The Eighth Man Resource Pack Bi3gjw

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za
Literature Resource Pack:
The Eighth Man
Written and researched by: J. Pienaar (BA, BA Hons, MA, PhD)
Edited and published by: MACRAT PUBLISHING cc
ISBN: 978-1-77583-245-4
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For TEACHER RESOURCE PACKS
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‘The Eighth Man’ Teacher’s Resource pack 1
The Eighth Man

by Michael Williams
GETTING STARTED
These notes and activities will guide learners through the novel and prepare them for tests and
exams.
Note to Learners
You can prepare for your exam by making sure you have a good understanding of the
Plot, the Characters and the Themes. We have included useful templates which you can
use to draw up character profiles and mind maps for important themes.
The Plot
• What is the text all about? What happens?
• What causes conflict and how is it resolved?
• What is the height of the conflict?
Is it personal, found in the action or do the circumstances or setting contribute to the
drama?
It is a good idea to draw a timeline of the full action, identifying the points of conflict and
their resolution. Make as many notes around the timeline as possible.
Why is it important to know the plot?

 By knowing and understanding the plot, you can immediately place a contextual extract
in context.
 You are then able to recall what happens before or after the extract. This is important as
it is very probable that the extract has been selected because it forms part of a dramatic
event, results in one, or follows on from one.
 When writing an essay, specifics of what happens can be vital in shaping your opinion
and argument.
The Characters
• You need to get to know the characters. You read about what they do, but you also need
to read between the lines.
• What do their actions and words tell you about them?
• What do other people say about them?
• What are their motivations?
• Are they honest or are they not what they appear to be?
• Are they flat or round characters? Do they grow, change or develop, or do they stay
the same?
For each character, use the
Remember to include quotes to support your opinions CHARACTER TEMPLATE page
as you may need these if you decide to complete an provided, where you can jot
essay question rather than a contextual question. down details as you read the
novel, and then summarise the
development or change (if any)
in the character. Adapt the
template to suit your needs.
Why is it important to know about the characters?
www.macrat.co.za
 The focus of your contextual question may be related to how and why characters are
reacting in a particular way.
 If you understand the characters, and have an opinion of them, you will be guided to
answer the question accurately BUT do remember to look at the question carefully as
it may be specific to the extract, or it may require you to consider the character in terms
of the full text.
 Understanding what makes characters ‘tick’ can offer excellent guidance when
completing an essay.
The Themes
• What are the messages or motifs that occur throughout the text?
• What ultimately, does the text say?
It is a good idea to draw a mindmap for each A THEME MINDMAP TEMPLATE is

theme so that you know which characters and included, but get creative – you can
parts of the plot support a particular theme. reflect the theme in any way that will
allow you to recall the details.
Why is it important to understand the themes?
 It is quite likely that a theme may be referred to in a contextual question – either
specifically, or you may be asked to relate a theme to the text as a whole.
Working through this resource pack will give you an excellent knowledge of the text,
while at the same time encouraging you to add your own thoughts and opinions.
Included in this pack:

• Introduction
• The Narrative
• About the novel
• The Themes
• The Characters
• Topics for discussion
• A practice exam question
• Suggested answers
When Frankie Opperman - surfer, rugby captain, and

Helderkloof High's golden boy - is found drowned in
the school pool, Jake Mulligan is called to investigate.
He finds himself at the heart of a school in crisis, yet
no one seems willing to help. Why the baffling silence
from Frankie's former friends?
Character Template
INFO FROM THE TEXT ACTIONS AND WORDS THAT REVEAL
A CHARACTER’S PERSONALITY
CHARACTERISTICS
NAME OF CHARACTER QUOTES TO SUPPORT
OF PERSON YOUR NOTES
After reading the whole novel, summarise how the character has changed, grown or
developed.
Theme Mindmap Template

Getevidence,
GET CREATIVE – find Creative! Make notes, add quotes,
draw
provide quotes and picture,
show add arrows to show links …
the links!
make a memorable theme mindmap!
THEME
INTRODUCTION
Overview of what to expect in The Eighth Man
This is a detective story. It narrates the journey of Inspector Jake Mulligan as

he sifts through the evidence related to two criminal cases: one involving an
unknown black child whose body is found mutilated and the other a first team,
white rugby player from an influential family who is found drowned in the school’s
swimming pool. We, the readers, participate in his findings as he relates his
experiences in the first person, thus drawing us into his actions and allowing us
to share in his personal thoughts and feelings.
The novel also exposes what happens in the lives of a particular group of Grade
12 students. We learn about drug trafficking, abuse, rape and racial discrimination. We learn
about the bonds of friendship and loyalty that can be both productive and destructive. We
explore the personal lives of the first rugby team – with some shocking and disturbing
revelations.
The story takes place against the backdrop of a turbulent and violent South Africa, where racial
tension runs high. We discover the shortcomings in the SAPS system, as well as the role the
media plays in influencing opinion. Layer upon layer of information is uncovered, until the
shocking revelation is exposed at the end of the investigation.
The author, Michael Williams, writes with great insight about the Cape where the action takes
place. He recognizes the people and their circumstances, the poverty and the riches. He
identifies with the politics of the region and the country. Besides being a detective story, this is a
South African story about late teenagers (Grade 12 learners) and an all-important rugby match.
The story (narrative) takes place over the course of three weeks – and a great deal is uncovered
in these three crucial weeks. However, the two murders constantly loom in the foreground –
unsolved and on everyone’s minds.
So read the novel as you would a crime thriller. Take note of clues, ‘watch’ the
behaviour of the characters, put yourself in the shoes of Inspector Mulligan
and allow yourself to share in his indecision and doubts. As you read, you will
gain more and more perspective of the events and characters. You will also
share the disillusionment Jake Mulligan so often feels, given the limitations of
his job and the SAPS.
NOTE: Not to spoil the suspense in the novel, we suggest that you finish reading it
before you study the notes. Questions have been included at intervals to help you
engage with the text and to revise important aspects of the novel.
THE NARRATIVE
CHAPTERS 1-3: MURDER ONE
Inspector Mulligan of the Violent Crimes unit is in pursuit of gun runners in Mitchell’s Plain when
he comes across the first murder victim by chance. He discovers a small boy, naked, with his
head buried in the sand and his hands tied behind his back. The child’s feet have been cut off.
The shoes, with the socks neatly folded in each shoe, lie next to the body. There are signs that
this could be a muti killing.
Later, Detective Mulligan describes the scene to his

girlfriend, reporter Kate Edwards.
CHAPTERS 4-11: EARLY INVESTIGATIONS: THE GAME PLAYERS
The action moves to the rugby change room where talk about the drowned Frankie Opperman
is hotly debated. It appears that the prime suspect is a black boy, Lovuyo Mtshali, who seems to
have had some grudge against the Opperman boy. The team members are almost united in
thinking that Lovuyo is responsible for the death of Frankie. Lovuyo will now replace Frankie in
the the eighth-man position. There is tension and uncertainty. We, the reader, sense that there is
some ‘secret’ that is being withheld by the rugby boys, a tight-knit group who call themselves
‘Hell’s Boys’.
As this is a detective novel, there is bound to be much side-tracking,

dangling clues and dead ends. In this section the job of following up
the murders of Frankie Opperman and the mutilated boy are given to
Detective Mulligan. As part of the investigation, his boss and ex-partner,
Colonel Jackson Sondile, visit a sangoma in search of someone who might
have needed strong muti in the hope of getting a lead on potential suspects.
They come away with two possible leads.
We learn that Detective Mulligan is disillusioned with the Violent Crimes Unit – and the police
force as a whole. Nevertheless, he plans to visit the school as part of his investigation and to
question all who knew the boy who was murdered.
In the meantime, the detective’s girlfriend, journalist Kate Edwards, is

motivated by the case of the unidentified murdered boy. She is also
drawn into another case of a missing boy, Evelyn Butler’s son, who has
disappeared.
At the school, we meet Deidre Martin and her close friend, Allison Langley. Deidre is in deep
mourning for Frankie, although he was no longer her boyfriend. Allison is sympathetic. A new
girl has joined the school, a rebellious teenager from Johannesburg named Diana Polesky, who
had supposedly been flirting with Frankie.
Lovuyo seems to be the prime suspect in the case. We are aware that something
must have happened between Luvoyo and Frankie, but no one will admit to what
really occurred. When Lovuyo is interviewed by the headmaster, he insists that he
was not involved in the murder. When the headmaster is interviewed by Detective
Mulligan, he in turn denies any racial tension in the school. Principal van Heerden
denies any drug activity in Helderkloof High.
Yet there is a ‘secret’ that hangs over everything – an untold story that might just hold the key to
the bad blood between Lovuyo and Frankie. Meanwhile, Lovuyo is totally dedicated to the game
of rugby and justifiably proud of his new position as the eighth man for the first team.
In this section, we also make brief contact with the High Lit Tut Society led by the eccentric
English teacher, Adrian Sands (the ‘Sandman’). He runs an exclusive after-hours club for ‘gifted’
English students where music, literature and philosophy are discussed. Lovuyo attends this
meeting, the theme of which emerges as death. This society will play an important role in later
events.
Questions: Chapters 1-11
1. Explain how the search for illegal weapons starts the story.
2. Explain why Mulligan thinks this might be a muti killing.
3. What is the ‘problem’ Lovuyo creates when he joins the first rugby team?
4. Explain why the High Lit Tut meeting is so important.
NOTE: page 33. ‘Deidre was the last … engulfed by the flames.”
This is a significant moment that will be important later in the story.
5. Kate Edwards is a journalist who is devoted to the truth. How do we know this from
reading chapter 6?
6. Both murder cases are discussed in chapter 7, yet one takes preference in the
investigations to follow. Suggest why this happens.
7. Refer to pages 45 – 47. What does the conversation between Jake and Jackson tell us
about the differences between white and black people?
8. Refer to pages 52 – 53: “Look around you … resents the foreign.” How do these words
sum up what happens in this chapter?
9. Refer to the opening of chapter 9: pages 53 – 55, up to ‘by the other players.’
Why is this information so important?
10. Diana speaks to Lovuyo. Then he is interviewed by the principal. What do the two
interviews have in common?
11. At the end of the interview with van Heerden, the question of drugs at the school comes
up. How does the principal react?
NOTE: page 60. “And in that moment … trust the other fourteen?” The principal, van Heerden,
is more involved than he admits. He is also afraid.
12. Look at the dialogue between Mulligan and Lovuyo at the end of chapter 11.
What do we sense in Lovuyo’s attitude and answers?
CHAPTER 12-16: THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
The Detective questions the class and the rugby boys. Nothing of worth emerges. Yet once
again Lovuyo is mentioned as a possible participant in the murder. The undisclosed information
about what happened between the two of them remains just that – a secret. Lovuyo, when
questioned, is adamant that he is guiltless. It is as though the learners are holding back
something of importance relevant to the case. What does emerge is that there is a vital rugby
match against a rival school, Eikestad High, in three weeks’ time.
Meanwhile the boy Jamey is still missing. This is of great concern to Kate Edwards. She is also
dedicated to tracking down the identity of the mutilated child.
The interview with Deidre and Mulligan reveals no further information, other than that there was
rivalry between Lovuyo and Frankie.
The ‘muti’ theme is continued with the case of a daughter who was raped. This involves her
father, Mr Hadebe, and a witch doctor, Zulu. Colonel Sondile investigates but it is a dead end
– it emerges that this man was not responsible for the death of the boy found in Mitchell’s Plain.
A new character enters the scene: Leonard Rindell, a forensic expert, who undertakes to
examine the unknown dead boy’s shoes and clothing.
In the meantime, the killing of Frankie Opperman is being labelled as

a racial issue in the newspapers.
And Lovuyo has disappeared!
CHAPTERS 17-21: MEDIA ATTENTION AND LUVOYO MISSING
Chris Calahan, a presenter on Radio 101 (‘Mother Talk’), stirs up

controversy about the murder at Helderkloof High School. He interviews
learners, putting his own biased emphasis on events to boost
listenership.
Underage first team rugby players are served illegal liquor at the Hole-in-the Wall, a local pub.
Davey Jones and Peter Venter discuss Lovuyo’s place on the team, but of course now he has
disappeared. Diana arrives, obnoxious but also curious about relationships with Frankie. Drinks
and drugs are freely available.
Detective Mulligan visits Somerset West where he meets the foster parents of Lovuyo, the
Rodgers. They tell the story of how they ‘adopted’ Lovuyo, looked after him and gave him
an education. They also mention the pressure on Lovuyo to undergo tribal initiation on the
insistence of his father. Lovuyo is still missing but the family paid a bribe of R3000 to protect
Lovuyo from harm at the initiation ceremony. The question of Lovuyo’s involvement with the
death of Frankie Opperman hangs over the conversation.
The scene moves to Mitchell’s Plain where Kate is trying to trace how Jamey disappeared.
She is robbed by teenagers from the area who initially offer to help her. Shocked and shaken,
she realizes her foolishness in undertaking such an unwise and dangerous trip.Kate and Jake
talk, although their relationship is still somewhat strained on account of Jake’s work
commitments. Then comes a surprise. Jake receives a call from Captain Swanepoel of the
SAPS Narcotics Unit. The Captain reveals and confirms that there is an undercover agent
working at Helderkloof High School – a female agent.
13. Why do you think the story of Jamey (a subplot) is introduced in chapter 12?
14. Describe how Deidre deals with Jake’s interview in chapter 13.
15. What is the main topic of the conversation between Jake and Kate in chapter 13?
16. In chapters 14 – 16 the investigation turns up nothing. Why?
17. Why does Jake contact Leonard Rindell?
18. At the end of chapter 16 Lovuyo has disappeared. What does this fact add to the story –
and his possible involvement with the death of Frankie?
19. Chris Calahan and his radio guests talk about racism in schools. Why does the presenter
encourage negative stories?
NOTE: What does this say about racial division/prejudice in our country?
20. In chapter 18 we learn more about the rugby boys – and about Deidre. What we learn links
to the theme ‘appearance and reality’. Explain.
21. “How would you like to take a business trip to Transkei and go looking for a lost boy,
Colonel?” (page 115). How does this tie up with Jake’s interview with the Rodgers’ family?
22. Kate goes to Mitchell’s Plain. Why does she call herself, ‘Stupid, stupid, stupid’ at the end
of chapter 20?
CHAPTERS 22-25: CLUES AND LEADS
Jake meets undercover agent Annie Uys (aka Diana Polesky). They discuss the Opperman
killing but decide there was more than one person involved. Again, the issue of the
Lovuyo/Frankie disagreement comes up. It turns out that Frankie is not the nice guy he
appeared to be. There is also the possibility that he was involved with the drugs being sold in the
school. Annie reveals that Deidre Martin is one of the main drug users.
Leonard Rindell, from Forensics, reappears in the story. He calls with some
information about the mutilated child. A special brand of oil was found on the
shoes, as were bits of sea shells. This can be connected to the wreck of a
Singaporean vessel wrecked off the shore of Scarborough.
Kate and Jake visit the area. Jake is suffering from overwork, stress and
burnout. The two manage to share a romantic time together but Jake cannot
find any connections between the boy, the beach and the wreck.
The couple plan an Italian holiday but a call from Jacobus Opperman
intrudes. He wants to see Jake immediately, at half-past-nine in Somerset West that same
evening.
CHAPTER 26: BREAKTHROUGH
The Opperman home is rich and elegant. The grandfather is devastated by his grandchild’s
murder. However, he has a revelation to make. He has found a stash of expensive drugs
locked in a safe to which only Frankie had a key. This confirms
that Frankie was a drug dealer.
Questions and Answers: Chapters 22-26
23. ‘However, in the Mitchell’s Plain case I was riding a blind horse in a black night with a hood
over my head.’ (page 122)
What is Jake suggesting here?
24. Why is it such a surprise that Constable Uys is a woman?
25. Annie Uys, as Diana Polesky, is doing a good job. How do we know this from what she
tells Jake in chapter 22?
26. Leonard Rindell’s findings set off another false trail in the search for the missing boy. How
does Jake follow up on Rindell’s findings?
27. Chapter 24 starts with Jake’s fear of burnout. Explain what this means to him.
28. On what note does chapter 24 end?
NOTE: page 139. Kate: “Have you ever been to Italy, Jake?” This will be the ‘escape’ from
detective work at the end of the novel – a country steeped in traditional European culture that
offers beautiful and peaceful settings far from the crime-ridden places in South Africa.
29. What Mr Odendaal has to show Jake changes things. Explain the importance of this find.
NOTE: pages 141-2. The description of the Opperman house is in stark contrast to the poverty
of Mitchell’s Plain.
CHAPTERS 27-31: MORE CLUES AND LEADS
Jake reveals his source of evidence to Constable Uys and provides the phone number written on
the lid of the box of narcotics found by Frankie’s grandfather.
Jake decides to visit the Hole-in-the Wall bar. He questions the group but finds that they still
blame Lovuyo. They refer to an incident when Lovuyo almost strangled Frankie in a fight. Diana
arrives and offers to take drugged and drunk Deidre home. It seems the two girls are now best
friends.
Meanwhile, Jackson visits Lovuyo’s father, Mr Mtshali, in the Valley

of the Mzimvubu River. It takes some convincing to persuade the
old man to allow his son to return to the city. He is adamant that
Lovuyo should undergo initiation to become a man. It is revealed
that it was an uncle who defrauded the Rodgers of R3000.
Eventually Jackson convinces the father to allow Lovuyo to return
to Cape Town to defend himself by telling his story.
Jake visits the school to pursue the matter of Frankie, Deidre and the drugs. He finds himself in
Mr Sands’ English class. Cleverly, the teacher arranges for Jake to stay and listen to part of a
lesson in which many relevant subjects (related to the murder) are discussed. The detective
learns much about the learners and their attitudes. He also gains their respect and trust.
After the lesson, in conversation with Sands, the matter concerning Frankie, Deidre and the
selling of drugs is discussed. Once again, the ‘secret’ comes up. This is one of the vital ‘keys’
to the mystery of Frankie’s murder – and the reason for Lovuyo being a prime suspect. Sands
invites the detective to that night’s High Lit Tut meeting, where Lovuyo will also be present.
CHAPTER 31: MEDIA PRESSURE AND HALF-TRUTHS
The scene is once again the radio station where Allison and Deidre are
being interviewed. It emerges that Lovuyo had had to undergo some sort
of initiation in order to play first team rugby. The principal, Mr van Heerden,
however, denies any racism or initiation practices at his school. Once
again, the whole situation on air is set up for sensationalism and gossip.
30. What part of the ‘secret’ shared by the rugby boys is revealed in chapter 27 at the Hole-in-
the-Wall?
31. Lovuyo’s father is set on following tradition. Show how this relates to the disappearance of
Lovuyo.
32. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster.” (page
158). How does this quote relate to Jake?
NOTE: page 160. Deidre asks: “Have you ever worked on a case where a woman committed
murder?” This is a question that will only be answered fully at the end of the investigation.
33. “Thanks to you, Ed, I’ve learned more about what's happening in this school in the last
hour than I’ve done in the past three weeks” (page 171]. Name two things he has learnt.
NOTE: page 170. Sands: “… it seems Lovuyo had his doubts about it, too, but what then is an
acceptable alternative for him, I wonder?” Is there an alternative to Lovuyo’s initiation into
manhood?
34. The principal says, “… but on the whole we’ve a school that’s free from any …”. (page 177)
What is he referring to and why is this not true?
CHAPTERS 32-34: REVELATION
A call from Constable Annie Uys informs Detective Mulligan that Blackie Abrahams, the drug
dealer-supplier, has been arrested. Jake agrees to a visit early the following morning.
Lovuyo, back from the Transkei, tells the humiliating story of his initiation into the first rugby
team. What was meant to be a fun, boyish trick, turned into a degrading and hurtful (both
physically and mentally) experience for the young black player. All the boys participated.
The result was that Lovuyo attacked Frankie as the ringleader and instigator. He would have
strangled Frankie had he not been restrained by Marcus’ wise words. The ultimate humiliation
sees the boys leave Lovuyo naked and without shoes in the street.
It emerges that the headmaster, when told of the initiation incident, threatened the boys with
expulsion. They were sworn to secrecy and Frankie went unpunished.
Lovuyo denies killing Frankie. He has more than one alibi to prove his whereabouts on the night
of the murder. Deidre acknowledges that Frankie was dealing drugs.
The ‘secret’ is out but there are still some unanswered questions.
Blackie Abrahams is interrogated by Constable Uys. He tells of the night Frankie was killed.
An unknown girl (Deidre, we discover) had betrayed Frankie by informing the drug dealer that
he was taking more than his share of the profits. He and two of his thugs met with Frankie at
the pool and beat him up. They left him unconscious, but not dead.
CHAPTERS 35-38: TYING UP THE LOOSE ENDS
The day of the rugby clash has arrived. Tension runs high. Lovuyo is proud to be part of the
team. This is a dream come true – a day to prove himself. Solomon, his father from the Transkei,
is also present.
Deidre is high on drugs and Allison is concerned. Together they arrange to meet with Diana
(Uys) at the pool. Uys questions them about knowing Abrahams. Both deny any knowledge of
the dealer.
Deidre jumps into the pool but is dragged out by Uys and Jake. When questioned
about phoning Abrahams, Deidre admits she was the one who called. Deidre
reveals that she was raped by Frankie, then dumped, and she wanted to hurt him
in return. She tells how he was beaten that night but did not cry out. She sobs as
she tells her story about how badly she was treated by Frankie. She insists,
however, that he was alive when she ran away from the barely conscious rugby
player. She did not push him into the pool, although she blames herself for his
death.
It was Allison – in an act of hatred, revenge, friendship and sympathy for her friend, Deidre –
who pushed Frankie into the pool and to his death.
The story hits the news headlines, bringing Kate much acclaim. She also learns that Jamey was
not kidnapped but taken on holiday by his father – something about which the mother knew all
along.
CHAPTERS 39-40: AND THE ENDING?
Lovuyo wins the game for Helderkloof High. He is

accepted as a member of the team and has proved his
manhood.
Jake Mulligan resigns from the SAPS.
The abused boy is never identified. The case will remain unresolved and will eventually be filed
away and forgotten.
Jake and Kate are reunited. Together, they visit Italy. Harsh memories of the past are hard to set
aside – but there are hopeful ones too!
35. The facts about Lovuyo’s ‘initiation’ are revealed. Why was it so heartbreaking for the boy?
NOTE: Do you think Lovuyo’s reaction to his ‘initiation’ was justified? Why, or why not?
36. How did Lovuyo react?
37. How did the principal react to this incident?
38. How does chapter 33 confirm that Frankie was dealing drugs at school?
39. How was Blackie implicated in Frankie’s misfortune the night of the murder?
40. In chapter 35 Deidre confesses to her part in the beating of Frankie. What was her motive?
41. Why does Deidre blame herself for Frankie’s death?
42. What was Allison’s motive for killing Frankie by pushing him in the pool?
43. Kate’s involvement with the ‘lost’ Jamey turns out happily. Explain what happens.
44. Jake resigns from the SAPS. Why?
45. The rugby team is successful and Lovuyo’s ‘initiation’ is complete. Explain.
46. How does the last paragraph of the novel tie up with the opening chapter?
ABOUT THE NOVEL
These are some thoughts about the novel, the events, themes and characters.
They are by no means exclusive. This is a story rich in detail and character
exploration. Use the following notes as observations and the starting point for
your own ideas and opinions.
GENRE
The Eighth Man is a detective novel. Detective novels can be referred to as

crime fiction, mysteries or thrillers.
We don’t read detective novels in the same way we do other stories. With a
detective story, we too are looking for clues; we want to know the reason for
the crime, what happened, why it happened and who is responsible.
We also read detective novels to discover more about the detective. It is in the mind and hands
of the detective to solve (or not solve!) the crime. In the process we meet others who either
assist the detective in his or her investigation or do all they can to stop the truth emerging.
Sometimes an investigation is helped along by chance: an accidental event, a meeting with a

stranger, forensic evidence …
You will find that all the above factors play a part in the narrative of The Eighth Man.
SETTING
The setting can play a significant role in detective novels. For this novel, the author has chosen
to set his story in the Western Cape (Cape Town and its environs, to be specific). The events
take place in a new democratic South Africa which allows the author to explore some of the
issues related to this transition period in our emerging democracy.
While the story highlights the crime in our country, the author also shows us the positive side of
life in South Africa: the bonds of friendship, the importance of sport, the loyalty of people and the
intensity of police commitment by dedicated detectives.
When the story opens, two crimes have been

committed: one against a helpless black child
who has been sexually molested and brutally
murdered, the second against a popular white,
rich and charming first team rugby player. Jake
Mulligan is assigned the cases but also receives
assistance from his ex-partner, Colonel Jackson
Sondile, aka Jakkals, who has a special interest
in both cases.
The investigation takes the reader to a variety of

contrasting environments from the poorer
townships of Mitchell’s Plain and Khayelitsha to
the exclusive suburbs of Somerset West,
through coastal towns like Scarborough and
Kommetjie, and even as far afield as a valley in
the Transkei. To Scarborough Source: Wikimedia Commons
and Kommetjie
One of the environments exposed in the novel is the world of the working detective in our over-
extended police stations. As Detective Mulligan shares his experiences, we feel for the man who
must face so much frustration and encounter so many dead ends. We learn that while he is
devoted to his job in the SAPS, he is becoming more and more frustrated by the inability of the
police to deal with complex cases that need far more manpower than they have available. His
feelings are shared by his ex-partner, Jackson, as they battle time restraints and ever-full desks,
piled with new cases that need urgent attention.
We also enter a more familiar world: that of Grade 12 students, in their final year
of school. Among these learners are the members of the prestigious first rugby
team who are determined to beat rival school Eikestad High in a match that will
take place in three weeks’ time. They are a united group of young men who
are also proud and racist.
The author gives us some insight into the lives of these emerging adults –
especially the activities of the first team rugby players. We also learn about
two close friends: Deidre Martin and Allison Langley and a third girl, Diana
Polesky, a cheeky and rebellious girl who has arrived at the school and brought
change and disobedience.
The world of school plays a vital part in the novel. We are at times shocked by the behaviour of
these young people who get drunk and high on drugs. This, notes Michael Williams with
sarcastic honesty, “is the hidden world of the South African school-going teenager”. Much of this
seemingly ‘normal’ behaviour takes place in a South African environment where the threat of
violence and racism is ever present.
THE EIGHTH MAN
THE THEMES
Appearance and reality
As can be expected from a detective thriller, there are

secrets and lies which create disparities between what
appears to be, and what really is.
At the heart of the story is the big ‘secret’ involving Lovuyo and Frankie. This secret encourages
people to suspect Lovuyo of Frankie’s death but everything is not as it seems. As we soon
discover, Frankie is not as popular as first thought.
Helderkloof High appears to be a good school but there are learners secretly involved in
drugs and underage drinking. While it appears that Dierdre is heartbroken after losing
Frankie, we later discover that this is not entirely true. Her secret about being raped by
Frankie has a major influence on her need for retribution – and so ultimately the death
of Frankie Opperman.
NOTE: The theme of a story can be
Other deceptions in the novel include the role played by the conveyed using characters, setting,
character, Diana Polesky, who is later identified as Constable dialogue, plot, or a combination of
Annie; the story about the ‘disappearance’ of Jamie which we all of these elements. Choose one
discover is merely an untruth told for personal reasons; the
theme from the novel (you do not
lies told by the headmaster, Mr van Heerden and the rugby
coach, Jan Tromp; the hype of Chris Calahan, the radio have to limit yourself to the themes
presenter in order to push up his ratings. Even Jake and his discussed here) and, in an essay of
girlfriend, Kate, hide things from one another. approximately 250 words, discuss
how this theme is expressed in the
During the course of the novel, Detective Mulligan (and the novel.
reader) must distinguish between what is fake and what is
truth.
Some of the characters escape this world of lies and deceit – but it takes sacrifice. Both Deidre
and Allison will have to pay the price for their part in the murder of Frankie. A disillusioned Jake
resigns from the SAPS, yet even on holiday in Italy he cannot cast off the dark shadows of what
happened in the last weeks of his duty as a detective or his thoughts of the horror he
experienced in Mitchell’s Plain.
Loyalty and friendship

There are various friendships portrayed in the novel. For
example, the partnership between Jake and Jackson, the
relationship between Mr Sands and his special students,
the complicated friendships among the students, including
the one between Marcus and Lovuyo.
While loyalty is mostly shown as a positive attribute, the

author also makes the point that it can be taken too far –
with disastrous results. The most obvious example is the action taken by Allison in defense of
her friend, Deidre. Allison allows her loyalty to overcome her sense of sound judgement.
Lovuyo’s sense of loyalty to his father is an interesting feature of his story as is his loyalty to the
rugby team despite how they initially treated him.
Crime and corruption

The Eighth Man is a dark but realistic look at crime in our country. It serves as a
reminder that in South Africa, as all over the world, there are people who are out
to serve their own selfish aims – people who are prepared to lie and deceive in
order to protect themselves and to avoid the truth. The novel is also an indication
that people can be both good and bad and that crime exists at every level of society,
not just in the poorer areas.
The character, Kate, does all she can to make her readers aware of the injustices that are out
there in the streets of South Africa. At the end of the novel, she is able to enjoy a more secure
and meaningful relationship with Jake. In this way, perhaps, the author is reminding the reader
to uphold truth and justice as meaningful principles.
Racism and racial discrimination

NOTE: RACISM refers to a deep-rooted belief system that one group is superior to another
whereas RACIAL DISCRIMINATION is the act of isolating persons based on their race and
subjecting them to differential or unequal treatment because of their race.
This theme touches on almost all the events in the novel but is particularly associated with the
character of Lovuyo. Here is a young, dedicated rugby player and worthwhile student who is
viewed as a possible criminal, only because he is not white in a
white-dominated school and is prepared to defend his ethnic
dignity when severely abused in a joke that goes terribly wrong.
Features of the story also highlight the great divide between rich
and poor – and the benefits that come with being privileged.
In the novel it is made clear that there are the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots.’ For example, the
murdered black child’s case is treated as far less important than that of the rich, murdered
Opperman boy. Thus, the novel highlights the inequalities and injustice that exist in South Africa
and the many problems we must overcome in our young democracy.
Sense of hope
Despite the issues exposed in the novel, there is still a sense of hope. There are people who
strive for justice. Jake is the obvious example, together with his girlfriend, Kate Edwards. There
is also Colonel Sondile, the Rodgers and the eccentric but much-loved English teacher, Adrian
Sands who all contribute positively to society in their different ways.
There is also Lovuyo’s victory over adversity when he attains his goal as a respected eighth
man.
While the novel is realistic and even grim at times, it is the sense of doing
what is ‘right’ and acceptable within the confines of society and the law that
gives us hope for the future. Williams suggests that there will always be an
‘eighth man’ who remains faithful to his or her true values and takes pride in
being an upstanding citizen of South Africa.
The novel presents us with hope for the future of our country … to be found in
young men and women like Lovuyo, and individuals dedicated to serving the
country and its people, like detective Jake Mulligan.
THE CHARACTERS
TASK: “The author creates characters and situations in which we can believe.”
Do you agree with the above statement? Discuss.
Detective Jake Mulligan

By writing sections of the novel using Jake’s own words, we not only share in
Jake’s investigation, we also gain insight into his character. We might see Jake
as a ‘victim’ of the law he wants to uphold. Yet we also sympathise with him as
he struggles to find answers – often without assistance from his superiors. His
is a lonely task but one to which he is morally committed. So, we could see
detective Mulligan as both the victim and the hero of this story. It is significant
that even at the end, once the horrors of the past are behind him, Jake cannot
let go altogether. He is still haunted by images from the night in Mitchell’s Plain
but also delights in a new generation that holds hope for a better future when
he is reminded of Lovuyo and his victory over misfortune.
Detective Jake comes across as someone we might know. This is on account of the way in
which the author presents the character, using first person speech to allow us insight into what
is happening in his mind. We share his sense of professionalism, his dignity and
straightforwardness and, above all, his shortcomings and concerns. We learn to know the
detective as a man, capable of success and failure. We walk in his shoes as he takes us with
him on a journey of crime-solving but also share his personal struggle to come to terms with
himself and his beliefs.
Jake is loyal, honest and dedicated to crime prevention. Yet he is overwhelmed by the burden
of endless cases to be investigated and worries about losing interest in his job as so many
others have. He feels the tension of living in constant danger and knows that his job is negatively
impacting his relationship with Kate. The only solution is to resign from the SAPS – and even
then he has memories that are not easily forgotten.
In Jake, Williams has created a rounded, believable character. This is a member of the police
force we can admire, trust and rely on in times of need, threat or danger. His resignation is a
warning to us all that conditions for our police force must be improved.
Kate Edwards
We find that Jake’s love interest, Kate Edwards, shares many of Jake’s
sound values. She too is dedicated to positive change. She looks to a
better world. However, as with Jake, the stress of her own job – a
woman journalist working in a male-dominated industry – together with
the burden of Jake’s unusual hours due to his work commitments,
becomes too much. It is only at the end of the novel, when they are in Italy on
holiday, that we see a more relaxed woman, ready to enjoy the finer and more peaceful things
that life has to offer.
Frankie Opperman
Although we never meet the teenage rugby player, Frankie Opperman, he plays an important
role in the story. It is his murder that initiates an investigation. During the search for his
murderer, we find out a great deal about the young man. The author creates a sophisticated,
rich and spoilt teenager who comes from a long-established and respected family in the Cape.
However, behind the charm we discover a heartless and violent personality. As a vital player in
the narrative, although he is already dead, his presence is felt constantly. He is a key player in
the ‘secret’: the initiation of Lovuyo that involves such humiliation for the black player. Frankie is
jealous and vindictive. He is a racist and a rapist; uncaring in his relationships with others. We
also discover that he is a crooked and immoral drug dealer. Although he is the victim of murder,
he is also one of the main villains in the story. We are always aware of Frankie and his
involvement in his own – perhaps unfortunate – death.
Lovuyo
We are presented with a strong-willed, determined and talented young man.
He is dedicated to the game of rugby. His dream is to play in the first team.
He is honest and trustworthy – although there are times when the author
casts doubt in our minds as to whether this young man was involved in the
murder of Frankie. He is loyal to his teammates. He is obedient to his father’s wishes regarding
the traditional initiation ceremony. As the story continues, we increasingly feel sympathy for this
young man who has been discriminated against on account
of being black. We understand his anger and reaction when he is subjected to a degrading
initiation ceremony by the first rugby team.
It took determination and strength of character to fight back at the racism he experienced and
the prejudice that all too easily linked him to a murder. We admire the stamina and fortitude of
the character not to become a victim but rather to fight prejudice levelled against him as a black
man in his own way – by taking the position of eighth man and helping his team win an all-
important game.
At the end it is Lovuyo who triumphs, not only as the eighth man rugby player but also as a
person of worth and stature. He becomes a role model for teenagers, especially for those who
have to endure hardship and even the embarrassment of racism.
It is with the remembrance of the young boy playing in the streets of Mitchell’s Plain,
and the now triumphant Lovuyo, that the novel ends. Ultimately, perseverance,
loyalty, sensibility and sound values have triumphed over the evils that make up so
much of this story.
Discuss: Could Lovuyo be the real hero of this story?
Minor characters
There are many minor characters that play a part in both investigations. They serve either to
progress the search or to hinder Jake in his quest to uncover the circumstances that resulted in
the drowning of Frankie, and the criminal abuse of the child found butchered. In one case he is
successful. Sadly, the other leads nowhere. It is to be forgotten in time, together with so many
other unresolved crimes in South Africa.
At the end of the novel, we have travelled a long way with Jake and his associates. We are also
aware of the shortcomings and triumphs of our young nation with its diverse youth culture.
Ultimately it is hope for the future that ends the story of detective Jake Mulligan, murdered
Frankie Opperman and victorious Lovuyo.
NOTE: Which character did you relate to the

most? Give reasons for your answer.
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
NOTE: Here are some issues raised in the novel that you might like to
consider and talk about as a group. There are no definite answers – only
opinions. Remember, however, that the novel is the basis for all discussion.
Be prepared to support your responses with reference to the text.
• We cannot take Jake Mulligan seriously. He is too much the stereotype of the
overworked SAPS detective.
• The story holds our attention because it is a true reflection of life in South Africa.
• Racism does not exist in South African schools.
• The novel is unfair in presenting teenage learners as undisciplined, drinking and drug-
taking individuals.
• Frankie Opperman deserves to be punished, but not to die in the way he did.
• The title, The Eighth Man, is a suitable one for this novel.
• Rugby is shown as a win-or-lose-only sport in the novel. This is not true of the game and
its school-going players.
• The role of the media is to report news that is true, fair, honest, accurate and non-biased.
• When you look back on the novel, is your final impression positive or negative. Account
for your decision.
A PRACTICE EXAMINATION QUESTION
Read the following extracts from the novel and answer the set questions. The number of marks
allocated to each question should serve as a guide to the expected length of your answer.
Extract A
“Do you know anything about what happened last Thursday night?”
The young woman was remarkably composed under the circumstances. She was sitting
quite still in her chair, her hands held loosely in her lap, a suitably serious expression on
her face. I caught myself thinking that girls mature much faster than boys. Out of school
uniform Deidre could pass as a beautiful, well-groomed woman.
5
“Frankie and I broke up a few weeks ago, detective,” she said, facing me directly so that I
got the full effect of her lovely brown eyes. “I wasn’t involved with him anymore.
Perhaps you should speak to Diana Polesky. She was Frankie’s new girlfriend.”
Deidre shot a look at van Heerden as if enquiring why she was needed for this interview.
“I’ll speak to her, too, but I wanted to know if you knew anything to help my investigation 10
into Frankie’s death.”
“I’ve no idea what happened to Frankie, Detective. Everyone liked him. It’s hard to
believe anyone would want to kill him,” she said, bowing her head and brushing away the
tears which had suddenly brimmed. She seemed very sincere.
Chapter 13
1. Who is the person conducting the interview in this extract? (1)
2. In line 2 we read that she was ‘remarkably composed.’ This means she was
a. calm b. self-conscious c. upset. (1)
3. Retell how Frankie Opperman died. (3)
4. Why does Deidre suggest that the detective should now “speak to Diana
Polesky” (line 8)? (1)
5. What is Diana Polesky’s real name? (1)
6. Explain what she is doing at the school. (2)
7. Give a reason why van Heerden is also present at this interview. (1)
8. The detective-interviewer is speaking in the first person. Suggest why this

makes the interview more interesting. (2)
9. This extract comes early in the novel. Who is the person that is a major
suspect in the murder of Frankie at this stage? (1)
10. Is Deidre telling the truth? Give a reason for your answer. (2)
/15/
Extract B
“She is part of the reason I want to resign, but no, she didn’t talk me into it. This is
something that has been coming for a long time. I wanted you to be the first to know.
After all, I realize I’m breaking up a five-year partnership.”
“I know you, wena. You’ll want to come back. You can’t let go. It’s in your blood.
You’ll always be a detective. There’s nothing you can do about it.” 5
“I hope that’s not true, … but if I do change my mind I hope you’ll be a good enough
friend to remind me why I left in the first place.”
[He] studied me for a moment and seemed to realize how serious I was. I wasn’t at all
sure where the steps would take me, but I knew that that was precisely what I desired:
a docket that didn’t have to be closed, a case that didn’t have to be wrapped up, a record
10
that didn’t have to be maintained.
“And the boy in the sand?” [he] asked, playing what he thought was his trump card.
“I’ve thought a lot about that. I’ve done everything humanly possible to establish the
identity of the boy and have had no success. It’s as if he doesn’t want me to find out
who he is. I can’t carry him any more… The case needs a new pair of eyes, a new
perspective. I’ll pass the boy on to Adams, and after a while he’ll pass it on to someone 15
else. You know how it goes. Sometimes you wrap it up in three weeks, like the
Opperman case, and sometimes you never wrap it up at all. I can live with that now.”
Chapter 39
11. To whom is Jake speaking in this extract? (1)

12. Identify the ‘she’ mentioned in line 1? (1)
13. Why is it so important that Jake should tell this man first? (2)
14. Suggest why the word “wena” (line 4) is written in italics. (1)
15. Look at lines 10-11: ‘a docket that …to be maintained.’
Explain what Jake is referring to here. (2)
16. Describe what Jake saw when he found “the boy in the sand” (line 12). (3)
17. Tell what Jake feels will happen to the case of “the boy in the sand.” (3)
18 Jake is suffering from a case of ‘burnout.’ Does this mean he is
a. worried b. exhausted c. ambitious? (1)
19. Jake mentions “three weeks” for the case to be solved (line 17).
What other important event was scheduled to take place in three weeks’ time? (1)
20. Quote the sentence that tells that Jake has finally accepted that he will never
solve the case of “the boy in the sand”. (1)
21. In your opinion, who is responsible for the death of Frankie Opperman:
Deidre or Allison – or both? Give a reason for your decision. (3)
22. In what country does the novel end? (1)
/20/
Total: 35
‘The Eighth Man’ Teacher’s Resource pack: Suggested Answers 23
SUGGESTED ANSWERS: THE EIGHTH MAN
Note: All page and chapter references are to the Oxford edition, 2002
Chapters 1-11
1. While chasing the suspected arms dealer, Inspector Jake Mulligan comes across the mutilated body
of a young coloured boy.
2. The boy’s body has been mutilated and sexually abused. The Inspector thinks the cutting off of the
two feet and the genitals points to a muti killing.
3. Lovuyo is the first black team member. The team players are racist. They are not willing to accept him,
although he is an excellent rugby player.
4. Frankie Opperman is discussed by the group as a friend and team player. Not everything they have to
say is positive – the first hint that all is not what it seems.
The friendship between Deidre and Allison is established. There seems to be a ‘secret’ involving
Lovuyo, the team and Frankie.
5. She shows that she is interested in people and their stories, not just in newspaper sales
(sensationalism and rich families). In particular, the story of the mutilated boy has drawn her attention:
the issue of the disappearance/death of so many coloured children in particular.
6. Frankie comes from an established, wealthy, white Cape family. The coloured child is unidentified (and
possibly poor) and therefore of less importance. The theme of racial discrimination is evident in the
way the police view the two cases.
7. There is a cultural difference – and even a difference in the way the two groups think and react.
The issue is muti and the visit to the sangoma. Jake is not persuaded, whereas Jackson seems
more convinced to believe in what the woman had to say. It is part of his traditional beliefs.
8. There is a difference in the way white people and most coloured/black people live in the Cape (and
South Africa). There seems to be two different worlds: that of the more privileged whites and the poor
shack dwellers in the townships. The visit to the sangoma, Auntie Primrose, makes this clear once
again.
9. Lovuyo speaks about himself, telling more about the character and his background. More particularly,
we learn how much rugby means to him and the challenges he has had to face to play the game he
loves. We also learn that he is expected to go back home for initiation.
10. They are trying to get Lovuyo to talk about Frankie’s death. They are both suspicious that he might
have been involved in some way.
11. He denies that there is any drug problem at the school. Again, we are suspicious that he is not telling
the truth.
12. There is a ‘secret’ that Lovuyo and the boys share: he is holding back some information. This is a
major part of the story/plot.
Chapters 12-21
13. This shows once again how children are kidnapped. Also, it confirms Kate’s involvement in the issue is
sincere and on-going.
14. She appears composed and mature. She answers all questions without hesitation. She seems honest
and sincere, and in control.
15. They speak about the death of the unidentified child and the problem of children going missing in
Mitchell’s Plain.
16. Mr Hadebe had consulted a witchdoctor. It turned out that Dr Zulu had found the boy’s body. He took
the body parts for muti, but he did not kill the boy. He found the child already dead. There is positive
proof to back up his story.
17. He hopes that forensic evidence might help him in his investigation of the case.
18. There is cause for more suspicion now that he is gone, without telling anyone. This creates tension in
the story.
19. The media needs listeners/an audience: they want to hear stories of racial
prejudice because it is more exciting and stirs up racial tension.
20. These characters (learners at school) are racist and under-age drinkers.
Deidre takes drugs.
21. Jake has had confirmation about the possibility that Lovuyo has been abducted (for the payment of
R3000). Jackson will investigate this probability by going to the Transkei.
22. Kate is a white woman in a coloured/black area. She is an easy target for criminals. This episode is
related to the difference in lifestyles and living locations of black and white people. The theme is racial
segregation that still exists, as well as on-going crime, in South Africa. In this case though it is only
petty crime and theft.
Chapters 22-26
23. The investigation regarding the dead boy is going nowhere. There is still no lead or information.
24. The expectation is that it will be a man (doing such dangerous work). However, the novel has strong
female characters, and this is one of them.
25. She has established herself at the school and gained the confidence of the learners. She has found
out about the drug problem at the school and has some inside knowledge about Frankie and Deidre.
26. Jake and Kate take a trip to Scarborough to investigate traces of oil and sand on the shoes of the
dead boy from the wreck of a Singaporean vessel.
27. He fears he will no longer be able to cope. He will be depressed and stop caring about his job. He will
start drinking. He will lose touch with himself.
28. There is a feeling of love and romance. There is even a little humour. This breaks the tension in the
story.
29. The drugs in the box and telephone number reveal that Frankie was a drug dealer and the not-so-nice,
young man he was thought to be.
Chapters 27-31
30. Lovuyo and Frankie had a fight. Lovuyo had to be pulled off Frankie.
31. Lovuyo has returned to the Transkei as his father wants him to take part in the
initiation ceremony to become a man.
32. Jake has to confront himself as a person and as a detective He says, “I see it in myself and I see it in
every part of South African society.” (p.160)
33. He has learnt about Frankie’s role in drug addiction in the school and that Frankie was not the ‘blue-
eyed boy’ he seemed to be. He has learnt more about the Frankie/Lovuyo ‘secret’ and the Opperman
family’s high esteem in the community.
This ties up with the theme of appearance vs reality.
34. He is referring to racial discrimination, but it seems that the evidence points to the fact that Lovuyo has
been subjected to racial prejudice by the first rugby team.
Chapters 32-40
35. He was tricked, then stripped naked, painted white and left outside.
36. This is part of the ‘secret.’ He attacked Frankie. He would have strangled him had Marcus not stepped
in in time.
37. He threatened the boys with expulsion if the ‘secret’ leaked out.
38. Everyone confirms his involvement. “Frankie could get the guys in the team whatever drugs they
wanted.” (p.188)
39. Blackie and his two friends beat up Frankie. They did not kill him though. They only wanted to teach
him a lesson.
40. She wanted some sort of revenge/retribution for being treated badly, dumped and hurt – and raped by
Frankie.
41. She arranged the beating but then felt sorry for Frankie. When he managed to get up he had pushed
her away and shouted at her. He slapped her – so she ran.
42. She hated him because he always got away with everything. He got Deidre, her best friend, hooked
on drugs. He raped Deidre and then joked about it. He humiliated Lovuyo. Seeing her friend trying to
help the injured Frankie had made her angry enough to push Frankie in the pool – an act of revenge
and disgust.
43. Jamey’s mother had made up a story about his disappearance. In fact, he had been to East London
with his father.
44. He had had enough of crime, murder, stress, unsolved law-breaking – he was burnt out and frustrated.
45. The final winning try is scored by Loyuvo. In this way he becomes a true member of the team. He has
proved his worth and manhood, watched by his father.
46. Jake is reminded of the night in Mitchell’s Plain when “everything was bathed in the steel light of the
full moon” and the youth he saw who ‘raised his arms above his head in victory, punching the sky,
laughing, shouting out his prowess to the world’. The youth symbolises hope for the future. Possibly
Jake is also reminded of the success he had in proving Lovuyo’s innocence.
=======================================================================
A PRACTICE EXAMINATION QUESTION
Extract A
1. (Detective) Jake Mulligan (1)
[This is a recall question. 1 mark for the name and surname – ‘detective’ not necessary or accepted.]
2. a. calm (1)
[This is a vocabulary question based on your understanding of what is happening.]
3. Frankie was badly assaulted. He was not dead. Allison dragged him to the swimming pool and threw
him in. He drowned. (3)
[This is a recall question. It needs some detail for 3 marks.]
4. Deidre has broken up with Frankie. She says Diana is his new girlfriend. (1)
[The answer to this question is in the passage.]
5. Annie Uys (1)
[This is a recall question. 1 mark for both name and surname.]
6. She has been sent to the school as an undercover agent to find out more about what is happening at
Helderkloof. (2)
[This is a recall question. It needs two facts for 2 marks.]
7. He is the school principal. (1)
[This is a recall question.]
8. We share the detective’s thoughts about the person he is interviewing. The interview becomes more
personal. We are more involved in what is happening. (2)
[This is a stylistic/interpretation question. It needs two opinions for 2 marks.]
9. Lovuyo Mtshali. (1)
[This is a recall question. Allow 1 mark for the first name only.]
10. No. Quote: “I’ve no idea what happened to Frankie, Detective. Everyone liked him. It’s hard to
believe anyone would want to kill him.”
She insists that she has no idea what happened that night. She also says that everyone liked
Frankie. We know from reading the novel that this is not true. He was an unpleasant and dishonest
young man. He had enemies. (2)
[This is an interpretive question. Part of the answer is in the passage. Quote, but provide own
explanation.]
/15/
Extract B
11. (Colonel) Jackson Sondile (1)
[This is a recall question. Accept ‘Jackson’ for 1 mark.]
12. Jake’s girlfriend / Kate Edwards (1)
[This is a recall question. Accept either answer. 1 mark for the name and surname.]
13. The two men have been partners for five years. (2)
[The answer to this question is in the passage.]
14. The officer is using a colloquial expression / it is a word from another
(South African) language. (1)
[This is a language/interpretive question. Accept any of the above answers.]
15. Jake is speaking about police/detective work. All these actions are part of the process of
investigation. (2)
[This is an interpretive question. It needs an answer that shows understanding of why Jake is leaving
the SAPS on account of work pressure.]
16. He sees a young boy. He is naked, with his head in the sand. His hands are tied behind his back
and he has been sexually assaulted. The feet are cut off. The shoes and socks are placed beside the
body. (3)
[This is a recall question. Accept any three of the following: young boy / naked / head buried in sand /
hands tied behind back / sexually assaulted / feet cut off / shoes and socks neatly placed.]
17. Quote: “I’ll pass the case on to Adams, and after a while he’ll pass it on to someone else.”
The case will be passed on to another detective. In time it will be passed on again. It will never be
solved. (3)
[Part of the answer to this question is in the passage. However, it also needs some interpretation
based on Jake’s experience. 1 mark for the quote only.]
18. 18 b. exhausted (1)
[This is a vocabulary question based on your understanding of what is happening.]
19. The rugby match against Eikestad High / Helderkloof High School’s big rugby match. (1)
20. “I can live with that now.” (1)
[The answer to this question is in the passage. It can only be this sentence because the question
specifies “finally accepted’.]
21. Both. Deidre was responsible for Frankie being beaten up. However, it was
Allison who dragged him into the swimming pool where he drowned. (3)
[This is a recall/interpretive question. Both girls are responsible, although
Deidre only partly. This explanation must appear in the answer for full
marks.
Note: this is similar but not the same answer as in question 3.
The emphasis is now on the girls and their guilty part in the drowning/death.]
22. Italy (1)
/20/
Total: 35

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www.macrat.co.

Written and researched by: J. Pienaar (BA, BA Hons, MA, PhD)

Edited and published by: MACRAT PUBLISHING cc

SPECIAL COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

POSTAL ADDRESS: Tel: 021 531 5932

The Eighth Man

Why is it important to know the plot?

It is a good idea to draw a mindmap for each A THEME MINDMAP TEMPLATE is

Included in this pack:

When Frankie Opperman - surfer, rugby captain, and

Theme Mindmap Template

Overview of what to expect in The Eighth Man

This is a detective story. It narrates the journey of Inspector Jake Mulligan as

CHAPTERS 1-3: MURDER ONE

Later, Detective Mulligan describes the scene to his

CHAPTERS 4-11: EARLY INVESTIGATIONS: THE GAME PLAYERS

As this is a detective novel, there is bound to be much side-tracking,

In the meantime, the detective’s girlfriend, journalist Kate Edwards, is

Questions: Chapters 1-11

2. Explain why Mulligan thinks this might be a muti killing.

4. Explain why the High Lit Tut meeting is so important.

CHAPTER 12-16: THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

In the meantime, the killing of Frankie Opperman is being labelled as

And Lovuyo has disappeared!

CHAPTERS 17-21: MEDIA ATTENTION AND LUVOYO MISSING

Chris Calahan, a presenter on Radio 101 (‘Mother Talk’), stirs up

Questions: Chapters 12-21

16. In chapters 14 – 16 the investigation turns up nothing. Why?

17. Why does Jake contact Leonard Rindell?

CHAPTERS 22-25: CLUES AND LEADS

CHAPTER 26: BREAKTHROUGH

Questions and Answers: Chapters 22-26

24. Why is it such a surprise that Constable Uys is a woman?

28. On what note does chapter 24 end?

CHAPTERS 27-31: MORE CLUES AND LEADS

Meanwhile, Jackson visits Lovuyo’s father, Mr Mtshali, in the Valley

CHAPTER 31: MEDIA PRESSURE AND HALF-TRUTHS

Questions: Chapters 27-31

CHAPTERS 32-34: REVELATION

CHAPTERS 35-38: TYING UP THE LOOSE ENDS

CHAPTERS 39-40: AND THE ENDING?

Lovuyo wins the game for Helderkloof High. He is

Jake Mulligan resigns from the SAPS.

Questions: Chapters 32-40

36. How did Lovuyo react?

37. How did the principal react to this incident?

41. Why does Deidre blame herself for Frankie’s death?

44. Jake resigns from the SAPS. Why?

ABOUT THE NOVEL

The Eighth Man is a detective novel. Detective novels can be referred to as

Sometimes an investigation is helped along by chance: an accidental event, a meeting with a

When the story opens, two crimes have been

The investigation takes the reader to a variety of

THE EIGHTH MAN

Appearance and reality

As can be expected from a detective thriller, there are

Loyalty and friendship

While loyalty is mostly shown as a positive attribute, the

Crime and corruption