Collection of short stories: I Speak of Africa

Introduction
"I Speak of Africa" is a collection of short stories written by William Plomer and released in 1965. The book offers a rich tapestry of tales set in different areas across the African continent, from the southern idea of South Africa to the eastern shoreline of Tanzania. As a British-born author who spent significant time in South Africa, Plomer's work is marked by his capability to record the variety and intricacies of African culture and society while highlighting the shared mankind of its inhabitants.

Storytelling as a Medium of Cultural Exploration
The stories in "I Speak of Africa" are lorries for Plomer to check out and reflect on the various cultural and societal situations he came across during his time in Africa. By clearly portraying characters from numerous walks of life, he highlights the shared, universal aspects of the human experience, transcending the racial and cultural borders that frequently divide us.

One such story, "Zululand", catches the abundant tapestry of the Zulu culture, a warrior people renowned for their bravery, loyalty, and rigorous adherence to protocols. Plomer illustrates the significance of these customs and traditions, along with the price the characters are made to spend for promoting them.

In "The Others", Plomer provides a distinct expedition of gender and sexuality, as his protagonist, Mrs. Campbell, finds herself drawn to the African women she fulfills throughout her husband's service journey to the East African shoreline. The story raises questions about the nature of identity and the power dynamics that exist within female relationships.

Manifest destiny and its Effects
While Plomer's stories do not straight resolve the political implications of colonialism in Africa, its effects are implicitly woven into several of the stories. One such story is "The Dignitary", which follows the trials and adversities of the eponymous character, a high-ranking African official, torn in between his standard beliefs and the needs of his position in the British colonial federal government. The story highlights the fundamental tensions between the old and brand-new worlds and the moral dilemmas dealt with by those caught in the crossfire.

Likewise, in "The Khoisan", Plomer explores the disastrous results of land dispossession on the indigenous individuals of South Africa by sharing the journey of a group of Khoisan people who pass through the plain landscapes to find a place of their own in a quickly altering world.

Race Relations and Prejudice
Throughout the collection, Plomer deftly brightens the intricacies of race relations. In "Mountains are for Climbing", he examines the social hierarchies and power dynamics that exist between the white owners of a remote mountain lodge, their black staff, and their mixed-race visitors. The story ultimately acts as a grim pointer of the deep-seated prejudices and discrimination that continue to pester society.

"The Turkeys of Johannesburg" is a tale of a white artist's journey to the slums of Johannesburg to buy turkeys from an African man. The story explores the delicate dance of power dynamics and racial prejudices that are thoroughly negotiated within each interaction.

Ecological Degradation and Human Impact
Plomer's concern for the environment and the effect of human development on the natural world is a repeating style throughout the collection. In "The Water Saviour", the lead character struggles to navigate the impact of industrialization and government mismanagement on the water system. The story provides a bleak picture of the consequences of human encroachment on the environment and the resulting environmental devastation.

Similarly, "The Ivory Hunter" is a haunting tale of a guy driven by greed and fascination to kill an elephant for its tusks. Plomer's vibrant descriptions of the landscape and the African bush add to the sense of foreboding that penetrates the story.

Conclusion
"I Speak of Africa" is a remarkable collection of stories, showcasing William Plomer's ability as a storyteller and his eager sense of observation. The stories supply a distinct insight into the rich cultural tapestry of the African continent-- individuals, the custom-mades, and the natural landscape. Through these stories, Plomer also touches on the universal themes of human experience, consisting of bias, love, and the effect of colonialism, capturing the essence of life in Africa as it was and continues to develop.