Peekay showed the Power of one with Granpa chooks because through the suffering they were able to get stronger and survive. Granpa Chook was a pet chicken that a black medicine man by the name of Inkosi-Inkosikazi who cured Peekay of his bed wetting. Granpa Chook was his only friend at the boarding school. Until the few hours before they were to leave for the end of the term, Granpa Chooks was stoned to death for defecating in the Judge’s mouth when the judge tried to make Peekay eat pooh. They had almost made it. With Granpa Chooks he had this independent spirit from the rest of the boys known as the power of one.
Peekay has his first fight against this Du Toit. Du Toit is 8 inches taller and du Toit and his team mock Peekay for his shorter body. Peekay’s team such as Geel Doc and the Ref are not so sure if he should go through with this fight. So instead they keep close watch and if Peekay shows any sign of over-powered-ness they would immediately stop the fight. Peekay wins in three rounds. The ref, impressed, nicknames him “Gentleman Peekay” and Peekay feels the power of one within himself.
Boxing is so difficult that this dream is his and only his-it encapsulates and upholds "the power of one" since it is Peekay's private dream. Moreover, it is a dream for which Peekay wishes to take full responsibility-he will not accept Morrie's money, but resolves to make his own. This shows his ability to be independent. Peekay is constructed by those around him-the idea that Peekay struggles is the exact definition of "the power of one." He battles against the idea of depending on others, and seeks personal independence in all aspects of his life. Peekay now learns survival. He learns "that survival is a matter of actively making the system work for you rather than attempting to survive it." This represents the true beginning of personal independence for Peekay. The power of one is represented by the latter definition of "survival"- going beyond normal human capabilities, in spite of the restrictions around one.
Although Peekay’s mentors have left or died throughout his life like nanny, Granpa Chook, Hoppie, Doc, Geel, Mrs. Boxell, etc… he has become so much greater than any of the mentors would have thought.
