Six Feet of the Country

In the beginning, the protagonist describes their “triumph” of escaping the dangers of the city by living on the farm. How might this mindset of safety in the countryside reflect white workers’ mindsets concerning apartheid at the time?

Lerice’s character takes a sympathetic approach to their employees, but how does she demonstrate a distance between herself and her employees? How does the protagonist demonstrate this distance?

The protagonist several times refers to “waste” or “wastefulness.” How many different ways can this be interpreted? How many kinds of waste are referenced in the story, and how does this relate to the story’s themes?

How does the protagonist’s relationship with his wife compare to his relationship with his employees? Consider how he describes and responds to Lerice.

Discuss why the protagonist doesn’t offer to pay the exhumation fee. How does the character’s decision reflect the disparate cultural ideals in the story?

How is Lerice a foil to the protagonist, and how does this drive the plot action?

The protagonist is wealthier than his employees, yet less willing to spend money. How does this highlight cultural or class differences?

What is the significance of Gordimer’s construction of this story? What literary devices might the individual sections employ?