Nadine Gordimer is known as a writer of the modern period. The modern period was a time of inevitable doom, disillusionment, stoicism and pessimism. His writings give imaginative and moral shape to South Africa. Women were gaining more rights and Gordimer did not favor feminism in his writing, but rather racial issues. This story connects Marais Van der Vyver and a young black boy, Lucas. “The Moment Before the Gun Goes Off” by Nadine Gordimer clearly shows how the narrator's point of view, attitude and voice reflect the point of view of black people in South Africa. The point of view of “The Moment Before the Gun Goes Off” is that of a nation. divided between whites and blacks. The theme is apartheid. This was a system of racial segregation in South Africa. The story is told by someone who knew Marias personally. Farmer Marias Van der Vyver accidentally kills his black servant on his way to the hunting ground. Irony is presented when Marias reveals that her father always told her not to carry a loaded gun in the truck. Throughout the story, we sense that Marias is struggling with Lucas' death. Marias brings up other stories about shooting accidents, but this story will make headlines. Marias acts when his fate is already revealed: "He knows that the story of the Afrikaner farmer - a regional party leader and commander of the local security commando - who, by shooting a black man who worked for him, will correspond exactly to their version of South Africa. » (Gordimer 2850). Even if it's an accident, the public won't see it that way. The author's attitude is presented as repulsion. According to her, these policies are not fair and should not be put in place. Anti-apartheid banners and immorality...... middle of paper ...... power and persuasion. A father stuck in a situation with no positive outcome, in which he chooses his pride over a moral decision. His integrity is made clear at the end when he clears his name. Racial issues and personal tragedies allow all emotions to tell their story. Nadine Gordimer's "The Moment Before the Gun Goes" powerfully guides how the narrator's point of view, attitude, and voice reveal the perspective of black people in South Africa. Works CitedErritouni, Ali. “Apartheid Inequalities and Postapartheid Utopia in Nadine Gordimer's People of July.” Research in African Literatures 37.4 (2006): 68-84. Premier Academic Research. Internet. April 1, 2014. .Gordimer, Nadine. “The moment before the gunshot.” The Norton Anthology: English Literature. 9th ed. Ed. Stephen Greenblatt. New York: Norton, 2013. 2850-2853. Print