Literature is defined as “writings in which expression and form, [are] in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest, [and] are characteristic features” (Dictionary). Literature is commonly connected with cultural ideas and values. It is almost impossible to understand literary works without knowing their cultural context. Literature offers information about culture from around the world. Nadine Gordimer, a South African writer, offers an insight into her literature. Nadine Gordimer is a 90-year-old South African writer whose literature "explores the effect of apartheid on the lives of South Africans" (Biography). In 1991, Gordimer won the Nobel Prize in Literature for his magnificent novels and short stories. The three core cultural values ​​of South Africa, which Gordimer wrote about, are personal security, segregation and fear. These values ​​are evident in two of his stories: "Once Upon a Time" and "Countryside Lovers". “Once upon a time” is a children's story about a family who had a great fear of violence in the place where they lived, so they began to build a wall to protect themselves. This wall, which eventually became a barricade, caused agony to the family. “Country Lovers” is a short story that explores the severe segregation between blacks and whites. In the story, a black woman and a white man fall in love. Being an interracial couple, they were not against many of the relationship and marriage laws in South Africa. Through these two stories and numerous other pieces of Gordimer's literature, readers are offered an insight into South African culture. “Once Upon a Time,” Gordimer's children's story, reflects on the excessive amount of fear in South African culture. Duri...... half of the sheet......e - Sixth Course-British Literature. Online. February 20, 2014. (NOTE: The story was originally published in 1989.) Gordimer, Nadine. “Countryside lovers”. The soldier's embrace. Online. March 5, 2014. (NOTE: The story was originally published in 1975.) Byrnes, Mark. “Life in Apartheid Era South Africa” The Atlantic Cities Archives. 10 December 2013. 5 March 2014.Steirn, Adrain. “21 Icons: Nadine Gordimer.” Youtube. September 8, 2013. March 5, 2014.Shoul, Marc. Mandela's visible legacy: South Africa's interracial couples no longer need to hide." NBC News. Online. June 14, 2013. March 5, 2014.Marrone, Ryan Lenora. “Briefing: How violent is South Africa?” The Christian Science Monitor. Online. February 22, 2103. March 5, 2014. "Literature." Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com and Web. March 16, 2014. "Nadine Gordimer Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television and Web. March 16. 2014.