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The Story of an African Farm

Written by Olive Schreiner

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Young womenBildungsromansHistorical fictionFeministsFarm lifeAfrica, Southern

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About this book

"The Story of an African Farm" by Olive Schreiner is a novel written in the late 19th century that delves into themes of childhood, identity, and the complexities of human relationships in a rural South African setting. The narrative primarily revolves around the lives of several young characters, including a yellow-haired child named Em, her cousin Lyndall, and a boy named Waldo, as they navigate the trials of growing up on a remote farm, struggling with their thoughts, dreams, and the stark realities of life. The opening of the book paints a vivid picture of life on the African farm, introducing the tranquil yet haunting landscape by moonlight, followed by the oppressive heat of the day. It establishes the characters through their surroundings and interactions, depicting Waldo's unsettling reflections on mortality as he listens to the ticking of a watch, the dreams of Tant Sannie, the Boer-woman, and the playful yet naïve experiences of the children. As the narrative unfolds, the children grapple with existential questions and each other's companionship, foreshadowing their individual journeys, aspirations, and the conflicts arising from their environment and circumstances.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Story of an African Farm, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • advanced
  • melancholy
  • philosophical
  • bleak

Olive Schreiner's seminal novel, "The Story of an African Farm," chronicles the lives of three children—Lyndall, Waldo, and Em—on a remote ostrich farm in the South African Karoo during the late 19th century. The narrative explores their struggles against societal conventions, the search for meaning and freedom, and the harsh realities of their isolated existence. Lyndall, a fierce intellect, rebels against the limited roles for women, while Waldo, a sensitive and philosophical dreamer, grapples with existential questions and spiritual truth. The book is a pioneering work of feminist literature and a profound meditation on individualism, nature, and the human condition.

“We are all like the little children, who stand in the long grass and try to catch the blue-winged butterfly; and though we know that if we can but catch it, and hold it between our fingers, it will be nothing but a poor, crumpled, dull thing, that we shall soon be weary of, yet we ever long to catch it.”

Key themes

Feminism and Women's Rights
This is the most prominent theme, explored primarily through Lyndall's character. The novel critiques the severely limited roles, lack of educational opportunities, and societal expectations placed upon women in the 19th century. Lyndall's struggle for intellectual freedom, personal autonomy, and the right to define her own life, independent of marriage or male dominance, is central to the narrative. It highlights the injustice and tragedy of talented women being confined to domesticity or superficiality.
Existentialism and the Search for Meaning
This theme is largely explored through Waldo's character. The novel delves into the human struggle to find meaning and purpose in a vast, indifferent universe, particularly in the absence of conventional religious dogma. Waldo's introspective journey involves questioning faith, grappling with suffering, and seeking truth in nature, leading him to a personal, almost pantheistic, understanding of existence.
Nature vs. Society
The novel draws a stark contrast between the freedom, truth, and raw beauty found in the natural world of the African veld and the artificial, restrictive, and often hypocritical structures of human society. Nature offers solace, inspiration, and a sense of belonging to characters like Waldo, while society imposes limitations, fosters prejudice, and stifles individual potential.

Worth discussing

How does the Karoo landscape function as a character or symbolic presence in the novel? How does it influence the characters' inner lives?

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