The story takes a dark turn one evening when Mossie’s horse collapses and dies. Convinced he has been bewitched, Mossie accuses Baas of using tockoloshe (a malevolent spirit in Nguni folklore). In a fit of rage fueled by paranoia and cheap brandy, Mossie takes his rifle and shoots Baas dead.
Introduction: What is "Mossie en Baas"? For generations of South African students and literature enthusiasts, the phrase "Mossie en Baas" evokes a powerful image of the complex social dynamics of the early 20th century. This iconic Afrikaans short story, written by H.C. (Herman Charles) Bosman , is a staple in school classrooms, university syllabi, and private collections.
Whether you are a Grade 11 learner writing an exam, a university student in a South African literature module, or a casual reader curious about classic short fiction, Mossie en Baas is an essential read. It reminds us that a small sparrow (mossie) can sometimes carry a heavier moral weight than the master (baas).
The story is narrated by . He recounts the tale of his neighbor, Mossie , a poor, somewhat dim-witted, but good-natured white farmer. Mossie lives in a small, rundown house and spends most of his time drinking coffee and playing klavier (piano) in his meager front room.
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Mossie has a single, elderly African servant (referred to in the dated terminology of the time as a "boy") known only as —the Afrikaans word for "boss" or "master." The irony is immediate: the servant is called "Baas," while the white farmer is called "Mossie" (which means "little sparrow").
"Mossie en Baas" is one of Bosman’s most celebrated stories. It appears in the anthology , which is considered the pinnacle of his work. Bosman’s style is deceptively simple: he uses humour, understatement, and dry wit to expose deep racial tensions, human folly, and the absurdities of colonial life. A Detailed Synopsis of "Mossie en Baas" To understand why so many people search for the PDF, you need to know the plot.