Love stories, both modern and classic, seem to employ some very similar elements.  In many cases, a forbidden love is written about; a love that forces the characters to lie and cheat.  Nadine Gordimer's story fits the mold. Paulus and Thebedi, in order to share a blissful relationship, must by quite concealing.  It is the lying that drives them apart and ultimately kills their relationship.

The first selection introduces Paulus, a spoiled rich farm boy, and Thebedi, a poor black servant.  From childhood through adolescence and into adulthood, these two share a love beyond loves - a silent knowledge that they belong together.  Society, however prevents there love from happening.  This hold of society causes the two lovers to lie and sneak, going behind their parents and friends to get what they want.  This camouflage, whether making love by the riverbank...