The diamond mine

This South African short story “The Diamond Mine” was first published in The New Yorker in 1999 and appeared in Loot and Other Stories, Bloomsbury, 2004. The story takes place in South Africa in the 40’s. The story deals with themes like identity, lust and infatuation. In the following essay I will give a characterization of Tilla, the soldier and the parents then an analysis of the soldier and Tilla’s relationship and while I do that I will comment on the themes in the story.

Tilla is a 16-year-old girl. She lives a quiet life, and does not have a wild teenage life, but even though she is quiet mature because she can get along with a soldier who is 8-years-older. Tilla is a very good girl; she behaves properly and is very well-mannered, because that is what her parents have taught her. But deep inside of Tilla there is a ticking bomb, she has a lust and a feeling of wanting to be free.

The soldier is 24-years-old. He is blond, dressed in khaki, has curly blond hair and is quiet handsome. He is experienced when it comes to sex and in life. He has tried many things, and is used to living a harsh life, being detailed to a training camp.