Introduction

"Mrs. Plum" is a short story by Ezekiel Mphahlele, a South African writer who lived in exile for much of his life due to his opposition to apartheid. Published in 1967 within his collection In Corner B, it is a striking example of social realism. Set during South Africa's repressive apartheid era, it offers a glimpse into the life of Karabo, a black domestic worker, and her relationship with her white employer, Mrs. Plum.

Mphahlele uses the story to explore the racial and economic inequalities embedded within apartheid, a system of legalized racial segregation that denied basic rights to the black majority. Karabo's narrative exposes the power dynamics between the races and highlights the unspoken rules and simmering tensions that govern their interactions. The story is not meant to offer solutions. Yet, Karabo's observations and experiences provide a powerful commentary on the human cost of segregation.

Plot Summary

Karabo, a young African woman, has recently begun a new job as a domestic worker for Mrs. Plum in Johannesburg. This is her third job in the city, after leaving two previous ones with difficult employers.

Things seem better with Mrs. Plum. Unlike Karabo's past experiences, Mrs. Plum treats her with respect. She calls her by her African name and offers fair pay, food, and a place to live. Karabo also develops a positive relationship with Mrs. Plum's daughter, Kate. Mrs. Plum runs evening classes to help domestic workers learn to read and write. She uses newspapers to educate Karabo, which exposes her to racial injustices.

Karabo is confused about why Mrs. Plum attends meetings for black people in the country. Karabo believes her family can speak for themselves and does not understand why her employer would want to represent them. Kate explains that Mrs. Plum and others like her want black people to have more say in the country's government.

Following Mrs. Plum's guidance, Karabo spends Thursday afternoons at the Black Crow Club learning to sew. While there, the women gossip about their employers—their "madams" and "masters"—with playful exaggeration and frustration. Some brag about defying unreasonable demands, like taking a master's dog for a walk. Others share stories of mistreatment or sexual harassment.

Karabo struggles to understand Mrs. Plum's complex personality. Despite Mrs. Plum's efforts to educate Karabo and fight for racial equality, Karabo finds her distant and difficult to comprehend.

Karabo describes how Dick, the gardener, resents the preferential treatment the dogs receive and mocks Mrs. Plum's way of doting on them. He entertains Karabo and her friend Chimane with playful imitations of Mrs. Plum's behavior. Despite his fear of white people, Dick rebels in small ways, like smiling at scoldings or letting the dogs loose. Still, he fulfills his duties to his employer.

After several years working for the household, Karabo notices changes in Kate. Initially, she seems content with her life and social circle. However, her interactions with black intellectuals spark a rebellion. Kate adopts a "wild" persona, playing loud music, dancing provocatively, and staying out late. 

Kate openly defies her mother's wishes by pursuing a relationship with the black doctor, a social taboo at the time. This defiance leads to a bitter conflict with Mrs. Plum, which highlights the limitations placed on white women who dare to challenge racial norms. Karobo tries to stay neutral in this conflict between mother and daughter, which is a difficult goal as they both look to her for support.

During this period of familial strife, Mrs. Plum gets into legal trouble. When the police come to search her home for "loafers," she chases them away with a garden...