Chapter 7: Fufi

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was the narrator's initial reaction when he lost Fufi?

Anger towards the other child

Joy at Fufi's happiness

Indifference about Fufi's new relationship

Heartbreak and sobbing (correct)

What lesson did the narrator learn from his experience with Fufi?

It is important to own the things we love

Loyalty is guaranteed in all relationships

Friendship is more important than love

Love doesn't involve ownership (correct)

How did the narrator's mom respond to his tears over Fufi's affection for another boy?

She encouraged him to find a new pet

She promised to buy him a new dog

She dismissed his concerns as unjustified (correct)

She sympathized with his feelings

What emotion does the narrator express about relationships later in life?

Understanding and empathy for friends' heartbreaks Signup and view all the answers

How did the narrator perceive Fufi's actions throughout the story?

As an act of independence Signup and view all the answers

What belief about cats is mentioned in the context of the black community in South Africa?

Only witches are believed to own cats. Signup and view all the answers

What happened at the Orlando Pirates soccer match involving a cat?

A security guard killed the cat, believing it to be a witch. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of white people to the incident involving the cat at the soccer match?

They were outraged and demanded justice. Signup and view all the answers

How did the black community generally react to the killing of the cat?

They saw it as an act of necessary protection. Signup and view all the answers

What does the mention of the author’s mother bringing home two cats signify?

A rebellion against cultural beliefs about cats. Signup and view all the answers

In the context, why might it be considered dangerous to own a cat in a black neighborhood?

It could signal a belief in witchcraft. Signup and view all the answers

What animal was primarily preferred by black families in the mentioned community?

Dogs, as they are more accepted. Signup and view all the answers

What cultural shift is implied by the author's family's move to a colored neighborhood?

A change in beliefs about animal ownership. Signup and view all the answers

What was the name the other kid called the dog instead of Fufi?

Spotty Signup and view all the answers

What issue caused the protagonist to feel heartbroken?

Fufi was taken by another family. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Fufi unable to respond to the calls made by the other kid?

She was deaf. Signup and view all the answers

How did the protagonist initially react upon realizing the other kid thought Fufi was his dog?

He cursed the kid out. Signup and view all the answers

What did the protagonist's mom do when she arrived home?

She comforted the protagonist. Signup and view all the answers

What items did the protagonist and his mom take to the other family as proof of ownership?

Pictures and vet certificates. Signup and view all the answers

What did the mom ultimately offer the other family in an attempt to retrieve Fufi?

A hundred rand. Signup and view all the answers

How did the confrontation between the moms initially go?

The other mom denied owning the dog. Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial reaction of the narrator regarding the dead cats?

They did not feel attached as they hardly knew the cats. Signup and view all the answers

How did the narrator describe the relationship between the two dogs, Fufi and Panther?

They had a complex relationship of love and conflict. Signup and view all the answers

What cultural perspective does the narrator provide regarding dog ownership in different communities?

Black people consider dogs primarily for protection. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason the puppies were brought home by the narrator's mother?

A colleague's dog had an unexpected litter. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator attribute to the naming conventions used for dogs in the black community?

Names reflect either the dog's personality or physical traits. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Fufi as per the narrator's observation?

Fufi was perceived as beautiful yet possibly lacking intelligence. Signup and view all the answers

What was written on the front wall in Afrikaans regarding the cats?

Heks—Witch. Signup and view all the answers

What observation does the narrator make about the cats' behavior towards them?

The cats ignored the narrator and their attempts at affection. Signup and view all the answers

What was Fufi’s behavior when called by the family?

She would wait for Panther to return with her. Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately led to Fufi's death?

She was injured by a falling gate. Signup and view all the answers

What misconception did the family have about Fufi?

They assumed she was simply disobedient. Signup and view all the answers

How did Fufi display her agility?

By jumping high to catch food. Signup and view all the answers

How did Fufi manage to escape from the backyard?

She climbed up the wall. Signup and view all the answers

What did the vet imply was unusual about Fufi’s behavior?

Responding to commands despite being deaf. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of relationship did the narrator have with Fufi?

Fufi was considered special and loved. Signup and view all the answers

What would Fufi likely have been if YouTube had existed during her lifetime?

A famous internet star. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Growing Up in a Black Community

The author grew up in a black family in a black neighborhood of a black country.
They have travelled to numerous black cities across the continent.
The author observed that black people in many communities did not like cats.
A cat running onto a soccer pitch during a game and being brutally beaten by a security guard was a significant incident.
This event sparked outrage among white people, surprising the black community.
Black people generally accepted the security guard's actions as justified based on the idea of a cat being a witch.

Cats and the Community

Black people often did not keep cats.
The author's mother brought two black cats home, defying community norms.
The cats were later killed in their neighborhood.
The author and their mother were not surprised by the violence against the cats.
- They felt it was as expected in the community.
The author noted that other communities didn't value the cats any more highly.

Dogs in the Black Community

Dogs were common house pets among black families.
Dogs were viewed in the black community as a form of protection.
Dogs were used as alarm systems that would alert to intruders.
Naming patterns for dogs would reflect physical characteristics.
The author's family adopted two puppies.
The dogs were unusual in that they were a mix breed.
They were very close to the author.

Animal Abuse and Violence

The author witnessed the killing of cats and the conflict revolving around ownership of pets.
A dispute ensued over the ownership of a dog because a white woman considered a Black family's dog theirs.
The author describes the conflicts, stress, and pain surrounding these cases.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the author's experiences growing up in a black neighborhood and the cultural attitudes towards cats. It examines significant events, such as the brutal treatment of a cat during a soccer game, and how these incidents reflect broader community beliefs. Join us to delve into the dynamics of community norms and values.