Let’s Read and Reflect
Let’s Rewind
Activity 1: Answer the following
- How did the public toilet become useful for the narrator?
It became her private space to read, think, and write. It gave her a feeling of ownership and peace in a cold and harsh environment. - Is support and encouragement necessary to achieve dreams?
Yes. Support helps build confidence. However, like Mhlope, one can succeed even without external support if they remain determined and passionate. - Do you agree that bitter experiences shaped Mhlope the writer?
Yes. Her suffering, loneliness, and rejection helped her understand life deeply and gave her the strength to write meaningful stories. - Why was she excited to go to the toilet?
It was a peaceful place where she could escape reality and enjoy reading and writing in privacy. - How did she adapt to the fact that the toilet was not hers?
She accepted the reality and continued writing on a park bench, showing maturity and resilience. - Ways of Passing Leisure Time
| Madam | The Narrator | Myself |
| Painting nails | Reading books and magazines | Listening to music |
| Drinking tea with friends | Writing stories and poems | Watching documentaries |
| Lying in the sun | Daydreaming about the future | Drawing and journaling |
Let’s Recall and Recreate
1. Email to Mhlope
Subject: Heartfelt Appreciation for Your Inspirational Journey
To: gcina.mhlope@writersforum.org
Dear Ms. Gcina Mhlope,
I recently read your story The Toilet, and I was truly touched by your courage and determination. Your ability to find hope in such difficult circumstances deeply inspired me. You showed how imagination and writing can give us strength even when the world seems to ignore us.
The way you turned a public toilet into your private creative world was extraordinary. It made me realise how important it is to believe in oneself, no matter what others say. Your words have encouraged me to never give up on my own dreams.
Thank you for sharing your story with the world and for being such a strong role model.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Class 9, [School Name]
2. Write-up: “The pain you feel today is the strength you have tomorrow.”
Gcina Mhlope’s life is a shining example of how pain transforms into power.
Locked inside a small room every day, ignored by her family, and hiding from society—her early life was filled with hardship. Yet, in the middle of this pain, she discovered a spark. She found comfort in a broken public toilet and made it her creative space. She started writing again, recalling how her English teacher once encouraged her.
She didn’t let her suffering silence her. Instead, she wrote through her pain. She didn’t have a cozy home, but she had a notebook. She didn’t have a stage, but she had dreams.
Today, she is a celebrated writer, storyteller, and performer. Her struggles shaped her identity. They taught her empathy, strength, and determination.
This proves that the difficulties we face today can shape us into stronger, wiser, and more successful people tomorrow.
3. Dialogue: Mhlope’s Conversation with Her Sister (Dog Incident)
Sister: Where were you? I told you not to come in alone. What if someone saw you?
Narrator: I’m sorry, Irene… I was scared. The dogs… they barked so loudly and wouldn’t move.
Sister: Dogs? What happened?
Narrator: I was sitting outside your room, and suddenly two dogs came up and started barking at me. I couldn’t move. I froze with fear.
Sister: That’s why I told you not to come near the house without me. If Madam or her family had seen you…
Narrator: I know. I really tried to wait, but it got late. I thought I could sneak in quietly.
Sister: You could’ve been in serious trouble. Please don’t do this again.
Narrator: I won’t. I promise. I was just trying to feel safe… and not be alone.
Here are the complete and accurate answers for the “Let’s Play with Words” section from Chapter 3: The Toilet by Gcina Mhlope (Class 9 English, Unit II) based on textbook content from pages 58–59:
Let’s Play with Words
Activity 1: Words from the Conversation
Instructions: Read the conversation between Reena and Sherly. Identify the words used in it that you already listed in “My Words” or that are new and interesting. Write them along with their guessed meanings.
| Word | Meaning |
| Boutique | A small fashionable shop for clothes and gifts |
| Premises | Land and buildings owned or used by someone |
| Munching | Eating something steadily or noisily |
| Sneaked | Moved secretly or quietly to avoid being seen |
| Disgusting | Very unpleasant or sickening |
| Pounding | Beating heavily (used here for fast heartbeat) |
| Screaming | Shouting in a loud, high voice due to fear/anger |
| Mumbling | Speaking in a low, unclear way |
Activity 2: Action Phrases from ‘The Toilet’
These are action expressions (phrasal verbs) used in the story:
- stayed on
- would shelter
- went to church with
- toured
- sneaked into
- steal my way
- catch the bus
- jumped to turn off
- sit on
- tiptoe my way out
- was on my way
- be off the premises
- went straight
- walked over
Now Try This: Write a Short Story Using These Expressions
Sample story using expressions:
That morning, I tiptoed my way out of the house before anyone woke up. It was still dark, and the city was just beginning to stir. I walked slowly and sneaked into the public park nearby, clutching my old book bag.
I was on my way to the small wooden bench near the corner tree—the same spot where I always sat when I needed to think. As I passed the guard’s cabin, I moved quickly and silently, not wanting to be noticed. I had to be off the premises by 7 a.m. before the cleaning crew arrived.
I sat down and stayed on the bench for a long while, flipping through the pages of my notebook. The cool morning breeze brushed against my cheeks. Suddenly, I heard footsteps, and my heart started pounding. Without thinking, I jumped to turn off the small torchlight I had brought.
I picked up my bag and stole my way out through the back gate, avoiding the main path. The fear of getting caught pushed me forward. By the time I reached the street, I could hear the rumble of the first bus. I ran ahead to catch the bus and disappeared into the crowd like just another school-going girl.
Certainly! Here’s the completed Activity 2: Interview Your Favourite Writer (from page 59 of Chapter 3: The Toilet, Class 9 English), this time featuring a different author — J.K. Rowling, the world-renowned author of the Harry Potter series.
Let’s Listen – Activity 2: Interview with J.K. Rowling
A Short Description of the Author: J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling is a British author best known for writing the Harry Potter series, one of the most successful book series in history. She wrote the first Harry Potter book while struggling financially and raising her daughter alone. Her imagination, perseverance, and storytelling turned her into a global icon. Rowling’s books have inspired millions of young readers around the world and have been translated into over 80 languages. She continues to write books and also supports several charities focused on children’s welfare, literacy, and equal rights.
Interview Questions for J.K. Rowling
a. What kept you motivated to write Harry Potter even when you were going through personal and financial struggles?
b. How much of your real-life experiences influenced the magical world of Hogwarts?
c. What advice would you give to young writers who are afraid of rejection or failure?
d. If you could go back in time and speak to your younger self, what would you say?