The story 'A Drink in the Passage' by Alan Paton is likely to explore themes such as race relations. It may show the experiences and interactions of different races through the setting of having a drink in a passage. The characters might face various forms of discrimination or acceptance, which are common topics in Paton's works.
The drink might serve as a plot device to introduce a new element or change the dynamics between characters. It could also represent a form of comfort or escape in the story.
I'm not entirely sure without re - reading the story, but it likely includes characters from different racial backgrounds, perhaps a black character and a white character, who are brought together in the situation of having a drink in the passage.
Another important theme is morality. Many of his characters face moral dilemmas, like in 'The Moment Before the Gun Went Off' where the main character has to deal with the consequences of his actions both morally and socially. His stories also touch on the theme of social justice. He shows the inequalities in society and how people are affected by them. For example, in 'Cry, the Beloved Country', we see the poverty and lack of opportunities for the black population, and how this is a result of the unjust social system.
One aspect could be the characters' reactions to the drink. Are they hesitant? Eager? Their responses can reveal a lot about their personalities and their positions in society. Also, the language used in the story to describe the drink and the situation around it can give clues about the overall mood and the author's message. For instance, if the description is detailed and positive, it might suggest a moment of connection, but if it's sparse or negative, it could imply discomfort or unease.
The main plot might revolve around an encounter where a drink is involved. It could be that a character from one social background meets someone from another and the sharing or refusal of a drink sets off a series of events that explore their relationship and the broader social context.
The drink in the passage might symbolize a moment of relaxation or a trigger for a significant event. But it depends on the specific context and details of the story.
First, look at the racial themes. In 'Cry, the Beloved Country', the relationship between black and white South Africans is a central theme. The novel shows the disparities and the need for understanding between the races.