Donker Web Chapter 2 Summary
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WHAT HAPPENED, IN 50 WORDS:
Chapter 2, "Vertrek," reveals Greg's departure from Sandhurst, haunted by a disturbing past marked by family scandals and tragic events. He journeys towards Stellenbosch, carrying memories of a bitter courtroom scene, a mysterious woman, and his friend Plank. Stops at a guest house in Beaufort West, witnessing grim societal realities.
FULL SUMMARY:
Chapter 2, titled "Vertrek," begins with Greg Owen waking up in his late brother John's room, preparing for his departure from Sandhurst. As he packs his things into his newly purchased BMW 118i, an unexpected memory flashes in his mind—a painting by Conrad Botes on his brother's wall, a memento he decides to take with him. As he is about to leave, he hears his late brother's voice calling his name, causing him to question his sanity momentarily. Coming out of his reverie, Greg's mother appears from her study, unusually composed and well-dressed compared to her usual state of mourning. She shares some poignant words with Greg about his future and the bitter life ahead of him. Their conversation triggers an unexpected bout of grief in Greg, causing him to mask his emotions, as is his norm. He bids his mother farewell, promising to update her on his arrival in Stellenbosch. As Greg embarks on the long journey, he reminisces about the towns he passes. A wave of regret overcomes him as he reflects on past events, including his hacking exploits under the tutelage of Eckardt Wilken, which led to the exposure of a scandal named ‘Project Nursery Rhyme.’ This project involved viral manipulations of flu shots that caused multiple deaths. The scandal crippled Greg's family, emotionally more than financially due to their safety net of trust funds. Greg's reminiscence includes a tense farewell at his old school, Lawson College, where he faced mockery and confrontation from former friends and peers who betrayed him. There, Greg is reminded of the dark actions of his father that led to the downfall of their family. Despite the pain, Greg steels himself for the future, leaving behind his past at Sandhurst, emboldened by the regrets and looking forward to his new life in Stellenbosch. Chapter 2, entitled "Vertrek", continues with Greg Owen reminiscing about past events. He recalls memories of his friend Plank, who is attending Maties, a university to which Greg himself is now headed. Plank, known for his relaxed demeanor and comical outlook, had often teased Greg about joining him at Maties, known to have "the most beautiful girls." As Greg continues on his journey to Stellenbosch, he reflects on more serious events, including the image of his father standing in the dock of the High Court in Pretoria, accused of murder and terrorism. He remembers the lawyers passionately fighting against these main charges. He also recalls witnessing a peculiar scene within the public gallery: A woman with shoulder-length black hair and a stern face, who did not seem like a journalist like many others in the courtroom. This mystery woman, present only once, continues to linger in his memory. Later on, Greg arrives in Beaufort West after a long drive: Over nine hours on the road, having had little sleep. He opts to stop over for the night at a guest house in the town where he sees the darker sides of the idyllic looking town: proliferating truck traffic, prostitutes including children lingering near truck stops, commonly walking with older men—portraying a harsh image of poverty. In his poignant journey, laden with past regrets and reflections, Greg's memories and experiences shape his narrative, intertwining tales of comradery, family disarray, legal turmoil, and grim societal realities. His decision to move ahead, leaving past burdens behind, sees him firmly steering towards new beginnings in Stellenbosch.
WHAT HAPPENED, IN 50 WORDS:
In "Donker Web" se tweede hoofstuk, vat Greg 'n padreis na Stellenbosch. Hy flits terug na skoolherinneringe en sy pa se regsaak. Hy ontvang boodskappe van vriend Plank. Die tussentydse stop in Beaufort-Wes bied 'n blik op armoprobleme. 'n Mysterieuze donkerhaarde vrou in die hof laat 'n merk.
FULL SUMMARY:
In "Donker Web" se tweede hoofstuk word Greg Owen wakker op sy broer, John se bed. Na 'n skielike ontbyt en 'n stort, begin hy sy besittings inpak vir 'n reis na Kaapstad. Terwyl hy sy besittings na sy nuwe BMW 118i (wat hy met trustfondsgeld gekoop het) dra, neem hy 'n familiefoto af en neem 'n foto daarvan met sy selfoon. Hy hoor skynbaar John se stem wat hom groet en sien sy ma in die studeerkamer, stylvol aangekleed. Sy ma merk op dat elke nuwe lewensfase iets is wat hy alleen sal beleef, aangesien sy broer nou dood is. Sy woorde veroorsaak 'n gevoel van hartseer in Greg. Sy ma waarsku hom om te onthou dat hy die goed wat hy saam met hom pak sal moet dra. Ná hulle afskeid ry Greg weg, die musiek harde draaiend. Die padreis bied hom 'n kans om sy kop skoon te maak soos hy verby verskeie dorpe en stede ry. Die herinneringe aan onlangse gebeure en verraad haal hom egter in en hy ondervind weer die pyn van sy pa se verraad en die gevolge daarvan. Hy dink terug aan sy laaste besoek aan sy ou skool, waar hy geconfronteer is met spote en die onverwagte vriendskap van sy ou skoogenoot, Plank. Hy besluit uiteindelik om die verlede agter te laat en bly hoopvol vir die toekoms, soos aangedui deur sy laaste woorde: "Stellenbosch, hier kom ek!" In hierdie deel van die "Donker Web" se tweede hoofstuk, sien ons Greg terugflits na sy skool dae waar êrens 'n onderhoof, mnr. Andersen, Plank oproep. Plank en Greg bespreek hoe hulle die jaar moet afsluit en dat Plank gaan studeer by Maties. Hierdie het gelei tot grappige wisselwerking tussen die twee oor die "arme meisies" by Maties. 'n Jaar later is Greg op pad na dieselfde universiteit. Op sy pad van Hanover na Beaufort-Wes lees hy selfoonboodskappe van Plank, maar beplan om hom eers die volgende dag te sien. Hy brei uit oor die moegheid van 'n lang rit, wat veral moeilik is nadat hy sleg geslaap het. Om wakker te bly, drink hy Coke. Intussen vertoon beelde uit die verlede in Greg se gedagtes, veral sy pa se regsaak waar hy beskuldig is van moord en terrorisme. 'n Mysterieuze vrou in die publieke galery trek sy aandag; sy het swart haar, dra 'n donker bril, en lyk streng. Hoewel sy 'n joernalis kon wees, het sy 'n besondere indruk nagelaat op Greg. Na die lang rit bereik Greg Beaufort-Wes, waar hy inboek by 'n gastehuis en soek na iets om te eet. Hy neem kennis van die vragsmotorbestuurders, prostituute by die truck stops en hoe die jongste prostituut rondloop met 'n ouer man. Hy sien dit as 'n "donker web van armoede."