The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses

The duality of indoctrination and dehumanization is a central theme that illustrates how Brille and Hannetjie relate to one another. Although dehumanization is much more obvious regarding how Hannetjie treats Brille, Head explores the theme of indoctrination in relation to Hannetjie to reveal that anyone can oppress another person if they are brainwashed into believing they are inherently superior.

The system of apartheid is founded on the belief that one group (white people) is inherently superior to another group (people of color). Head explores how this system is implemented by indoctrination and enforced by dehumanization. Since Hannetjie is significantly younger than Brille, his youth insinuates that he was quite young when apartheid was established; therefore, the belief system surrounding his own superiority went unchallenged until he met Brille and Span One. This indoctrination from a young age caused Hannetjie to remain childlike. When his confidence is ripped away by Brille’s blackmail, Hannetjie’s behavior reveals his trust, ignorance, and weakness, which is why Brille has compassion for him. Span One and Brille expose Hannetjie to the humanity of the people he has been told are inferior. Once Hannetjie is bullied and taunted by Span One, he begins to comprehend the abuse that he was putting Brille through.