The Promise

The section leading up to Anton’s death emphasizes the extent to which the world of the novel has fallen into decay. While the process of decay has been happening gradually, most markedly through the steady deaths of the Swarts, it takes center stage in these pages. First, the Swart farm has decayed, as Anton’s gambling debts left needed repairs impossible to complete. Second, the financial security of the Swart family has decayed in the wake of Scaly City’s closing. Third, Anton’s life has deteriorated into alcoholism, gambling, and depression. Finally, South Africa is in a period of decay; although Part 4 begins on Reconciliation Day, a holiday intended to celebrate the ending of apartheid, President Zuma’s mismanagement has led to major infrastructural problems, such as the blackout occurring at the beginning of the section.

Zuma’s presidency emphasizes Cynicism Toward Institutions that pervaded this period in South Africa’s history. By 2017, Zuma’s administration faced numerous criticisms and the country was grappling with both the legacy of apartheid and new political and economic issues. During Zuma’s presidency, South Africa experienced economic stagnation and rising unemployment, in addition to government corruption. The administration was characterized by significant political instability. Zuma’s decision to frequently reshuffle his cabinet, including the controversial firing of respected finance ministers, caused uncertainty, and many saw it as an attempt to consolidate power and protect his interests amid growing criticism. Racial tensions, economic inequality, and social unrest contributed to the general feeling of turmoil.

This reflects the decay of the Swart line, as confirmed by Anton’s sterility. Astrid’s twins, Neil and Jessica, are still alive, but they have Dean’s family name, not Swart. The family that has been so concerned with hoarding their wealth and not passing it on to possible recipients like Salome will ultimately not pass on their own name. The Swart family’s gradual demise and disintegration can be interpreted as a curse brought upon them by their selfishness. In this way, it echoes Edgar Allan Poe’s Fall of the House of Usher, as the Usher family line withers away along with their decrepit but stately house owing to the sins repeated through the generations.