Summary
Highlights
The video discusses Chapter 4 of Tsotsi, highlighting key page numbers and quotations. It begins by recalling the end of the previous chapter, where Tsotsi corners a frightened woman who shoves a shoebox containing a baby into his hands before fleeing. Chapter 4 starts the next morning.
Tsotsi is seen outside a general dealer shop owned by Kasim. The phrase 'he darkened the doorway' is analyzed, suggesting an association of Tsotsi with darkness and evil, which terrifies Kasim. Tsotsi makes multiple appearances at the shop, waiting for it to be empty. Kasim and his wife are relieved when he leaves, fearing a robbery.
Tsotsi returns a third time when the shop is empty. Kasim's wife locks herself and her children away, fearing the worst. Tsotsi eventually asks for 'milk.' Kasim is bewildered, unable to reconcile Tsotsi's gangster persona with asking for milk. Tsotsi clarifies he needs 'baby milk.'
Kasim, finding strength from his family's fear, returns to the counter and offers condensed milk. Tsotsi, unfamiliar with baby care, accepts. Tsotsi pays for the milk, an unexpected act given his character. He scrutinizes the label, revealing his illiteracy, a stark contrast to his usual ruthless image. He then leaves, relieved that no one saw him buying baby milk, as it would tarnish his gangster identity.
The narrative reflects on the meaning of Saturday in the township—a day of survival. Tsotsi returns to his room, securing it, and reveals he has hidden the baby in a shoebox under his bed. He finds the baby alive, despite a foul smell, and is struck by the realization that this 'ancient' and 'useless' being is 'man'.
Tsotsi's care for the baby is evident as he places an old coat down for it. This act of altruism is foreign to his usual character, demonstrating a nascent change. He's proud of his quick thinking, a skill he previously suppressed. The baby cries, and Tsotsi realizes it's a boy. He tries to understand the condensed milk label, highlighting his illiteracy and the new importance words now hold for him.
Tsotsi reflects on his previous failed attempts to feed the baby bread and water. He still doesn't believe condensed milk is right but trusts Kasim. A significant thought emerges: 'If only Boston knew.' This shows Tsotsi's realization that he needs other people and has burned bridges with Boston, forcing him to face this challenge alone.
Tsotsi feeds the baby condensed milk and realizes he can't keep the baby in his room due to the gang. He considers Sookie but dismisses the idea. He decides to hide the baby in a ruined shack, a remnant of demolition squads that cleared parts of the township. He carefully chooses a spot with shade, further demonstrating his newfound care for the baby.
Tsotsi realizes the baby has disrupted his life's pattern, forcing him into actions he never anticipated. The baby's existence is 'improbable' and has a profound effect on him, making him think and care. He feels anger at the 'weak hold' the baby has on him but can't escape its influence. A powerful memory surfaces: a painful vision of a dog, 'yellow-bellied,' crawling towards him in pain. This memory, a 'light' stabbing his 'darkness,' is a suppressed, unpleasant childhood experience.
This memory is the most impactful event in Tsotsi's life, more so than any pleasure or pain. It represents a guarded part of his past that the baby has unknowingly unlocked. Tsotsi becomes 'curious,' a new emotion for him, wanting answers about this memory. He decides to keep the baby, seeing it as the 'alchemy' that evokes these memories and helps him understand his past. He feeds and cleans the baby before hiding it again, intending to return the next day. This selfless act is a significant deviation from his previous character, demonstrating responsibility and a desire to protect, perhaps as a way to atone for not protecting the dog or himself in the past.