NINEMA - Vrenika Pather - South Africa

The Title

 The title "Ninema" is an appropriate choice for the short story because it accurately
reflects the content and focus of the passage.
 Throughout the passage, the character of Ninema is described in detail, including her
work as a market gardener, her physical appearance, and her personality.
 The passage also describes her relationships with customers and colleagues, and provides
insight into her thoughts and experiences.
 By using the title "Ninema," the reader is able to immediately understand that the passage
is centered around this specific character and will focus on her experiences and story.

The Plot Summary

 The passage is about a market gardener named Ninema who grows and sells herbs at the
Indian market. Ninema is described as a hardworking and respected woman who is
admired by those around her for her skill and determination. Despite facing challenges,
including an attack by an unknown assailant, Ninema is described as facing them head-on
and winning. She is practical and focused on earning a living, and is well-regarded by her
customers.
 Ninema is also described as a beautiful woman who is admired by those around her,
although she does not seem to be aware of this. She is described as having long, toned
arms, a cinched waist, and high, firm breasts, and is known for her piercing black eyes
and high cheekbones. Despite the attention she receives from others, Ninema is primarily
focused on her work and does not let the attention distract her.
 Throughout the passage, Ninema's interactions with customers and colleagues are
described in detail. The passage mentions a regular customer named Mr. Chinran, a rich
lawyer who is infatuated with Ninema, and Mrs. Singh, a wealthy old woman who is
known for haggling over prices but is also a loyal customer. The passage also mentions
other lady hawkers at the market who chat with Ninema while they work.
 Overall, the passage provides a detailed and nuanced portrayal of Ninema, a strong and
determined woman who is respected by those around her for her hard work and
determination. Despite facing challenges and societal barriers, as well as a physical
attack, Ninema remains focused on her goals and is able to succeed in her chosen
profession.

Revision questions - Ninema by Vrenika Pather

1. Compare and contrast Ninema and other lady marketers

2. What is ironic about Mrs Singh's behaviour?
3. Ninema is a likeable and admirable character. Do you agree? Give evidence from the
story.
4. How effectively has Vrenika Pather used description in the story?
 5. To succeed in business, one must have the necessary skills to handle customers. Using
Ninema in Vrenikas Pather's 'Ninema' support this.
6. "Hard work and determination pays", Using illustrations from Ninema show the validity
of this statement.
7. Women traders experience challenges in their lives. Show how Ninema deals with these
challenges.
8. Ninema is an admirable character. Support from the story Ninema.

Themes in Ninema by Vrenika Pather

NINEMA
THEMATIC CONCERNS
a. Hard work and determination
The story portrays Ninema as a hardworking and determined woman who is able to overcome
challenges and succeed in her chosen profession. This theme suggests that hard work and
determination are key to achieving one's goals.

b. Societal barriers
The passage mentions societal barriers such as caste and gender, which play a role in the
relationships and interactions depicted in the story. This theme suggests that societal norms and
expectations can create obstacles and challenges for individuals.

c. Beauty
The passage frequently refers to Ninema's physical appearance and how it is admired by others.
This theme suggests that beauty and physical attractiveness are valued in society and can have an
impact on how an individual is perceived and treated

d. Gender roles
The passage mentions traditional gender roles, such as the expectation that Mr. Chinran's wife
will be responsible for buying herbs and the assumption that a relationship between a man of a
higher caste and a woman of a lower caste is unthinkable. This theme suggests that traditional
gender roles can shape relationships and create expectations for how individuals should behave
and interact.

e. Loyalty
The passage mentions several characters who are loyal to Ninema, including Mr. Chinran and
Mrs. Singh. This theme suggests that loyalty and the ability to form strong, lasting relationships
is important.

f. Violence and aggression towards women

This theme refers to the use of physical force or coercion against women in a way that is
specifically targeted at them because of their gender. The sexual assault on Ninema, as described
in the passage, is an example of violence and aggression towards women. This theme suggests
that violence and aggression towards women is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and
prevented.

g. Moral decadence
This theme refers to a decline in moral standards or values within a society. Depending on the
context and the specific actions of the assailant, the sexual assault on Ninema could be seen as
reflecting a decline in moral standards or a lack of respect for the rights and autonomy of others.
In this way, the sexual assault could be interpreted as contributing to the theme of moral
decadence within the story.

Language and Style in Ninema by Vrenika Pather

NINEMA
LANGUAGE AND STYLE

Imagery
Imagery is a literary device used in poetry, novels, and other writing that uses vivid description
that appeals to a readers' senses to create an image or idea in their head.
Through language, imagery does not only paint a picture, but aims to portray the sensational and
emotional experience within text.
This is the use of descriptive language to create vivid mental pictures or sensory experiences for
the reader. Examples of imagery in the passage include the description of Ninema's thin chiffon
sari "draping effortlessly around her perfect body," the description of her hips swaying as she
balances a basket on her head, and the mention of the "heavy enamel flask" of tea.

Personification
When an idea or animal is given human characteristics.
This is a figure of speech that involves attributing human qualities or characteristics to
nonhuman objects or concepts. An example of personification in the passage is the description of
Ninema's presence as "displacing the space around her and filling it with gravity."

Hyperbole
Hyperbole, a figure of speech that is an intentional exaggeration for emphasis or comic effect.
This is the use of exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis or effect. An example of hyperbole
in the passage is the statement that Ninema can "add faster than you could say the word 'herb.'"

Simile
Comparing two things using the words “like” or “as”
This is a figure of speech that involves comparing two unlike things using the words "like'' or
"as." An example of a simile in the passage is the comparison of Ninema's bun to "an
uncompromising bun at the nape of her neck."

Metaphor:
Comparing two things without using the words “like” or “as”.
This is a figure of speech that involves making an implicit comparison between two unlike things
by implying that one thing is the other. An example of a metaphor in the passage is the
comparison of Ninema's breasts to "high, firm breasts'' which "cause men to stop and stare."

Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is one way a poet can create sounds in a poem. An onomatopoeia is a word that
actually looks like the sound it makes, and we can almost hear those sounds as we read. Here are
some words that are used as examples of onomatopoeia: slam, splash, bam, babble, warble,
gurgle, mumble, and belch.
This is the use of words that mimic or imitate the sounds they describe. An example of
onomatopoeia in the passage is the use of the word "sigh" to describe Ninema's signs of
acceptance.

Symbolism
Symbolism is a literary device that uses symbols, be they words, people, marks, locations, or
abstract ideas to represent something beyond the literal meaning.
The concept of symbolism is not confined to works of literature: symbols inhabit every corner of
our daily life.
This is the use of symbols to represent or suggest ideas or qualities. An example of symbolism in
the passage is the mention of Ninema's chumpals, or sandals, which are described as being
reserved for "walking to the market and back home" and symbolize her hardworking and
practical nature.

Irony
The definition of irony as a literary device is a situation in which there is a contrast between
expectation and reality.
This is the use of words to express something different from, or the opposite of, their literal
meaning. An example of irony in the passage is the mention of Mrs. Singh, who is described as a
"rich old woman" who "always haggle over prices," suggesting that she is not as wealthy as she
appears.

Allusion
Allusion, in literature, is an implied or indirect reference to a person, event, or thing or to a part
of another text.
This is a reference to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work. An example of allusion
in the passage is the mention of Mr. Chinran, who is described as a "rich lawyer from a Brahmin
caste," referencing the caste system in India.

Foreshadow
Foreshadowing is a literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in
the story.
This is the use of hints or clues to suggest events that will occur later in the story. An example of
foreshadowing in the passage is the mention of Mr. Chinran wondering "how he would manage
to do his herb rounds," once his mother arranges a marriage for him, suggesting that he will no
longer be able to visit Ninema as frequently.

Characters and their Characterization in Ninema by Vrenika Pather

NINEMA
CHARACTERS
a. Ninema
  She is one of the market gardeners who serves as the main character in the story.
 She is focused, ambitious, organized and strong-willed. Her admirable trait is seen in how
find the other ladies are of her
 A comprehensive and detailed guide to a silent song and other stories and how many of
her customers remain loyal.

b. Mr. Chinran
 He is a white man who is a loyal customer of Ninema.
 He admires Ninema, but both know that their relationship is prohibited since they are
from different castes. While Mr. Chinran is a wealthy lawyer from a Brahmin caste,
Ninema is a poor girl from a low caste.
 He supports Ninema's business by buying more than enough herbs from her.

c. Mrs. Singh

 She is a wealthy older woman who is a loyal customer.

 She is known for haggling over prices, thus being difficult and troublesome. She spends
time negotiating with Ninema as a way of passing the time.

d. The strange man

 He is the man who accosts Ninema on her way from the market. He is immoral, vulgar
and lascivious.

e. Other lady hawkers

 Women who sell goods at the market and interact with

 Ninema while working at their stalls

Character Traits
a. Ninema:

 Determined: Ninema is described as facing challenges head-on and winning, which

suggests that she is determined and resilient.
 Practical: Ninema is focused on earning a living and is able to handle difficult customers
with grace and expertise, which suggests that she is practical and level-headed.
 Respectful: Ninema is described as treating all of her customers with respect and
appreciation, which suggests that she is a respectful and considerate person.
 Firm/resolute: When Mrs. Singh haggles over prices, Ninema is described as handling
the situation masterfully and refusing to budge on the prices she has set, which suggests
that she is firm or resolute in her beliefs and is able to stand her ground when faced with
difficult or challenging situations.
  Beautiful: Ninema is described as having physical features that are admired by those
around her, such as long, toned arms, a cinched waist, high, firm breasts, piercing black
eyes, and high cheekbones. This suggests that she is a beautiful woman.

b. Mr. Chinran:

 Infatuated: Mr. Chinran is described as being infatuated with Ninema, which suggests
that he has strong feelings of attraction or affection towards her.
 Wealthy: Mr. Chinran is described as a rich lawyer, which suggests that he has a high
socio-economic status and is financially well-off.

c. Mrs. Singh:

 Wealthy: Mrs. Singh is described as a wealthy old woman, which suggests that she has a
high socio-economic status and is financially well-off.
 Difficult: Mrs. Singh is described as being known for haggling over prices, which
suggests that she is difficult or demanding in her interactions with others.

d. Other lady hawkers:

 Friendly: The other lady hawkers are described as chatting amiably with Ninema while
they work, which suggests that they are friendly and sociable.

e. Attacker:

 Assailant: The attacker is described as assaulting Ninema, which suggests that they are
capable of violence and aggression.

Essay Questions on Ninema by Vrenika Pather

Essay 1
People with admirable traits stand out. Basing your illustrations on Vrenika
Pather's Ninema, write an essay to validate this assertion.

Answer
Exemplary attributes arouse respect and approval.
Ninema is a young beautiful woman whose praiseworthy character makes her the embodiment of
magnificence. She stands out from the pack at the market place.

First, Ninema is industrious. She rises early at 4:00 AM to reap her herbs from her garden. She
has green fingers and her crops are healthy. She is also an enterprising businesswoman.

To earn a living, she sells fresh produce at the Indian market. She learned the trade from her
parents. Her business makes good profit. At the end of a long working day, her hanky bulges
with notes and coins. Her diligence makes her remarkably superior to others.
Secondly, Ninema is resilient. She is as tough as old boots. She is contented and accepts her
situation but does not resign to it. She faces many challenges and wins. She is thus respected.

Ninema is also focused. She does not pay heed to the trifles when people admire her for her
physical beauty. She is indeed a beautiful woman with long black hair. Her beauty turns heads.
As she walks balancing her baskets on her head, her hips sway from side to side. Her sari drapes
around her perfect body kept in place by her high, firm breasts.

Her long, toned arms and cinched waist cause men to stop and stare. She faces them with
piercing black eyes. Women admire her high cheekbones. She does not pay heed to the attention.
She has laser-like focus on earning a living. She doesn’t waste time chatting with other women at
the market because she has no time to waste. Indeed Ninema is focused.

Ninema is good-natured and she treats her customers well. She is wise enough to provide genial
customer service. She takes extra care of her first and last customer. She says they bring luck.
She learned her trade from her parents and thus she believes in the grace and power of
generational knowledge. She is also good at accounting.

She can count faster than you can utter the word “herb”. She treats all her loyal customers with
respect and appreciation. She masterfully handles the stubborn Mrs. Singh and respectfully calls
her auntie.

Furthermore, Ninema is affable and the clients like her. Mr. Chimran is always the first to
support her. The other women joke that he is in love with Ninema. He is a rich lawyer from the
high Brahmin caste.

Nonetheless, he is infatuated with Ninema a poor girl from the low caste. She makes his days. He
buys too much from her until the mother complains. He cannot fathom the idea of an arranged
marriage which will deny him the chance of visiting Ninema's stall. Mrs. Singh is rich but she
also enjoys buying her herbs from Ninema.

She haggles for lower prizes simply to spend more time with Ninema, away from the boredom of
her big lonely house. She lingers bargaining in order to interact with Ninema more. Ninema also
takes personal interest in the lives of her customers.

She knows whose son is studying medicine in India, whose daughter just got married, and who
moved into a new house and where they bought it.

Ninema is self assured and confident. She runs her business with an iron fist. She is her own
person – acts independently with confidence. She does not give in to what other people expect of
her. This thrills as much as it irks many people. It makes the ladies in the other stands fond of
her.

They often compromised themselves at work and at home. This makes them angry with
themselves. They look up to Ninema. They admire her since she is different though she’s one of
them. They want to learn her secret. Mrs. Singh relentlessly bargains for lower prices but
Ninema does not budge.

Ninema is organized and that is why her business flourishes. She has a steady flow of customers.
She arranges her herbs appetizingly. The customers are attracted by the look and smell of her
stall. There is high demand for Ninema’s herbs. She is always busy at lunchtime when the rich
professionals patronize her during their lunch break.

Ninema is also tough. When an amorous man blocks her way and tries to harass her, she stares
directly at him. She defends herself by fighting him so ferociously that the shameless man is left
astounded. This attracts cheers and jeers and hearty laughs of approval from the other women at
the market.

Lastly, Ninema is prudent. She is a poor girl living a modest lifestyle but she has big plans. She
saves part of her money with a view of buying a big house of her own. Currently her house has
neither hot running water nor a kitchen inside.

She has to wash her face and feet using cold water in the outside tap. However, with the money
she’s saving she plans to buy a house with the running hot water and a kitchen inside. It will
have a big garden where she can plant fruits.

In conclusion, Ninema is the pinnacle of magnificence. Because of her praiseworthy traits, she
seems remarkably superior to her peers. Indeed, exemplary attributes attract respect and make us
stand out.

Essay 2
Ninema serves as an example of a virtuous woman who should be emulated in the society.
Using illustrations from the short story “Ninema” by Vrenika Pather, discuss this
assertion.

Answer
V1. Hardwork
Ninema works very hard, selling her fresh produce at the Indian market so as to earn a living.
She is Independent and does not wait for handouts from anyone but works very hard to earn
herself a decent living

V2. Resilient
Ninema is as tough as old boots. Despite the challenges that Ninema faces, she has her eyes fixed
on her goal which is to achieve a good lifestyle (buy her own house) after working so hard. We
are told that she has never had running hot water and has to make do with washing her face and
feet with cold water from the outside tap. She has to contend with boiling water on the open fire
to take her weekly bath.

V3. Generous
Ninema gifts her new customers, the last customer of the day, a bunch of mint for free, which
makes the customer very happy and she promiss to always shop for her herbs at Ninema’s stall.
V4. Self-respecting and courageous
Ninema does not condone being disrespected by anyone. When an arrogant man pinched her
erect nipple at the market, she stood up for herself to the encouragement and cheers and jeers of
the other women. She roughed up the man single-handedly for his immoral and unbecoming
behaviour. The other women were so encouraged by this courage and cheered her for having
stood firm against the disrespect.

V5. Ambitious and determined

Ninema dreams of owning a home so that she does not have to contend with bullying from
landlords, a home where she will have hot water and the kitchen will be in the inside. She vows
to work hard to single handedly achieve this.

V6. Humble
Ninema is beautiful and she knows it. Everyone admires her beauty. She however does not let
the idea of her beauty get into her head or the idea of peoples’ admiration get into her heart as
her chief concern is to earn a living.

V7. Respectful and accomodative

Ninema knows her place in the society, as a woman from the lower caste, she does not entertain
Mr. Chinran’s infatuation. He is a rich lawyer from Brahmin caste. Ninema however treats him
as she treats all other customers, with respect and appreciation. She also takes a personal intrest
in each of her customers despite being very busy.

In conclusion, the character of ninema as discussed in this essay is truly admirable and all
women should emulate and try to be like her. (Accept any other valid conclusion)