Tsotsi Gets Schooled by the Most Unexpected Tutor: How Boston Became the Benjamin Button of Brutality
Tsotsi. The name alone strikes fear into the hearts of Johannesburg's finest citizens (well, maybe not the pigeons). This hardened criminal roams the streets with a gang of misfits, causing chaos with every stolen handbag and questionable fashion choice. But then BAM! Enter Boston, the pint-sized philosopher with a criminal record that would make even Tsotsi blush (though that's a feat in itself).
From Delinquent Dreams to Existential Enquiries
Boston wasn't exactly your typical gang member. Sure, he had a rap sheet longer than a CVS receipt, but his true passion lay in pondering the meaning of life, the universe, and everything. Think of him as Socrates with a shiner and a penchant for petty theft. This unlikely intellectual giant throws a wrench into Tsotsi's whole "violence is my middle name" routine. Boston's constant questions about decency, right and wrong, leave Tsotsi feeling more confused than a meerkat at a rave.
The Power of Questions (and Maybe a Little Nausea)
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
Here's the thing: Tsotsi can handle a good brawl, but existential dread? Not so much. Boston's barrage of philosophical inquiries makes Tsotsi confront the emptiness of his violent life. It's like having your therapist take up residence in your back pocket and follow you around, dispensing wisdom with a side of existential nausea (thanks, Boston!).
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| How Does Boston Influence Tsotsi |
From Gangsta to... Gardener? Maybe?
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
This internal wrestling match sparked by Boston has a surprising effect on Tsotsi. He starts questioning his actions, showing compassion for a kidnapped baby, and even (wait for it) trying to learn about God! We're not talking about joining a choir here, but it's a baby step in the right direction (unless those steps involve learning to crochet tiny baby booties, then we might be getting a little ahead of ourselves).
Tsotsi: The Reformed Thug (Work in Progress)
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By the end, Boston's influence has Tsotsi on a path to, well, not exactly sainthood, but maybe something slightly less villainous. Maybe a reformed thug who takes up gardening? Or a philanthropist who donates slightly-used handbags to charity? The possibilities are endless (though the gardening thing is still a stretch).
QuickTip: Repetition reinforces learning.
Tsotsi's Redemption: A Crash Course (Frequently Asked Questions)
How to Annoy a Gang Leader into Redemption? Answer: Ask him a LOT of questions about his feelings.
How to Make a Criminal Contemplate the Meaning of Life? Answer: Introduce him to a tiny human in need of love (bonus points if the criminal is allergic to cuteness).
QuickTip: Absorb ideas one at a time.
How to Know When a Gangster is Having an Existential Crisis? Answer: If he starts asking about God and doesn't immediately try to steal the nearest religious statue, something's up.
How to Deal with a Philosopher with a Criminal Record? Answer: Run. Seriously, just run.
How Likely is Tsotsi to Become a Model Citizen? Answer: As likely as finding a clean sidewalk in Johannesburg. But hey, a little progress is a good thing, right?
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