Power of one

                                            by: Bryce Courtney                                             

 Camoflage was a necessity growing up in racist Africa.

Why do you think the author, in the last pages of the book, created a scene in which Peekay, the protaganist, cruelly scars his childhood enemy Judge, even after everything he had learned about tolerance, and respect?

I believe that the author created this scene to show that  hate is an overbearing emotion. Peekay learns a lot about tolerance and respect, as he is confronted by racism throughout the story. He in the end earns the respect of both white and black audiences, and understands their thinking. If anything, one would have thought that his hatred of Judge would have disappeared, but when he comes face to face with his childhood enemy, this primal emotion overpowers him. His prize winning past fights don't even have importance anymore.

Also, perhaps the author wanted to show that although Peekay gained a lot during his career as a boxer, he was not really happy and at peace until he avenged Grandpa Chook (his faithful kaffir chicken)'s death. After scarring Judge, Peekay feels good, and the 'loneliness birds' have left him, meaning that the author wanted Peekay's fight to have significance. 

In conclusion, I  believe that Bryce Courtney created this scene to show how overbearing the emotion of hatred is.