The Moment Before the Gun Went Off

“The Moment Before the Gun Went Off” takes place in apartheid-era South Africa. In the story, How does author Nadine Gordimer use Marais Van der Vyver’s relationship with Lucas to comment on the racial tensions in South Africa during this period?

What is the significance of the story’s title? How does it relate to the description within the story of that moment, just before the gun went off? What does the title suggest about the story’s themes and characters?

Explore Alida Van der Vyver’s character. What is the significance of the details that Gordimer includes about Alida? Pay special attention to Alida’s thoughts on her garden and on her husband’s personality and political ambitions.