[Man Must Live is] Mphahlele's first collection of short stories…. (p. 17)
Although the characters in the stories are not as yet realistic portraits of the earthy people among whom he lived, Man Must Live already sets the pattern for Mphahlele's future writing in its dependence on personal experience. It is tempting in all Mphahlele's writing to spot the corresponding incident or character in his life, but this can obviously serve no useful purpose except to demonstrate authenticity….
This is a free excerpt of 77 words. There are 5,689 words (approx.
19 pages at 300 words per page) in the full critical essay.
Read the rest of this Criticism with our Mphahlele, Ezekiel 1919–: Critical Essay by Ursula A. Barnett Access Pass.
