Overview:
The story begins in 1877, during the annexation of the Transvaal, where Allan Quatermain meets Maurice Anscombe, a wealthy Englishman on a hunting expedition. They strike a bargain to hunt buffalo together in the Lydenburg district eighteen months later. During their journey, Quatermain and Anscombe become entangled with a group of illicit diamond buyers, Messrs. Marnham and Rodd. Rodd is a skilled doctor and Marnham’s partner. Their encounters with the Basutos, who are engaged in diamond smuggling and gun running, lead to an ambush and a wild escape. The pair seek refuge at Marnham and Rodd’s house, “the Temple,” where Anscombe is injured by a shot and Quatermain discovers their illicit trade.
While Anscombe recovers, a complex love triangle develops. Marnham encourages his daughter, Heda, to develop a relationship with Anscombe. Rodd, who is secretly engaged to Heda, becomes enraged and attacks Anscombe with a gun. The confrontation exposes the dark secrets of Marnham and Rodd, leading to a chaotic scene with accusations of murder and diamond smuggling. Ultimately, Marnham dies mysteriously and Rodd is killed by Anscombe in self-defense. The three survivors flee the Temple and are pursued by the Basutos who seek revenge. The story climaxes at the Black Kloof, where Zikali, the powerful wizard, orchestrates the events that lead to the Zulu War of 1879.
Key Findings:
- The story explores the complex and dangerous world of early colonialism in South Africa, where greed and violence were commonplace.
- It highlights the role of powerful individuals in shaping history, especially Zikali’s influence on the Zulu War.
- The story exposes the intricacies of social relationships and the consequences of love, betrayal, and revenge.
- It emphasizes the importance of personal morality and integrity in a world of darkness and corruption.
Learning:
- Diamond smuggling in early South Africa: Diamond smuggling was a lucrative and dangerous business in the 1870s, with illicit buyers operating in remote areas to evade the law.
- Zulu traditions and beliefs: The story reveals the Zulu beliefs in spirits, magic, and prophecy, which played a significant role in their decision-making.
- The Zulu War of 1879: The story provides insights into the tensions between the Zulu and British forces, the role of Cetewayo in instigating the war, and the consequences of the conflict.
- The power of love and its destructive nature: The story illustrates the power of love to motivate both good and evil, leading to a complex web of relationships and consequences.
- The importance of personal responsibility: The characters in the story face difficult choices and are often forced to act in morally ambiguous ways.
Historical Context:
The story takes place in the late 1870s and early 1880s, during a period of rapid change and upheaval in South Africa. The British were expanding their influence in the region, while the Zulus were resisting their advances. The story captures the anxieties and tensions of this period, as well as the brutal consequences of the clash between two different cultures.
Facts:
- The annexation of the Transvaal (1877): The Transvaal, a republic of Dutch settlers, was annexed to the British Empire in 1877.
- The Zulu War (1879): The Zulu War was a conflict between the Zulu Kingdom and the British Empire, sparked by the annexation of the Transvaal.
- The Battle of Isandhlwana (1879): A major battle in the Zulu War, where a large Zulu force defeated a British contingent.
- The Battle of Ulundi (1879): A decisive battle in the Zulu War, where the Zulu army was defeated by the British.
- Cetewayo, King of the Zulus: The last king of the Zulu Kingdom who was deposed by the British after the Zulu War.
- Zikali, the powerful wizard: A legendary figure in Zulu history, known for his magical powers and his role in shaping events.
- The Ndwandwe Tribe: A rival tribe to the Zulus, who were crushed by Chaka in the early 19th century.
- Chaka, the first king of the Zulus: The founder of the Zulu Kingdom, known for his military prowess and brutality.
- Dingaan, the second king of the Zulus: Chaka’s successor who murdered the Boers under Retief in 1838.
- Panda, the third king of the Zulus: Dingaan’s successor who was recognized as king by the British.
- Umbelazi, the Zulu prince: Cetewayo’s brother who was killed in a conflict with him in 1879.
- Sir Theophilus Shepstone: The British administrator who annexed the Transvaal in 1877.
- Sir Bartle Frere: The British High Commissioner to South Africa who declared war on the Zulus in 1879.
- Sir Garnet Wolseley: The British general who defeated the Zulus in 1879 and led the expedition against Sekukuni.
- The Battle of the Tugela: A crucial battle in the Zulu War that resulted in a Zulu victory.
- The House of Senzangacona: The Zulu royal dynasty founded by Senzangacona, the father of Chaka.
Statistics:
- 20,000 Zulu warriors at Isandhlwana: This represents one-third of the total Zulu army, which was involved in the defeat of the British.
- 35 shillings cost of a Kaffir gun: This illustrates the relatively low cost of weaponry, enabling individuals and tribes to arm themselves.
- £10 cost of a Kaffir gun sold to native chiefs: This demonstrates the significant markup of weaponry sold to native chiefs and highlights the profitability of the illicit trade.
- 5,000 Zulu warriors: The size of the impi encountered by Quatermain during his journey through Zululand shows the scale of Zulu military organization.
- 50,000 Zulu spears: This estimate demonstrates the impressive size of the Zulu army, highlighting its potential power.
- 10 times 50,000 English soldiers: Quatermain’s estimation of the English military capacity highlights the perceived power of the British Empire, which fueled Zulu fears.
- £9,000: Marnham’s inheritance demonstrates the wealth that could be accumulated through illicit trade in South Africa.
- 2,000 cattle: The fine imposed on Cetewayo by the British for the killing of the two women on English territory.
- 32 oxen: The number of oxen stolen from Quatermain and Anscombe by the Basutos.
- 800 white soldiers and 900 native troops at Isandhlwana: The number of British soldiers and native contingent soldiers left behind in the camp before the attack.
- 500 Natal Zulus: The number of Natal Zulus brought into the camp to reinforce the British forces before the Zulu attack.
- 10,000 Zulu warriors: The size of the Zulu force that attacked the British at Isandhlwana.
- 20,000 Zulu warriors: The estimated total number of Zulu warriors involved in the Isandhlwana battle.
- 5,000 Zulu warriors: The estimated number of Zulu warriors involved in the attack on Rorke’s Drift.
- 1,000 English soldiers killed at Isandhlwana: The significant loss of life inflicted by the Zulus at the Battle of Isandhlwana.
- 2,000 Zulu warriors killed at Isandhlwana: The heavy losses suffered by the Zulu army during the battle.
Terms:
- Inkosi: Zulu word for “chief” or “lord”.
- Induna: Zulu word for “councillor” or “captain”.
- Impi: Zulu word for “army” or “regiment”.
- Isigodhlo: Zulu word for “king’s house”.
- Umnyamana: Zulu word for “Prime Minister”.
- Umkumbi: Zulu word for “semi-circle formation” used by Zulu warriors before a charge.
- Ingoama: Zulu word for “war drum”.
- Uhamu: Zulu word for a “spirit child”.
- Umtakati: Zulu word for “witch” or “evil-doer”.
- Amalungwana basi bodwe: Zulu word for “little English”.
Examples:
- The death of Marnham: Marnham is found dead in his room after a night of heavy drinking and a heated card game with Rodd. The circumstances of his death remain mysterious, but the fact that he was deeply involved in illicit diamond dealings raises suspicion.
- The ambush by the Basutos: Quatermain and Anscombe are ambushed by a group of Basutos who try to steal their guns and cattle. The ambush highlights the danger of hunting in a region controlled by rival tribes.
- The love triangle between Heda, Anscombe, and Rodd: Heda is engaged to Rodd but is attracted to Anscombe, leading to a dangerous and emotionally charged conflict.
- The Battle of Isandhlwana: A major battle in the Zulu War, where a British contingent was wiped out by a large Zulu force. The battle demonstrates the ferocity of the Zulu warriors and the lack of preparedness of the British forces.
- Zikali’s use of Nombé as a tool: Zikali manipulates Nombé to influence events and fulfill his own goals.
- The murder of Cetewayo: Cetewayo, the last king of the Zulu Kingdom, is poisoned by Zikali, fulfilling Zikali’s long-standing vendetta against the Zulu royal house.
- The appearance of Nomkubulwana: The Zulu spirits, in response to Zikali’s invocation, manifest as a white woman on the rock, leading to the declaration of war.
- The death of Nombé: Nombé is killed by a stray assegai thrown by a terrified Zulu warrior, sacrificing her life to protect Heda.
- The arrival of the English troops at Rorke’s Drift: The Zulu impi that had attacked Isandhlwana re-groups and attacks Rorke’s Drift, ultimately suffering a devastating defeat.
- The rescue of Quatermain by Lost: The dog Lost, a faithful companion, finds Quatermain after his near-death experience and guides him back to the Black Kloof.
Conclusion:
“Finished” is a thrilling and insightful journey through the heart of early colonial South Africa. It weaves a complex narrative of love, betrayal, greed, and political intrigue, culminating in a dramatic account of the events leading up to the Zulu War. The story explores the moral complexities of colonialism, the power of superstition and magic, and the enduring forces of love and revenge. Through the lens of Allan Quatermain, the reader gains a unique perspective on the tumultuous events of this pivotal period in South African history. The story highlights the enduring human capacity for both extraordinary violence and unwavering loyalty, and ultimately leaves the reader to ponder the unpredictable nature of fate and the power of individual choices to shape historical outcomes.