Describe a key relationship between two or more characters or individuals in the text. Explain how this relationship helped you to understand at least one of these characters or individuals. `
The Power of One
In the novel, The Power of One by Bryce Courtney, an important relationship was Peekay and Doc’s. The Power Of One is a story set in South Africa following a young boy’s journey as he comes to terms with oppression. Peekay and Doc’s relationship was important in many ways. Peekay always looked up to Doc and listened to him, and that was important because Peekay never had someone like that beforehand. Although Peekay had great knowledge when it came to school, Doc made him think logically, and I think Doc admired that. Their relationship continued to grow until Doc’s death, which really affected Peekay. As well as coming to terms with what happened, he lost a great friend. Their relationship was important to the text because it really helped me understand Peekay and how he grew as an entire person.
The first part of their relationship that helped me understand Peekay was how he always looked up to Doc and listened to him. Doc was always a role model to Peekay and as they grew closer, the more confidence Peekay gained. I think this part was really important because very few people cared about Peekay and I think he knew that. You really saw a change in Peekay’s self-belief as soon as he met Doc, because he knew Doc cared about him. We know Peekay is a very good boxer, he was able to anticipate his opponents’ moves most of whom are 2 years older. Doc was able to leave prison to watch Peekay’s first fight, which he won. He wouldn’t have done that if he didn’t care about him. This showed Peekay that Doc had faith in him and that he gave Peekay the confidence he needed to win. Doc taught him to speak for himself and that gained him more friends, who also cared about him. He strived to be like him and Doc admired that, “Besides love, independence of thought is the greatest gift an adult can give a child.” Doc helped Peekay to believe he was worth it. He gave him all his advice to prepare Peekay for the rest of his life.
Another part of their relationship that made me more aware of Peekay as a character was how Doc taught him to think logically. Although Peekay was always an intelligent kid, Doc always extended him and made him think about life.” To be smart is not a sin. But to be smart and not use it, that, Peekay, is a sin.” Peekay learned that he was very smart, and going so secondary boarding school was good for him. There was always a reason behind Peekay’s thinking, and Doc taught Peekay the value of knowledge. Peekay understands many languages, English, Latin, Zulu and Shangaan. He took this as an advantage, allowing him to communicate with many people. He was able to learn from other people and learn about other people’s lives. When he visited Doc in the Prison everyday, he was able to understand what the guards and warder’s were talking about. Not only the language but the context of what they were saying. He gained a lot from those experiences. Peekay learnt to ask questions and to not be hesitant when saying something. “Always you should go to the source, to the face of the rock, to the beginning. The more you know, the more you can control your destiny.” Doc shared everything he knew with Peekay and Peekay made sense of everything and used it to get through his problems.
Thirdly, another part of their relationship was Doc’s death, which really affected Peekay. Peekay had already had so much pain in his life and because Doc was such an important part of Peekay’s life, his death really affected Peekay in a way in which he probably had never felt before. “Doc’s death had left me completely numb. I went through the motions but it was as though I had lost my centre of gravity.” As the time after Doc’s death grew, Peekay’s sadness still remained however I think Peekay was happy it happened in a place that was symbolic to them both. Doc had a special connection to the caves. He believed they symbolized Africa and the history of their people. He thought of it as one of the last undiscovered places of Africa, the last pure place left. The caves must have had a mystical spirit to Doc, like the native tribes had and the connections they had to the African land. Doc shared that belief.
Doc’s farewell letter for Peekay reflects everything about their time together, the adventures, the humour Doc shared with Peekay and their love for eachother. “I had done my crying for doc and the note gave me comfort. Doc was safe and where he wanted to be and his secret would be kept forever.” Peekay had some special memories left of Doc, and this letter would be treasured forever. He left his secret with Peekay, because he trusted him and he knew it would be kept safe with him forever.
In conclusion, The Power of One showed us many important lessons. Bryce Courtney portrayed Peekay and Doc’s relationship as a key part of the book. Their relationship helped the audience to understand the story and the meaning of ‘the power of one’. Bryce wrote this book in a way that helped many people understand life and it’s challenges.
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