Once Upon A Time By Nadine Gordimer Summary

A society is like a human body. It comprises of different parts with dissimilar functions that have to work together to for a smooth running. If an organ suffers, the whole body is affected. Similarly, every individual ought to perform certain roles for the productivity and growth of the society. When individuals accept each other’s differences, support one another in times of need, and make sacrifices, the overall well-being of the society will improve.

Wouldn’t it be lovely if everyone lived in ivory towers? a place where everything is picture-perfect, black and white, exclusive of any trace of grey. Well, if life were truly that simple, our society would not be facing such dreadful issues. The white Africans in Nadine Gordimer’s “Once upon a time” subsisted in their fantasy world that is outwardly safe from danger and ignorant to what truly is happening outside. They enforced security procedures in their homes, presuming it would protect them. And, as shown in the story, it only did them worse. The problem of the privileged people in the story was that they were too busy, living in their Ivory Towers. We are too busy, living in our ivory towers. The white Africans in “Once upon a time” cannot ignore the societal issue concerning black Africans. The first step in becoming …show more content…
However, when tragedy attacks, even these differences cannot keep them from coming as a whole to support one another in times of need. When my grandfather died, my mom and her sister who were not in good of terms, reacquainted and reconciled. This shows how tragedy brings people together and reminds us that we are all just people, we are not so different. A statement from “A quilt of a country”: “Terrorism has led to devastation¬¬–and unity” shows how although America is such a varied nation, still, individuals unite when held together by a common