water scarcity and environmental sustainability, many are looking for ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of this essential fixture. One promising development is the use of composting toilets, which can turn waste into nutrient-rich soil. Another innovation is the use of smart technology to monitor water usage and detect leaks. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of the 21st century, the toilet will undoubtedly play a crucial role in our efforts to create a more sustainable and equitable world.