Country of My Skull: Guilt, Sorrow, and the Limits of Forgiveness in the New South Africa

One of the key questions raised by the TRC—and not fully answered—is whether oppression justifies the use of extreme violence in retaliation. Was the ANC justified in the ways in which it fought back against apartheid? Why or why not?

Krog often ends chapters with individual testimonies or stories that seem to have little to do with the rest of the chapter’s narrative. Pick three chapters where she employs this device; explain what digressions she takes, and the significance and meaning of those digressions. 

How does Country of My Skull’s narrative structure reflect the trauma present throughout the period Krog describes? How does the structure fit in with Krog’s observations about Truth and perspective?

Why does Krog idolize Archbishop Tutu? Is she right to hold him in such high esteem?

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and P.W. Botha are both powerful leaders within their organizations who participate in high-spectacle hearings involving the TRC. How do these two figures differ and how are they similar? How are their hearings similar and different?

Many of the chapter headings in Country of My Skull are poetic rather than factually descriptive. Choose five of the poetic chapter headings, then explain what they mean and why Krog may have chosen those titles.

Krog often highlights gender disparity in South African culture—politically, socially, and culturally. Choose three examples of gender disparity in the text and explain the arena in which they happen and why they might be problematic.

How do the ideas, opinions, and methods of apartheid South Africa compare with the ideas, opinions, and methods of the current government of the United States of America?