The Story of an African Farm

"The Story of an African Farm" by Olive Schreiner is a story set in 19th-century South Africa and follows the lives of young Em, Lyndall, and Waldo as they grow up on a remote farm, dealing with big questions about life and their places in the world. The story starts by showing the quiet but lonely landscape of the farm, both in the peaceful moonlight and under the hot sun. We are introduced to Waldo thinking about death while listening to a watch, Tant Sannie dreaming her dreams, and the children having simple adventures. As they grow, Waldo struggles with his purpose, Lyndall yearns for freedom and knowledge beyond the farm through education, and Em, in contrast, seeks comfort in traditional roles. The themes of identity and relationships are shown as each character faces obstacles, revealing their dreams and the challenges they face in their environment.