South Africa’s social woes are brought into the novel: farm robberies, COVID, the plight of migrants. The farm novel also reflects the country’s realities, especially the economic imbalances which arise from political imbalances. Arthur is forced again into questioning his situation. What kind of imbalances must he look out for? Life is stable when he has an idea of who he is, but then circumstances change, and how does that affect his identity? What should he be doing to fortify himself, his soul?