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SUMMARY
This play is a love story that is split between four sets of lovers; Hippolyta and Theseus, Hermia and
Lysander, Helena and Demetrius and Titania and Oberon. The story begins with a distraught father,
Egeus, asking the Duke, Thesus, to bring the law upon his daughter's, Hermias, head. His request is
made because he wants her to marry Demetrius and she has disobeyed him by seeing Lysander in
secret. The Duke gives Hermia up to the day of his wedding to decide to obey her father or suffer the
consequence of consignment to a nunnery if she chooses to oppose him. This decision spurs Hermia
and Lysander to meet in the woods to facilitate their elopement. Things get interesting at this point
because Puck, a fairy, carries out Oberons request to meddle in the lovers lives. Mistaken identity
occurs with hilarious consequences. The tale of Titania, Oberon and Bottom intersect as a subplot, as
well as the play within the play. The play ends with all the lovers being wed.
SETTING
CHARACTERS
Puck
Puck, also known as Robin Goodfellow, is a mischievous fairy who delights in playing pranks
on mortals.
His antics are responsible for many of the complications that propel the other main plots
He mistakes the young Athenians, applying the love potion to Lysander instead of Demetrius,
thereby causing chaos within the group of young lovers
The king of the fairies, Oberon is initially at odds with his wife, Titania, because she refuses to
give him a young Indian prince.
Oberons desire for revenge on Titania leads him to send Puck to obtain the lovepotion flower
(love in idleness) that creates so much of the plays confusion.
Titania
Titania is very stubborn because she resists her husbands attempts, Oberon to obtain the
child.
She has a brief, potioninduced love for Nick Bottom, whose head Puck has transformed into
that of an ass.
Lysander
He cannot marry Hermia openly because Egeus, her father, wishes her to wed Demetrius
He becomes the victim of misapplied magic and wakes up in love with Helena.
Demetrius
Hermia
Egeus daughter.
She is left without a lover when both Lysander and Demetrius suddenly fall in love with
Helena.
Helena
Demetrius and Helena were once courted, but when Demetrius met Helenas friend Hermia,
he fell in love with her and abandoned Helena.
Lacking confidence in her looks, Helena thinks that Demetrius and Lysander are mocking her
when the fairies mischief causes them to fall in love with her.
Egeus
Egeus has given Demetrius permission to marry Hermia, but Hermia, in love with Lysander,
refuses to marry Demetrius.
Egeuss severe insistence that Hermia either respect his wishes or be held accountable to
Athenian law places him squarely outside the whimsical dream realm of the forest.
Theseus
He appears only at the beginning and end of the story, he is therefore removed from the
dreamlike events of the forest.
Hippolyta
Nick Bottom
The overconfident weaver chosen to play Pyramus in the craftsmens play for Theseuss
marriage celebration.
He is the comic relief in the play because of he is unaware that he possessed an ass head.
Peter Quince
A carpenter.
The leader of the craftsmens attempt to put on a play for Theseuss marriage celebration.
Francis Flute
The bellowsmender.
The tailor.
He was to chosen to play Thisbes mother in the play within the play
The tinker.
Snug
The joiner.
Snug worries that his roaring will frighten the ladies in the audience.
Philostrate
He isresponsible for organizing the entertainment for the dukes marriage celebration.
The fairies ordered by Titania to attend to Bottom after she falls in love with him.
SUMMARY
Act 1
Scene 1
Theseus and Hippolyta are ecstatic about their wedding day. The scene continues with Egeus, who
wants his daughter, Hermia, to marry Demetrius instead of Lysander. Egeus visits the duke of Athens,
Theseus, to request the enforcing of the old Athenian law which states that a disobedient daughter
may be sent to her death by her father. Hermia could accept the death sentence, marry Demetrius, or
join the nunnery. The chapter ends with Lysander and Hermia planning their elopement, and telling
Helena, Hermias childhood friend, of their plans.
Scene 2
Quince, Snug, Bottom, Flute, Snout and Starveling meet to discuss a play that they will enact on the
Dukes wedding night. Quince is the main organizer and Bottom appears to be the person that wants
to play everyones part. Quince gives everyone their roles and asks them to meet the following night in
the palace woods.
Act 2
Scene 1
This scene opens with the fairy and Puck conversing. Both Oberon and Titania enter and start arguing.
The audience learns that nature is being affected negatively by this and Oberon suggests that she
should just give him the changeling boy to end it all. She refuses, and Oberon retaliates by plotting,
with Puck, to acquire the flower, loveinidleness, to let her fall in love with the first creature that she
sees. This scene continues with Demetrius blatant rejection of Helena in the woods. The scene
continues with Oberon informing Puck that he is going to drop the love juice on Titanias eyelids. He
instructs Puck to do the same to Demetrius.
Scene 2
Titania enters the wood and instructs her fairies to sing her to sleep. Oberon then arrives and places
the love juice on her eyelids. As a result, Titania falls in love with Bottom, the first creature that she
sees. Lysander and Hermia then make their entrance in the woods, where Hermia suggests that
Lysander sleep further away from her, for the sake of propriety. After this scene, Puck enters and
mistakenly anoints the Lysander, instead of Demetrius, with the love juice. Lysander awakes to see
Helena and declares his love for her. Helena believes that he is mocking her and storms off angrily,
with Lysander in tow. Hermia then awakes from a bad dream finding herself alone.
Act 3
Scene 1
The craftsmen met in the woods to rehearse the play. They discuss, and decide, on changes that are to
be made to the play and the rehearsal begins. During the rehearsals, Puck is watching and sees Bottom
leave the scene. Puck follows him and, without his knowledge, transforms Bottoms head into that of
an ass. Most of the artisans flee in terror. Bottom suspects that his companions are trying to make an
ass of him and decides to sing to himself. The song awakens Titania, who immediately sees Bottom
and falls in love with him. Titania asks him to remain with her in the woods; she will have him
attended to and cared for by her fairies. She summons Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth and
Mustardseed, and tells them to lead Bottom to her bower.
Scene 2
Puck speaks to Oberon about the mischief that has occurred. He reports that Titania has fallen in love
with Bottom. Hermia and Demetrius enter, with Hermia accusing Demetrius of killing her beloved
Lysander, who has vanished. The argument reveals no truths so Hermia departs in search of Lysander,
leaving Demetrius to sleep. At this point, Puck and Oberon realized that a mistake has been made and
Puck is sent in search of Helena while Oberon enchants the sleeping Demetrius. They unintentionally
wake Demetrius who immediately falls in love with Helena because she is the first person that he sees.
Helena now thinks that Demetrius is a part of the prank because of his sudden change of heart. The
situation escalates when Hermia enters. Lysander and Demetrius fight over Helena, while Helena
starts a fight with Hermia. Helena thinks Hermia is also a part of the prank. Oberon rushes to retrieve
the Indian boy from Titania, while Puck leads the lovers away from each other before a life is lost.
They get lost in a fog and fall asleep to wake up in love.
ACT 4
Scene 1
Titania and Bottom get acquainted, with Titania being completely enamored with Bottom. She offers
him the services of her fairies and they both fall asleep. Oberon decides to take the spell from Titania's
eyes, after she consents to giving up the Indian boy. After Puck removes the asses head from Bottom,
the fairies leave the wood. Theseus and his followers then arrive for a celebration in the wood. They
meet upon the lovers and awaken them. After a conversation with the pairs of lovers, Theseus declares
that both pairs of lovers should marry, along with himself and Hyppolyta, in the palace. They all leave,
then Bottom wakes up and makes his way to Athens.
Scene 2
The actors are worried about the missing Bottom, and about whether or not the play can go on
without him. He then makes a dramatic entrance.
ACT 5
Scene 1
Theseus and Hyppolyta are back at the palace discussing the experiences that the lovers described. All
the couples choose Bottom's play for the evening's entertainment. The play progresses, the actors
leave, and then Puck gives a closing speech.
THEMES
Romantic love
Infatuation
Power and authority
Magic vs. reality
Women in society
Class
Time / Place:
Trinidad was ruled under the Crown Colony system Head of State in England governed the
island via the Governor, who was his or her representative
Universal adult suffrage (right of all adults to vote) did not occur to Trinidad until 1946.
Power still lay in the hands of those who owned plantations and these people, in turn,
controlled the instruments of power; the legislature, the courts and the police.
Economy:
The economy was still predominantly agricultural; sugar, cocoa, coffee, coconuts and citrus.
Subsistence farming (production of foodstuff for domestic use) was the norm
World War II led to the establishment of American bases, which introduced opportunity to
earn money
Trinidad boasted a very diverse Creole society populated by a variety of ethnic groups (Indian,
Black, Chinese, White), each with its own cultural and religious practices.
Trinidad was still a series of small villages connected by a network of tiny roads, hence, travel
between villages was infrequent
Religion:
This religion arose out of a fusion of Protestant Christianity and African Orisha elements
The religion was outlawed in 1917 on the grounds that they disturbed the peace with their bell
ringing, loud singing and highly expressive behavior during worship.
See video clip of Spiritual Baptist in Grenada at the bottom of this page.
MAJOR CHARACTERS
Eva Dorcas:
He is a strong Christian
Shoulders his responsibilities well and does not view them as a burden
Bolo:
Was imprisoned for 3 years for defending his mother, and the church, during a police raid of
the Shouter Baptist church
Later becomes the terror of the community because of how he bullied every-one after his
return from prison
A brave, yet simple character that was crushed by the realities of life as a black man in
Trinidad
Ivan Morton:
Local boy who was considered to be the pride of the community because he was bright
He married a light skinned girl from Tunapuna, and abandoned Eulalie and their illegitimate
baby
The community chose him to represent them on the Council and he became a true politician;
talk without action
MINOR CHARACTERS
Clyde:
A lot of second hand information about Ivan is gleaned from this character, via Joyce
He was not a good businessman; a lot of people owed him and his shop was virtually empty by
the end of the book
Owner of the local shop that eventually competes with Buntins shop
An example of some-one who has profited from the American presence in Trinidad
He campaigns for Ivan Morton during his bid for re-election to the council
Clem:
A musician who eventual leaves Bonasse to become the successful Lord Trafalgar
Eulalie:
Corporal Prince:
He got in trouble with the law and had to flee to Port of Spain
Reader gets all the second hand news about Ivan Morton from her, via Clyde
At the end of the book, she is pregnant with her first child
Reggie:
Preparing to take the college Exhibition exam in the middle of the text
gains a place in high school on his own initiative, at the beginning of the text
Gem:
4 years old
Youngest child
CHAPTER SUMMARIES
Chapter 1:
The readers are introduced to the narrator, Eva, and her husband Bee, along with three of their
children: Joyce, Gem and Reggie. Reggie has failed his examination and the couple debates whether or
not to ask Ivan Morton for help. It becomes apparent that the hope of the community rests on this
young politicians shoulders. He disappoints the community, however, when he does not support the
Shouter Baptists. The reader is introduced to the budding relationship between Joyce and Clyde, as
well as Bolos disappointment in the churchs apathy. The chapter ends with Reggie being placed in a
high school after previously applying without his parents knowledge.
Chapter 2:
This chapter charts the changes in Bonasse and how it affects Bolo and Clem. Clem accepted and went
with the flow, while Bolo just could not accept change and became disruptive. The banning of carnival,
hence stick fighting, became a reality, and the change that Americans had on the cultural identity of
the people was emphasized throughout this chapter.
Chapter 3:
The church plays a vital role in this chapter. The pride that is felt about its existence and perseverance
is expressed by Eva. However, a law is passed that makes the church illegal, thereby forcing the
members to plot to keep the church alive. The formulated a plan to be quiet in the way they worship
and to try to put a man in the Council. Other things that occur in the chapter are: the tragic tale of
Eulalie/Ivan/Bolo, Bolo losing his temper and its tragic results, and the coming of Prince. In the end,
Bee decides to break the law because the church is slowly dying.
Chapter 4:
In this chapter, the reader learns about Bees children, as well as their response to his talk of breaking
the law. Winston wants to become a police and Taffy wants to leave Trinidad. Bolo sits in church as a
question mark and eventually leaves, while Bee finally breaks the law.
Chapter 5:
Bee breaks the law continuously until the church is raided. Everyone is dragged to jail, but Bolo
intercedes on behalf of his mother. He is beaten and subsequently imprisoned for three years with
hard labour. Bee was left with no choice but to sell his cow to avoid going to jail. Buntins shop
becomes black empowerment central, attracting all the youngsters, including Reggie, to join the
discussions. Taffy stabs a boy and runs off to stay with his uncle in Port of Spain, while the Winston
leaves Bonasse in order to become a police.
Chapter 6:
This chapter is all about the campaign trail and how diligently Bee worked to get Ivan elected. An air
of freedom and joy pervades this chapter. It ends, however, with Evas observation of the changes that
Ivan makes in his life, in accordance with his new position, as well as her views on the implications
behind Ivan Mortons procurement of the house on the hill.
Chapter 7:
This is a very dramatic chapter that highlights Bolos release from jail and the extent to which things
had changed during his incarceration. He tried to get land and did not succeed, he tried to stick fight
and faced cowards. The chapter ends with the destruction that he wrought on the drums in order to
express his anger and frustration.
Chapter 8:
This chronicles Bolos descent into a mode of destructive behavior: (a) obtaining a job and (b)
extorting products from the market vendors, rum shop and gambling shop. Bolos fame extends
outside Bonasse in this chapter, thereby highlighting the severity of his anger.
Chapter 9:
Joyce, the Dorcas only daughter, gets married, while Bolo kidnaps Primus two daughters. Bee tries to
get men to challenge' Bolo, since that is what he wants, but he barely succeeds at this. The police
intercede and Bolo, as well as Primus youngest daughter, gets killed.
Chapter 10:
Election time and Ivan is on the trail. The reader is not made aware of whether or not he is re-elected,
but what is known is that the Shouter Baptists were legalized. The irony at the end of the book,
however, is that on the cusp of their great victory, the spirit left the church. Despite this tragedy, Eva
hears it in the music that the boys play on the steel pan.
THEMES
Racism
Women in society
Religion
Education vs. religion
Change
Power and authority
Violence
LITERARY DEVICES
1. SIMILE
Stanza 1, line: The persona is wishing that he could be as brave as the flower. This implies that the p
does not think that he is brave, but a coward in the face of death.
Stanza 2, line 14: This is another comparison between the persona and the plant. The persona
wishes that he could look death in the face and be cheerful, like the plant. Again, this
emphasizes that he fears death.
2. EUPHEMISM
This phrase is a replacement for the word death. It softens death and makes it appear welcoming and
pleasant.
3. IRONY
It is ironic that the flowers look so fresh and alive, when they are facing their very mortality, on the top
of a casket. Death is a sad affair, yet the flowers are at their best when ushering people back to the
earth.
4. PERSONIFICATION
The persona is speaking directly to the flowers and giving them human qualities, therefore, the whole
poem is an example of the use of personification at its best. He even goes as far as to ask the flowers to
teach him things that will allow him to acquire their qualities.
IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES
5. 'galant'
This word literally means brave or heroic. The word, however, also brings to mind adjectives such as
charming and attentive, like a knight would be in olden days. So the plants are not simply brave in
their acceptance of death, but they are also gracious.
6. 'harmless show'
The word harmless sticks out in this phrase because it implies that the flowers are demure and quiet
in their beauty.
7. 'bier'
This is a movable frame on which a coffin or a corpse is placed before a burial or cremation, or on
which they are carried to the grave.
8. 'teach me that my breath like yours may sweeten and perfume my death'
This implies that if death is not feared, then the person will go into death's arms joyfully, without any
sorrow, remorse or bitterness.
TONE
The tone of the poem is admiration, because the persona literally admires the flowers for its accepting
attitude towards death.
MOOD/ ATMOSPHERE
The mood, or atmosphere of the poem is a pensive one. The persona is thinking about death, how he
relates to it versus how others relate to it.
CONTRAST
A contrast in this poem is the persona's fear of death, versus the flowers' acceptance of it.
THEMATIC CATEGORY
Death, nature
A Stone's Throw
LITERAL MEANING
A crowd has caught a woman. The persona implies to the reader that the woman is not decent. She
was beautiful, but scared because she had gotten 'roughed up' a little by the crowd. The persona states
that the woman has experienced men's hands on her body before, but this crowd's hands were
virtuous.
He also makes a proviso that if this crowd bruises her, it cannot be compared to what she has
experienced before. The persona also speaks about a last assault and battery to come. He justifies this
last assault by calling it justice, and it is justice that feels not only right, but good. The crowd's 'justice'
is placed on hold by the interruption of a preacher, who stops to talk to the lady. He squats on the
ground and writes something that the crowd cannot see. Essentially, the preacher judges them,
thereby allowing the lady to also judge the crowd, leading to the crowd inevitably judging itself. The
crowd walks away from the lady, still holding stones [which can be seen as a metaphor for judgments]
that can be thrown another day
LITERARY DEVICES
1. SARCASM
The persona is making the point that the lady was in fact NOT decent looking.
2. PERSONIFICATION
This device is particularly effective because the word 'kisses' is used. Kiss implies something pleasant,
actually utilized to emphasize something painful that has happened to the lady; she was stoned.
3. PUN
Title: The title of the poem is itself a pun on two levels. A stone's throw is used by many people
Caribbean to describe a close distance. eg. "She lives a stone's throw away". The other use of the
highlight the content of the poem. It is a figurative stoning, or judging, of a woman.
Line 23: There is a play on the word 'come'. The persona is telling the reader that the crowd is
planning to eanrape the lady. This act is to come, or occur, in the near future. Come, in this
context, also ms to ejaculate, the culmination of the act of sex. The rapists in the crowd also
plan to 'come'.
4. ALLUSION (biblical)
The content of the poem alludes to the story of Mary Magdalene in the Christian Bible. See John 8 v 57.
IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES
5. 'we'
This immediately tells the reader that the persona is in a crowd, which highlights to us that the mob
mentality exists in this context. The crowd acts as one entity.
6. 'they'
The use of this word immediately alienates the lady and places her in the scornful realm of the 'other'.
7. 'dead scared'
The use of the term 'dead' to describe the lady's emotional state of fearfulness implies that she is
extremely frightened, it is beyond regular fear.
8. 'tousled'
This word means to be handled roughly and, as a result, to look disorderly and disheveled. It is the
perfect word to use in this context because it adds to the sexual innuendo that exists throughout the
poem.
9. 'nothing much'
The persona disregards the damage that they have done to the lady. He admits to the rough treatment,
but tries to make himself, and the crowd, look favourable despite their wrong doings.
10. 'But ours were virtuous, Of course'
This is almost like a tongue in cheek admittance that their touch was actually the opposite of virtuous.
The use of the term 'of course' highlights this interpretation.
11. 'battery'
In the Caribbean context, battery refers to the slang term for the rape of an individual, conducted by
several people in succession. Therefore, the persona is pointing out the intent of the crowd, or some
people in the crowd.
12. 'Of right'
This is a clear indication, from the persona, that he believes that he and the mob are in the right.
13. 'tastes so good'
'Taste', to a lot of individuals, is one of the higher senses. Therefore, when the persona uses this word,
he is highlighting the intense pleasure that he anticipates from meting out this 'justice'.
14. 'this guru, Preacher, God-merchant, God-knows-what'
The persona's annoyance at this individual for disrupting his fun comes out in this statement. The
persona is deliberately being disrespectful.
15. '(Should never speak to them)'
This particular line speaks to the alienation that the lady faces. She is scornfully grouped as 'them'.
16. 'And saw in her something we couldn't see'
The intruder saw value in the lady, something that the crowd did not see.
17. 'He turned his eyes on us, Her eyes on us, Her eyes upon ourselves.'
This speaks to the fact that the preacher and the lady judge the crowd, and, more importantly, the
crowd judges itself. The preacher's act of kindness sheds light on the cruelty that is inflicted on the
lady by the crowd.
18. 'We walked away Still holding stones'
This implies that the crowd still plans to keep judging, and acting on their judgments, as they see fit.
TONE
The tone of the poem is mixed. At times it is almost braggadocious, then it becomes sarcastic, moving
to scornful.
THEMATIC CATEGORY
Discrimination, religion, survival, hypocrasy, oppression, alienation.
LITERARY DEVICES
1. REPETITION:
The constant repetition of the phrase 'I wish' points to a yearning, a desperation even, for the basic things tha
to offer. The repetition gives credence to the idea that the persona might believe that his wishes are actually
that might not come true.
2. ALLUSION:
Stanza 1, lines 6 and 7, alludes to slavery, the state of lacking control over one's own life and destin
fact that reference is made to this hints to how the persona feels about his life. He does not feel as if
control over it.
Stanza 3, lines 19 to 20, alludes to Paul Robeson, a black intellectual, who attained success
despite difficult circumstances. The persona yearns to be like this person. He wants room to
stretch intellectually.
Stanza 4, lines 22 to 25, alludes to the klu klux klan. Burning lights refers to the burning of
crosses and the pyjamas alludes to their white outfits that look like pyjamas. The persona
wants them to leave him alone, find something else to do other than make his life difficult by
contributing to his wishes remaining in the realm of the dreams.
TONE
The tone/mood of the poem is one of sadness. The persona is thinking about how he is treated and he
reacts to this in a sad way. He keeps wishing that things were different.
THEMATIC CATEGORY:
Racism, survival, oppression, desire/dreams.
LITERARY DEVICES
1.SIMILE
Stanza 1, line 2: This emphasizes not only the tiredness of the soldiers, but the fact that they might
well.
Stanza 2, line 19: This device gives a visual image of how the soldier physically reacted to th
Floundering implies flopping about, therefore, the soldier was flopping about violently. We know
violent because fire and lime illicit excruciating pain.
Stanza 4, line 39: This device gives a visual image of the expression on the soldier's face. This is a
grotesque image that highlights the soldier in the throes of death.
Stanza 4, line 39: Cancer is a horrible disease that takes many lives on a daily basis. Therefore,
to compare this dying soldiers face to this disease is to emphasize the agony that the soldier
was going through, which was reflected on his face.
Stanza 4, lines 39-40: This is another graphic comparison that compares the soldier's face to
incurable sores. 'Sores' is a disgusting visual image of degradation which, in turn, highlights
the soldier in the throes of death.
ALLITERATION
Stanza 1, line 7: This device points to the level of fatigue that the soldiers were undergoing.
Stanza 1, lines 7-9: This highlights not only the fatigue that the soldiers were feeling, but the
fact that they were injured as well.
Stanza 4, lines 29-30: This device highlights a visually graphic death mask. The soldier is in
the throes of impending death.
Epitaph
LITERAL MEANING
The poem is an epitaph to a slave that was hung in the past. The first stanza explains that the nameless
slave was hung in the morning, and while some respect was paid to his memory, in the form of the
children's actions, life essentially went on. In stanza two, the persona makes it clear that this slave's
death has little relevance in the present, except as a passing memory when islanders think about what
has influenced their lives up to the present.
LITERARY DEVICES
1. SIMILE
Stanza 1, line 4: The swinging body of the slave is compared with an apostrophe to pain. This
comparison is very powerful because, in English grammar, an apostrophe represents
ownership. Therefore, it is implying that the pain of the black race is so palpable that it is
almost something that they own. It emphasizes the painful nature of their history.
Stanza 2, line 14: The dead slave's body's swing is compared to sighs. A sigh is an exhalation of
breathe that can signal many feelings; relief, agitation, joy, etc., with the major quality being
brevity. Therefore, the emphasis is not necessarily on the feeling that the dead slave elicits,
upon being remembered, but the brevity with which he is remembered.
2. METAPHOR
This metaphor emphasizes the fun that the children paused, out of respect for the swinging body of
the dead slave.
3. ALLUSION
This line alludes to the Negro Spiritual 'Swing Low'. This spiritual speaks of an individual's journey to
heaven. This relates to this poem because it carries the implication that the slave's soul has gone to
heaven. He hung 'sweet and low' and the chariot came for him, his soul is at rest.
IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES
4.'clement morning'
The slave was hung on a clear, mild and pleasant morning. This highlights the fact that there is no
regard for this human being and emphasizes the sadness of this fact. Not even nature cares to coincide
with the sadness of this hanging.
5.'swung'
'This is a visual image of the hanging slave. One can literally see the slave swinging.
6.'the cane kept growing'
Despite the death of this slave, life literally went on, as chronicled by the growth of the cane.
7.'what can we recall of a dead slave or two'
This highlights the disregard shown towards the slave. This line also contributes to the sarcastic tone
of the poem.
8.'punctuate our island tale'
To punctuate a sentence is to insert commas, full stops etc, in order for the sentence to make sense.
Therefore, in this context, when the slave is inserted, or acknowledged in the island's history, it
implies that he has an important place in it.
9.'the brutal sentences
'This refers to the actual history of the island.
10.'anger pauses till they pass away.'
The reaction to the recollection of the dead slave and his contribution to the island's history is anger.
However, this anger is put on hold until the memory of the slave passes away.
MOOD/ ATMOSPHERE
Forgive My Guilt
LITERAL MEANING
An adult is reminiscing about a traumatic childhood experience. The persona went hunting and shot
two birds, plovers. He suffers extreme guilt about this action in adulthood. The poem describes the
event, the actions of the bird, how he reacts, and, by the last line, asks the birds to forgive his guilt.
LITERARY DEVICES
1.METAPHOR
Line 4: The nature of frost is that it covers everything in its path, therefore, when the flowers are com
frost, it implies that there were a lot of flowers, enough to hide the boy from the birds.
Line 8: The sand is being compared to gold, the colour. It is emphasizing how beautiful the
setting was.
Line 12: This metaphor emphasizes the injuries that the birds sustained. The bones are
compared to jagged ivory, which is a direct contrast to the smooth feathers that existed before
the injury.
Lines 20-21: The birds are compared to a flute, an instrument that plays beautiful music. This
emphasizes the sadness that is related to their death.
2. SIMILE
Line 5: The air and the flowers are being compared, both are blue.
Lines 6-7: This simile offers a beautiful visual image of the birds. Dreams are beautiful, and
the birds are compared to this.
Line 7: The speed of the birds is being highlighted, while also maintaining that beautiful visual
imagery.
3. PUN
The pun is between the words 'airy' and 'air'. 'Airy' means light and beautiful, while 'air' refers to the
sky and flying. The poet is lamenting that these light and beautiful things can no longer fly and feel the
pleasure of air rushing past them.
IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES
4. 'the blue'
This literally translates to the sky. The birds were crying out to the other birds that were flying away.
5. 'in war or peace'
This phrase highlights the fact that the persona feels extremely guilty about killing the birds, so much
so that he thinks about it all the time. Their cries went out for literally one day, but he thinks about the
birds all the time.
6. 'drown'
It is important that the poet chooses to use the word drown, because it means death. He cannot get rid
of the sounds of sorrow that the birds made while they were dying.
MOOD/ ATMOSPHERE
The mood of the poem is nostalgia and guilt.
TONE
The tone of the poem is sad. The poet's response to his guilt is sadness.
THEMATIC CATEGORY
Death, childhood experiences, nature, guilt, loss of innocence, desire/dreams.
God's Grandeur
LITERAL MEANING
The poet expresses that the world is full of God's glory and greatness. This greatness, however, will
burn out in a dramatic manner because of man who smears, smudges and pollutes everything without
consciousness. Nature is resilient, however, and will persevere from deep in the earth and burst forth,
counteracting all of man's ill.
1. SIMILE
Line 3: This line indicates that the world will burn out in a brilliant way. Think of how shiny and re
can be, that is the brilliance with which the earth will temporarily burn out.
Line 4: Think of the manner in which oil slowly spreads across water, eventually taking over as m
surface as possible. That is the way in which the world gathers to a greatness.
2. RHETORICAL QUESTION
The persona questions why men do not care about God's wrath. He implies that this wrath is sure
because the Earth is charged, or commanded with the grandeur of God.
3. ALLUSION (biblical)
This 'rod' refers to the rod of correction that is found in the Christian Bible. See 2 Samuel 7:14. This
line implies that God will punish man for being reckless with the world.
4. REPETITION
This device highlights the damage that man has done to the world. Trodding implies that one walks, or
tramples, in order to crush or injure.
5. ALLITERATION
Lines 10-11: This device emphasizes the impact that man has had on his environment. He has
impacted every crevice of the world in some negative way, as implied by words such as
'smudge'.
Lines 14-15: This device clarifies that the Earth is resilient, no matter what man does to harm
it, it will bounce back.
Lines 18-19: This device simply re-iterates the resilience of the Earth, we can actually visualize
the sun rising.
LITERARY DEVICES
1. PERSONIFICATION
Lines 4, 6-7: The love interest's eyes constantly accuses and convicts the persona. This device
highlights the extent to which the persona has hurt this person.
Lines 18-20: The persona hopes that his country, his other dearest love, will forgive him for
the treasonous act of loving another. This highlights the patriotism that defines the persona's
relationship to his country.
2. OXYMORON
The term heart's-treachery implies that the heart, something so vital and indicative of love, has
committed a terrible crime. It highlights the heartbreak that the persona has caused his love interest.
IMPORTANT WORD/ PHRASES
3. 'constant image'
This implies that the persona constantly, or always, remembers his love interest's face. It emphasizes
the guilt he feels in relation to this person.
4. 'grave attention'
The love interest's eyes display grave attention. The word grave implies intensely serious, so this
person is truly hurt.
5. 'world of knives'
A knife inflicts pain and destroys. The persona, therefore, is identifying his world with causing pain.
6. 'such blackmail with your beauty'
To blackmail someone is to have something over them that puts their will in your control. The love
interest's beauty has captivated the persona in such a way that he betrays his country with this
person.
MOOD/ ATMOSPHERE
The mood of the poem is reflective. The persona is thinking about his two loves and how he is torn
between them.
TONE
The tone of the poem is sadness and guilt. The persona is guilt ridden over this love triangle and
sadness permeates the words that he uses to describe it.
THEMATIC CATEGORY
Love, guilt, patriotism, places, desires/ dreams
Le Loupgarou
LITERAL MEANING
This poem tells the tale of old LeBrun, a man that was rumoured by the townspeople to be
a loupgarou. Old women would relax under eaves and gossip about Le Brun, while literally shutting
him out of their lives with their closing windows. The prevailing gossip, in this poem, is that he
transformed into a hound one night, but was dealt a wound by his own watchman. He then lugged his
entrails back to his doorstep, almost dead.
LITERARY DEVICES
1. ALLITERATION
Lines 1-3: This alliteration gives the reader a visual imagery of the manner in which the gossip
about Le Brun spread. A thread is thin and fine and can weave itself in any crevice, sometimes
in a very non-linear and sinuous manner. This describes the way in which the gossip spread. It
managed to touch the whole village in an almost insiduous, and complete, manner.
Line 5: This literary device speaks to the results of the gossip. Le Brun is alienated from the
people of the town. Their fascination with him, however, is evident by the fact that they slowly
shut their jalouses/windows. The lack of speed implies that they are watching him, while also
alienating him.
Lines 17-21: This alliteration highlights the severity of the loupgarou's injuries. You can
almost see and hear the wetness of the blood, as well as see the entrails trailing wet through
the use of this device.
2. ONOMATOPOEIA
The tap-tapping cane is a part of Le Brun's physical description. He appears to stand out, in terms of
his physical appearance, down to the use of his cane.
3. PARADOX
This statement appears nonsensical at first, but actually makes sense in the long run. The loupgarou
is, in fact, a man who is leading a half life as man and beast, so he is not really 'living'. The fact that he
can pass on the 'gift' of becoming a werewolf clarifies the fact that Le Brun is actually 'licensed to sell
sick fruit', or pass on his sick 'gift'.
4. OXYMORON
The words 'Christian' and 'witches', placed together, emphasizes the dual nature of the women in the
village. They are good Christian women who mean no harm, but their fear of the 'difference' that they
sense in Le Brun (contributed by his mode of dress), leads them to react in an unchristian manner,
like witches, in dealing with him.
* IRONY
It is ironic that Le Brun's own watchman dealt him a lethal blow.
IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES
5.curious
This word emphasizes the strangeness of the story that is circulated about Le Brun.
6.white linen-linen suit, pink glasses, cork hat (and cane)
This outfit would let anyone be seen in a crowd, or other wise. It emphasizes Le Brun's difference ,
hence, one of the reasons that he would be the focus of gossip. Imagine an individual dressed in the
combination below:
LITERARY DEVICES
1. SIMILE
Line 2: Puerto Rico is compared to dice that is tossed on a casino's baize, it can either come up with
numbers, or losing numbers. Puerto Rico comes up with winning numbers in the game of chance, as
in its wealthy exterior, which is supported by America.
Lines 7-8: San Juan's glitter is compared to a maverick's gold ring. The word maverick implies
non-conformist, an individualist. This implies that San Juan, Puerto Rico is in the Caribbean,
but not a part of the Caribbean. It belongs to America.
Lines 10-11: Airports are compared to calling cards. This means that, like a calling card, the
quality of the airport gives you an idea of the island's economic status. The airport is also
Line 39: The road is compared to twisted wires. This means that the roads, from above, look
both plentiful and curvy. This does not carry a positive connotation, but implies confusion.
2. ALLUSION
Line 5: Dallas is an oil rich state in America. Therefore, many of its inhabitants are wealthy,
and the state itself, is wealthy. By stating that San Juan is the Dallas of the West Indies, it
implies that it is a wealthy island in the West Indies.
Lines 5-7: An allusion is being made to the well known cliche; 'every cloud has a silver lining'.
It means that behind everything that is seemingly bad, there is good. In the context of this
poem, it means that the good, the silver lining, has a mark, or stamp, that authenticates its
good quality; it is hallmarked. This implies that it will always have its silver lining showing.
3. SARCASM
Line 20: This statement means the exact opposite of what is stated. The persona is disgusted
that Uncle Sam (America) would have such a regulation. This regulation bars anyone from
stepping a toe on Puerto Rican soil, if it is not your intended destination. You just have to
remain in the air craft, no matter the waiting period, until it is time for takeoff. The persona
believes that the Americans are being blatantly discriminatory, and are attempting to
camouflage it through the use of regulations. He does not believe that they have achieved their
goal of subtlety.
Line 26: The persona implies that America is all talk and no action. They really do not want
the poor because they bar them from entering and expediently sends them on their way when
they enter their airport. The statement is sarcastic because it is loaded with an alternate
meaning, due to the contrast in statement and action.
This implies that San Juan is not safe. The cultures are not melding, but jarring against each other.
The reason for this is because it belongs to someone else.
CONTRAST
The contrast in this poem is found in stanza 5. The American cars etc, against the pushcarts. The
American culture versus the Puerto Rican culture.
MOOD/ ATMOSPHERE
The mood of the poem is sarcastic.
TONE
The tone of the poem is slightly bitter, which is fueled by the sarcastic atmosphere.
THEMATIC CATEGORIZATION
Discrimination, oppression, places, culture.
LITERARY DEVICES
1. ALLITERATION
Stanza 1, line 1: This device sets a meandering, yet interesting, pace to the poem. This is so because
slow down to pronounce each 't'. It is almost as if the persona is about to tell us, the
audience, a story.
Stanza 6, lines 21-22: This device emphasizes the major point of this poem; that glory is
fleeting, therefore, the persona is lucky that he is no longer in the race. He has set his 'fleet
foot', or speedy legs, at death's door. The interesting repetition of two different consonants
first draws the reader's eye, then the words emphasize the main point of the poem.
2. PUN
The pun is placed on the word 'chaired' and 'cheering'. The first word implies that the athlete was
carried on the shoulders of the townsfolk, while the second word, implies that the athlete was
applauded by the inhabitants of the town. Both words carry the implication that people of the town
were pleased with the athlete's performance.
3. REPETITION
The repetition of this particular phrase highlights the fact hat, whether in life or death, the athlete was
respected.
4. EUPHEMISM
Stanza 2, line 8: The term 'stiller town' is used to replace the word cemetery. It is a term that
softens the tone of the poem.
Stanza 4, line: 13: The term 'shady night' is used to replace the harsher word 'death'. It too
softens the tone of the poem.
5. SIMILE
A laurel is literally a plant with dark, green glossy leaves. This plant was worn on the head as an
emblem of victory, or a mark of honour, in classical times. This plant is compared to the rose because
it is said, according to the persona, to wither faster. On a figurative level, this could be interpreted as
meaning that victory, as represented by the laurel, does not last.
6. OXYMORON
The contrast exists between silence being given a sound. This immediately draws the reader/
audience's attention, which, in turn, purposefully highlights the main theme of the poem; it is better to
die before one witnesses their record cut. Silence is no worse than cheers when one can hear neither of
them.
IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES
7.'smart lad, to slip betimes away from fields where glory does not stay'
The persona believes that the athlete is smart to die before his record was shattered by some-one else.
8.'after earth has stopped the ears'
Earth, in this context, literally means the dirt that covers a coffin. Therefore, the athlete can hear
neither silence nor cheers when his coffin is enclosed by dirt.
9.'rout'
This word literally means an overwhelming defeat. The persona is, therefore, saying that the athlete
will not become a part of the group of athletes that are defeated if he dies before his record is broken.
10.'wore their honours out'
This line refers to the fact that when an athlete outlives his record, he is no longer placed on a pedestal
and adored. He has, therefore, worn his honours out.
11.'lintel'
This word is defined as a horizontal architectural member supporting the weight of an opening
(window or door). In this context, the lintel is the supporting structure above the coffin and the
persona is holding it up. This implies that the athlete will remain victorious in death.
12.'early laurelled head'
This line means that the athlete was victorious in his youth.
13.'and find unwithered on its curls the garland briefer than a girl's'
The dead will find that the athlete is still victorious, even in death. Therefore, the laurel, which
signifies success and victory, will be fresh and unwithered on the athlete's head.
MOOD/ ATMOSPHERE
The mood of the poem is reflective.
TONE
The tone of the poem is reflective.
THEMATIC CATEGORIZATION
Death, sports
LITERARY DEVICES
1. REPETITION
Stanza 1, line 1 & stanza 2, line 7: The repetition of this phrase highlights that there is something se
amiss. The persona is telling his 'love' that this is a sad and terrible time.
2. ALLITERATION
This device literally draws the readers' visual attention to the sentence. The sentence
implies that everything that is good and positive is hidden away, or gone. This alliteration sets a sad
tone at the very beginning of this poem.
3. PERSONIFICATION
This device emphasizes the sad tone of the poem. This is the case because flowers are usually
associated with feelings of happiness and cheerfulness. Therefore, if the flowers - embassadors of joy are sad, then it highlights how really sad the times have become.
4. METAPHOR
The contrast in this device is startling. The terms 'festival' and 'carnival' not only describes fun and
festivity, but also a large amount of each. Both words are associated with huge crowds. This
emphasizes how terrible the times have become because guns and misery are plentiful.
5. RHETORICAL QUESTION
Stanza 3, line 13: This device informs the reader/ audience that a threat exists and that it
comes in the dark of night.
Stanza 3, lines 14 - 15: It is implied that the threat is a soldier through the term 'boot of steel'.
The 'slender grass' is the innocent youth who is cut down and trampled by these 'boots of
steel'. The fact that we are given this information through the use of rhetorical question adds
mystery and intrigue to the poem.
Sleep is a state of extreme vulnerability. This is the case because when one falls asleep, they fall into
unconsciousness, which equates to a state of defenselessness. The fact that the man of death, ie
soldier, watches the persona's 'love' while he/she sleeps, implies that this person is not only
vulnerable, but in extreme danger.
10.'aiming at your dream.'
The man of death's purpose is to destroy the persona's 'love's' dreams, or desires.
MOOD/ ATMOSPHERE
The mood of the poem is a sad one. The persona is giving his 'love' sad and depressing news.
TONE
The tone of the poem is also a sad one.
THEMATIC CATEGORIZATION
Racism, places.
LITERARY DEVICES
1.RHETORICAL QUESTION
Stanza 2, line 6: The persona ponders the ease of what he is asked to do. This question, in turn, actu
highlights the difficult nature of the task.
Stanza 3, line24: This question highlights the persona's confusion as to who he is, or his character. H
unsure.
Stanza 4, line 32: The persona is wondering whether his race will affect what he writes on the page
despite the fact that he concludes that race does not hinder people, in general, liking the same things
2. REPETITION
This repetition emphasizes the profound impact that Harlem, New York, has had on the personality of
the persona.
IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES
3.'here to this college on the hill above Harlem.'
The fact that the college is on a hill, above Harlem, is very important. It highlights the fact that the
college is a superior entity. The people of Harlem look up at it, showing their inferiority.
4.'I am the only colored student in the class.'
This line emphasizes the persona's 'otherness' in relation to every-one else in the class. He is different.
The isolation of the sentence (enclosed by full stops/periods) also emphasizes the persona's
'otherness'.
5.'The steps from the hill lead down into Harlem, through a park, then I cross St. Nicholas, Eighth
Avenue, Seventh, and I come to the Y, the Harlem Branch Y, where I take the elevator up to my room'
This line highlights the fact that the college is a great distance from his home. This distance is also
metaphorical because it is implied that the experiences that he has at the college are also a great
distance from the experiences that he has in Harlem. They are two different worlds.
6.'But it will be a part of you, instructor. You are white - yet a part of me, as I am a part of you.That's
American.'
This statement reveals the fact that America is viewed as a melting pot by the persona. He believes
that different races and cultures influence each other, thereby forming the term 'American'
7.As I learn from you, I guess you learn from me - although you're older - and white - and somewhat
more free.
This statement, by the persona, repeats his belief that the American society is a melting pot. It also,
however, states that not every-one is equal within this society.
* It is interesting to note that the persona's 'page for English B' becomes a journey of self discovery
that actually does not end. He forms no conclusion as to who he is because his personality is still 'in
process'
MOOD/ ATMOSPHERE
The mood of the poem is reflective.
TONE
The tone of the poem is also reflective.
THEMATIC CATEGORIZATION
Racism, places
The Woman Speaks to the Man Who Has Employed Her Son
LITERAL MEANING
The persona in this poem is telling the story of a mother who loved her son. The mother became aware
of the child's presence when she experienced morning sickness. She placed all her hopes in the child
and raised him as a single parent because his father was indifferent to the child's existence. The
mother had set no barriers on what the child could become, but is told that he has an employer who
values him so much that he is given his own submarine gun. The son tells his mother that his
employer is like a father to him, but the mother wonders at the father figure who purposefully
endangers his child. She prepares for her son's death by going downtown to buy funeral apparel. The
mother feels powerless, so she prays for her child and says protective psalms for him. On the other
hand, she reads psalms of retribution for the employer and weeps for her son. Her situation does not
look good and is likened to a partner system in which she draws both the first and the last hand.
LITERARY DEVICES
1. SIMILE
Lines 1-2: The persona emphasizes that the mother placed all her hopes in her son. When you are po
generally, you have no prospects, you only dream and hope. Therefore, the persona uses this metaph
emphasize the mother's dependence on her son's success.
Line 17: The employer is being compared to a father figure. This implies that this person fills a gap
life.
2. SARCASM
The persona appears to praise the child's father by referring to him as 'fair-minded'. She is, however,
chastising him for not only ignoring his son, but all of his other children.
3. IRONY (situational)
The son innocently tells his mother that his employer values him so much that he gave him a whole
submachine gun for himself. The irony in this situation is that if you really care about someone, you
do NOT give them a gun due to the negative results that are bound to occur.
4. ALLUSION (biblical)
Lines 28-29: This line alludes to a particular verse in the Christian Bible, Luke 11 vs 11. The
verse questions what the actions of a good father should be.
Lines 38-39: Psalms is a particular chapter in the Christian Bible. In this chapter there are
verses for protection, the mother uses those for her son, as well as verses for retribution and
rebuking. It is implied that the mother chooses those for the employer.
Lines 43-45: In the Christian Bible, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus. Therefore, it does not bode
well for the mother if she is in a 'partnership' with this person's mother because she might
also be betrayed. The banker in the 'partnership' also happens to be the thief on the left hand
side of the cross' mother. This also does not bode well for the mother if the apple does not fall
far from the tree.
Line 49: Absalom is the son of David, in the Christian Bible. Absalom betrayed his father,
which implies that the mother feels betrayed by her son because she has placed all her hopes
in him.
These two symptoms are early signs of pregnancy. The metallic tide refers to vomiting. These signs
usually occur in the first trimester of pregnancy.
6. 'full term'
This means that the mother carried her son for the full nine months that a pregnancy should last.
7. 'tight up under her heart'
This hints at the love that the mother harbours for her child. He was not simply 'close to her heart',
but 'tight up' under it. It implies that the son holds a special place in her heart.
8. 'set no ceiling'
A ceiling is something that blocks you in, you cannot get past it. The mother set no limits on her son,
he could be anything he wanted to be.
9. 'his bloody salary'
This implies that the mother believes that the result of the son's 'job' will be death.
10. 'the level of earth'
The mother has no power to change her son's situation. Earth is used to emphasize her powerlessness
on this level, the realm of 'reality'.
11. 'knee city'
This refers to the fact that the mother constantly prayed for her child.
12. 'eye water covers you'
This implies that the mother cried constantly for the plight of her son. The fact that it 'covers him'
speaks to the high quantity of tears that were shed.
13. 'partner'
This is an informal saving scheme set up with a specific number of individuals for the duration of a
specific time span. Each person agrees to pay a designated figure on a monthly basis. The 'draws' are
decided, meaning who gets the money first, second, third etc, on a monthly basis.The banker then
collects the money and gives the monthly pool to the person who is to receive their 'draw'. Therefore, a
'partnership' is dependent upon the honesty of the banker, who could abscond with the money, as well
as the honesty of the members of the savings scheme, who could decide NOT to pay after they have
received their draw.
14. 'banker'
The banker, or financial controller, of this partnership is the mother of a thief. This does not bode well
for the mother if the thief on the cross learnt it from his mother.
15. 'her draw though is first and last for she still throwing two hands as mother and father'.
This statement implies that though the mother has the advantage of first draw as mother, she loses
that advantage because she also has the role of father. Mothers cannot father sons. The fact that the
son has found a father figure proves this to be true. Therefore, she has the last draw, which carries
with it the disadvantage of not receiving a full 'draw'. The longer one waits for a draw is the more
likely that dishonesty will come into play on the part of the participants.
MOOD/ ATMOSPHERE
The mood of the poem is reflective. The persona is thinking about a mother's response to her son's life
choices.
TONE
The tone of the poem is pragmatic and pessimistic. The persona is telling the tale as it is, with no
positive energy.
THEMATIC CATEGORY
Death, love, survival, desires/ dreams, childhood experiences.
British side, but fails to convince even himself. His embarrassment at England's performance has him
eventually skulking out of the venue.
LITERARY DEVICES
1. RHETORICAL QUESTION
Stanza 2, lines 6-7: This question reveals that, despite the fact that cricket is a popular sport in Engl
venues for the matches are not crowded. This question could also point to the fact that Sabina Park
crowded.
Stanza 3, line 10: This question represents the general frustration of the West Indians in the
crowd. They are annoyed that the cricket match is progressing so slowly.
Stanza 4, lines 16-18: These questions imply that the West Indian crowd's level of frustration
has escalated.
2. ALLUSION
The allusion to Lawrence Rowe, a very colourful and successful West Indian cricketer, emphasizes the
fact that the match is slow and boring.
3. SARCASM
To 'boycott' is to abstain from, or to stop, doing something. Therefore, the persona is being sarcastic
because excitement is a good thing. People usually boycott for something negative, therefore the
persona is, again, highlighting the slow and boring pace of the cricket match.
IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES
4.'rosette of my skin'
Rosette implies a reddish colour, or tint, to the skin, that sometimes resembles a rose. This description
immediately identifies the race of the persona as caucasian. The persona is proud of his race, as he
enters Sabina Park.
5.'strut
'This word means to walk proudly. It emphasizes the fact that the persona is proudly walking into
Sabina Park.
6.'something badly amiss'
The persona is jolted by the fact that the match is going slowly. The word 'amiss' implies wrong, the
game should not be going so slowly.
7.'vociferous partisans'
Vociferous means to be very noisy and clamorous, while patisan is a person who shows biased,
emotional allegiance. Therefore, the West Indian crowd was extremely noisy in their support of their
team. They were also very unappreciative of the slow pace of the match.
8.'England sixty eight for none at lunch'
While this is a good score, it never-the-less highlights the slowness of the match, hence the fact that
the experience, for the crowd, was far from exciting.
9.'the wicket slow'
The purpose of the wicket is to 'out' the opposing side. Therefore, no 'outing' is occurring, the wickets
are standing. Everything about the match is going slowly.
10.'sticky wickets'
This implies a sticky, or awkward situation. It highlights England's situation.
11.'loud 'busin'
The English team was being loudly abused.
12.'skulking behind a tarnished rosette'
Skulking implies hiding in shame, and tarnished means tainted. Therefore, the proud Englishman is
now embarrassed, and the rosette of his skin is making him stand out. Initially this was a very good
thing, but now it is a disadvantage.
13.'blushing nationality'.
At this point, the Englishman admits to being embarrassed for his team, as well as himself.
*There is a distinct CONTRAST between the beginning of the poem when the persona is proud, and
'struts'. However, by the end of the poem, he is embarrassed and 'skulking'
VOICES
There are two distinct voices in this poem. The English man's and the West Indian's.
MOOD/ ATMOSPHERE
The mood of the poem is tense.
TONE
The tone of the poem is one of frustration (West Indian) and embarrassment (English man).
THEMATIC CATEGORIZATION
Discrimination, places, culture and sports
South
LITERAL MEANING
The persona speaks about the fact that today he is recapturing the beauty of the island of his birth. He
reflects on the fact that he has travelled to the lands of the north, which appeared to be the very
opposite of his island. The persona appeared, at that point, to be homesick for his island and resented
the ease and comfort that the Northerners' felt towards their land. He then shifts back to the present
where he appreciates certain features of the island, particularly those that remind him of his past on
the island.
LITERARY DEVICES
1. ALLITERATION
Stanza 1, lines 1-2: The sound that the alliteration illicits, when spoken, is a positive one. This is the
because the alliteration forces the reader to sound cheerful, thereby facilitating the interpretation tha
persona is happy to be home.
Stanza 1, lines 4-5: This alliteration, again, draws the reader through the sound that it illicits. One ca
hear the sound that the sea makes through the repetition of the 's' sound. It emphasizes the joy that t
feels to be home.
Stanza 2, lines 13-14: This alliteration, when spoken, is staccato. It literally emphasizes the persona
discomfort, and dislike, of the new context that he is faced with. It is alien to him, as seen when con
with the scene that he describes in the first stanza.
Stanza 4, line 33: This device gives the reader a visual image of the scene. It is simple image
that highlights the persona's excitement at being home and seeing scenes, even seemingly
inconsequential ones, that he knows and loves.
Stanza 5, line 43: This alliteration gives the reader a visual of what the persona sees as
pleasant and calming, as opposed to the alliteration in stanza 2. The sound that the
alliteration illicits is a calm one, implying that the persona is at peace.
2.PERSONIFICATION
Stanza 1, lines 6-7: This device gives a beautiful impression of the effect that the island had on
the persona. He felt whole when he was there, at peace.
Stanza 2, lines 16-17: The shadows, in this context, represents his past life and experiences on
the island. The memories of his island illicits feelings of sadness, even homesickness. These
memories cast an oppressive shadow over his life in the north.
3.SIMILE
The persona compares the flowing of the rivers, which represents the north, to his longing for his
island home. This comparison indicates that his longing is an intense one, he is homesick.
IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES
4.'recapture'
The word capture means to take possession of something or someone. Therefore, when the persona
says that he is recapturing his island, it implies that he is taking back possession of what he once
owned.
5.'Since then I have travelled'
This line indicates that the persona did not remain on the island of his birth.
6.'sojourned in stoniest cities'
This highlights a contrast between the persona's island and the cities that he visited. His island has
beaches and oceans, while the cities that he visited were concrete jungles made of stone.
7.'We who are born of the ocean can never seek solace in rivers'
The persona refers to the north, and its populace, as rivers, while the south, and his island, is the
ocean. This line highlights the persona's discontent in the north.
8.'reproves us our lack of endeavour and purpose'
Reprove is to reprimand. Therefore, the line is saying that the flowing river, the north, reprimands the
ocean, the south, for its lack of effort and resolve. This implies that the persona might be homesick
and, therefore, not functioning at full capacity in the new northern environment. 9.'proves that our
striving will founder on that.'
The term founder literally means the owner or operator of a foundry. This has little to do with the
context of the poem, therefore, it can be assumed that poetic license was utilized at this point.
Contextually, the line can be interpreted as meaning that the persona's subsequent striving, or efforts,
will be founded on the reprimand made by the river, or the north.
10.'there'
The emphasis placed on this word, through the use of italics, highlights the fact that the persona is
both happy and excited to be home.
11.'and look!'
The exclamation mark emphasizes the persona's enthusiasm, and excitement, when he identifies a
scene that is reminiscent of his past.
MOOD/ ATMOSPHERE
The mood of the poem is reflective. The persona is thinking about his island home, as well as places
that he has visited in the north.
TONE
The tone of the poem goes from being reflective, to being elated.
THEMATIC CATEGORIZATION
Patriotism, places, desires and dreams
LITERARY DEVICES
1. SIMILE
The persona compares the manner in which the beauty of the morning settles over the city, to that of a
garment on a body. This emphasizes the perfection of the beauty of the morning, just as a garment
flows smoothly over a body.
2. PERSONIFICATION
Lines 9-10: The sun is referred to as a male who rises sharply and beautifully. This emphasizes
the beauty of the city in the morning. The use of this personification also helps the reader to
personalize this beauty.
Line 12: Like the sun, the river is personalized as well. This allows the reader to see the river
as real, instead of a thing. It comes alive and we can visualize it's movement, gliding, as
beautiful.
Line 13: When some-one is asleep, they are usually peaceful. Therefore, when the persona
describes the houses as sleeping, he is emphasizing the peace that exists in the city in the
morning. The inhabitants of the houses are asleep, therefore the houses are quiet and
peaceful.
THEMATIC CATEGORIZATION
Nature, places.
Orchids
LITERAL MEANING
The persona is moving from a house that she has occupied for five weeks. She has sent her belongings
to her future home, but one item remains in her old space, an orchid. The persona clarifies that she
was given the orchid as a gift, but implies that it holds no value because the gifting of orchids is
habitual for the person who gave her. She describes the flower as odourless, but attractive. She
watered the orchid once, expecting it to die, but it survived. It not only survived, but bloomed. The
persona contemplates plucking the bloom and pressing it between the pages of a book. The purpose of
this is to allow her to appreciate the flower.
LITERARY DEVICES
1. SIMILE
The orchid's full blown blossoms are being compared to a polished poem. The word polished in this compari
implies perfection, shiny and pleasant to read.
2. PUN
The purple heart literally refers to the splash of color in the center of the orchid's bloom, but it could
also refer to the bravery of the flower. This is so because a purple heart, in the army, is a medal that a
soldier receives for bravery.
IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES
3. 'box pieces'
This phrase implies that the persona's life is literally in boxes, all her belongings are stored and ready
to be moved.
4. 'from a bouquet one who makes a ritual of flower-giving sent.'
This phrase implies that the persona places no value in the orchid because its giver gifted it without
any sentiment attached.
5. 'unfurled'
This word literally means to open. Therefore, despite the persona's attempts at killing the orchid,
through starvation, it not only survived but flourished.
6. 'full-blown blooms'
These full-blown blooms represent the flower at its peak, where it is most full of life, as well as where
it is most usually appreciated.
7. 'pages of memory'
This refers to the practice of placing a flower between the pages of a book, thereby drying, or killing
the flower. The purpose of this act is to keep the flower for nostalgic reasons.
8. 'peculiar poetry'
This phrase highlights the persona's desire to discover the value in the flower. It is very IRONIC,
however, that she would choose to kill it in order to achieve this goal. Usually people place value in a
living flower that can give pleasure through its beauty.
MOOD/ ATMOSPHERE
The mood of the poem is pensive, or thoughtful. The persona is thinking about the lack of value that
LITERARY DEVICES
1. METAPHOR
The people's eyes are as cold as ice. This means that there is no warmth or real feeling in the words that they
how they behave.This metaphor literally allows you to visualize a block of ice, cold and unwelcoming.
2. SIMILE
Stanza 4, lines 20-21 emphasizes the constant changes in the persona's face. If you think of how often
woman changes her dress, then that is how often the persona adjusts his/her's personality to suit an au
The list of faces that follow this line emphasizes this point.
Stanza 4, lines 23-24 compares people's faces to smiles in a portrait. If you think about a portrait, it is
very formal and stiff, even uncomfortable. Therefore, the implication is that the smiles are actually fa
stiff. They are conforming, or trying to fit, to a preconceived mold that is set up by societal expectatio
Stanza 6, lines 38-40 compares the persona's laugh to a snakes. When you think of a snake, words suc
sneaky and deceitful come to mind. Therefore, the implication is that the persona is fake, just like the
he/she despises.
3. REPETITION
This phrase is repeated at the beginning and the end of the poem. This usually signals the beginning of
a fairy tale. Therefore, it is implied that the persona is nostalgic about the past.
IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES
4.'they only laugh with their teeth'
This emphasizes the insincerity of the people around the persona. To laugh with your teeth means that
only the bottom half of your face is engaged, the laugh does not reach the eyes.
5. 'shake hands with their heart'
To shake hands with your heart implies a strong handshake that is sincere, this is the opposite of what
now occurs between people.
6. 'search behind my shadow'
This implies that the person cannot look the persona in the eye, they are looking everywhere but there.
Looking someone in the eye during a conversation implies that one is sincerely interested in what you
have to say. Not being able to do so implies shiftiness.
7. 'hands search my empty pockets'
People are only 'seemingly' nice to get something from you. So, they smile with you, but it is not
sincere, they are seeking to get something from you.
8. 'unlearn all these muting things'
The word mute means silence, think of what happens when you press the mute button on the TV
remote. Therefore, there is an implication that the insincere actions that the persona describes are
muting, they block, or silence, good intentions. Hence, the persona wants to 'unlearn' these habits.
MOOD/ ATMOSPHERE
The mood of the poem is nostalgic. The persona is remembering how things used to be when he was
young and innocent, like his son.
TONE
The tone of the poem is sad. The poet's response to his nostalgia is sadness.
THEMATIC CATEGORIZATION
Death, childhood experiences, hypocrisy, loss of innocence, desire/dreams.
* It is IRONIC that the persona is behaving in the exact way that he/she despises. There is an
implication that things cannot go back to what he remembers, due to the influence of societal
expectations.
O'l Higue
LITERAL MEANING
In this poem, the Ol' Higue / soucouyant tells of her frustration with her lifestyle. She does not like the
fact that she sometimes has to parade around, in the form of a fireball, without her skin at night. She
explains that she has to do this in order to scare people, as well as to acquire baby blood. She explains
that she would rather acquire this blood via cooked food, like every-one else. Her worst complaint is
the pain of salt, as well as having to count rice grains. She exhibits some regret for her lifestyle but
implies that she cannot resist a baby's smell, as well as it's pure blood. The 'newness' of the baby
tempts the Ol' Higue, and she cannot resist because she is an old woman who fears death, which can
only be avoided by consuming the baby's blood. She affirms her usefulness in the scheme of things,
however, by claiming that she provides mothers with a name for their fears (this being the death of a
child), as well as some-one to blame when the evil that they wish for their child, in moments of tired
frustration, is realized. She implies that she will never die, so long as women keep having babies
LITERARY DEVICES
1. SIMILE
Cane-fire has a very distinct quality. It burns very quickly and its presence is felt through it's pungent
smell. Therefore, when the Ol' Higue compares herself to cane fire in her fireball state, it implies that
she uses a lot of energy quickly, and is very visible.
2. RHETORICAL QUESTION
Stanza 1,line 4: This rhetorical question highlights the scant regard that the Higue has for the
average person. She is thoroughly annoyed that she has to literally waste her energy on them.
Stanza 1, line 5: This highlights the fact that, again, she is annoyed that she has to expend so
much energy to obtain a few drops of baby blood.
Stanza 1, lines 6-8: The Ol' Higue is emphasizing the fact that regular people ingest blood too,
just in a more palatable manner. She would not mind if she could ingest it in the same manner
as well.
Stanza 3, lines 22-23: At this point the Ol' Higue is making excuses for her presence, claiming
that she serves an actual purpose in the scheme of life. If a child dies of unknown causes, she
can be scapegoated for it.
Stanza 3, lines 24-25: 'The murder inside your head' refers to the moments, when out of pure
frustration and tiredness, a mother might wish ill on her child. The Ol' Higue is implying that,
again, she can be used as a scapegoat if something unfortunate happens to the child. The
mother is relieved of bearing the burden of guilt.
3. REPETITION
The repetition of the word 'soft' emphasizes the fact that the call of the child's blood has captured and
beguiled the Ol' Higue'. She implies that she cannot resist that call.
4. ALLITERATION
This device emphasizes the Ol' Higue's dependence, even addiction, to the sweet blood of the baby.
IMPORTANT WORDS/ PHRASES
5. 'stupidness!'
This is a distinctly Caribbean phrase that highlights frustration or scorn. Therefore, it highlights the
Ol' Higue's frustration with her lack of self control.
6. 'gallivanting'
This term refers to some one 'playing around', having fun. The Ol' Higue is being sarcastic at this
point. She is expressing displeasure at having to fly around to seek prey.
7. 'pure blood running in new veins'
Babies are often associated with purity, this is what is emphasized here. The Ol' Higue simply cannot
resist the lure of new and pure blood.
8. 'holding her final note for years and years, afraid of the dying hum ...'
This tells us that the Ol'Higue has been living this desperate existence for a long time. It also implies
that she will keep hanging on, despite her frustration. The final line confirms this point: 'As long as it
have women giving birth a poor Ol' Higue like me can never dead'
MOOD/ ATMOSPHERE
The mood of the poem is reflective.
TONE
The tone of the poem is slightly bitter and resigned. She accepts that the cycle of her life cannot
change.
THEMATIC CATEGORIZATION
Supernatural
Berry
SUMMARY
Berry is about a young black man called Millberry Jones who is employed at Dr. Renfield's Home for
Crippled Children. He was reluctantly employed by Mrs. Osborn, the housekeeper, because the
Scandinavian kitchen boy had left without notice, leaving her no choice in hiring Berry. Her reluctance
to hire Berry stemmed from his race, which initiated questions such as where he would sleep, as well
as how the other employees would react to the presence of a Negro. She had a meeting with Dr.
Renfield and they decided to hire Millberry on a reduced salary. He was overworked and underpaid,
but took solace in the children whom he loved. An unfortunate incident occurred, however, where a
child fell from his wheel chair while in the care of Berry. The result was that Berry was fired and given
no salary for the week that he had worked.
SETTING
CHARACTERS
Millbury Jones (Berry)
Mrs. Osborn
Very high handed with her staff, but docile with Dr. Renfield.
Dr. Renfield
Berry observes that the Home is 'Doc Renfield's own private gyp game' (Hughes, p. 162),
meaning that he runs his establishment for his own profit, instead of a desire to take genuine
care of the children.
He is blatantly racist.
THEMES
Racism
This theme is apparent when Berry was being considered for employment at the Home. Mrs. Osborn
was concerned about where Berry would sleep, implying that he could not sleep with the white
servants because he was considered to be beneath them. His salary was also cut due to his race, and he
was overworked, with no discussions of days off, 'everybody was imposing on him in that taken-forgranted way white folks do with Negro help.' (Hughes, 162). Even more importantly, when the
unfortunate accident occurred with the child, there was no attempt at discerning what led to the
incident, but blame was laid on the obvious person - Berry. As a result, he was relieved of his job in a
hail of racist slurs.
Blackout
SUMMARY
This short story is about a white American woman's encounter with a black man on the street of an
unnamed island in the Caribbean. The story opens with the young lady waiting at a bus stop on the
night of a blackout. She encounters a young man who approaches her and politely asks for a light (for
his cigarette). She explains that she does not have a light, but he points out that she is smoking a
cigarette. She grudgingly acquiesces to give him a light from her cigarette. She holds her arm out for
him to take her cigarette and light his, but instead, as is the case with many smokers, he bends over
the offered arm and lights his cigarette. He looks up to thank her and realizes that she has discarded
her cigarette. An ongoing internal monologue occurs, where it is revealed that the white woman is
racist. The black male proceeds to educate her on the differences in race relations in the Caribbean
versus America. The situation remains unresolved as the woman boards the bus and goes on her way
and the man remains at the bus stop, where he picks her half smoked cigarette out of the gutter.
SETTING
CHARACTERS
American Woman (White)
Took pride in the fact that she was an American young woman who did not scare easily.
THEME
Racism
This is a strong theme in this short story. The simple act of asking for a light becomes a tension filled
moment in time where two individual's honestly confront each other about their beliefs. The fact that
the woman feels that she is superior to the man, based on race, is highlighted when she expresses the
following views:
1. 'She could snub him quietly, the way she should have properly done from the start" (Mais, p.10)
2. 'In America they lynched them for less than that' (Mais, p.10)
3. 'Do you really think that all men are created equal?' (Mais p.10)
The young man's reaction to her rejection of him is to be quietly contemptuous, a reaction that she
categorizes as insolence, proving that she believes herself to be superior to him. Her reaction implies
that he should be accepting of whatever she 'dishes out' to him. She boards her bus, shaken, but still
holding on to her beliefs, as seen in her refusal to take a last look at him. However, the young black
males show of strength is, ironically, lessened by the fact that he picks her cigarette out of the gutter.
Emma
SUMMARY
This short story is told from the first person perspective of a little girl called Dorian York. The focus of
her thoughts is her mother; the games that they play together, and the games that she plays with her
friend, that revolve around her mother. The first person perspective of the narrative gives the reader
an intimate view of how the little girl sees her mother, as well as how she feels about her. We are also
able to garner information about the people around her from her innocent narrative, innocent because
the little girl does not understand many of the things that she reports. The audience learns that Emma
and Mr. York have a volatile relationship that is seemingly caused by his infidelity. This infidelity is
initially implied by Emmas constant watching of the clock and waiting for her husband to return
home, as well as the fight that Dorian reported. Grandfathers visit, however, brings a happy
atmosphere to the family unit because daddy starts to do things with the family, hence they seem
more like a conventional happy family. The audience is given the impression that things go back to
normal after grandfather leaves, however, due to the spectral presence of the lady at the train station,
as well as Mrs. Robinsons pointed discussion about Mr. Yorks status as a player. The narrative
climaxes with the death of Emma at the train station. She saw her husband with the mysterious lady
and runs away, followed closely by Dorian and Jack. Unfortunately, when Jack caught her by the arm,
she ran into the path of an oncoming vehicle and was killed. Jack and Mrs. Robinson then get
romantically involved, and they send both Maria and Dorian to St. Agnus, a boarding school, in the
country.
SETTING
The story occurs in three places; the York residence, an unnamed mall and the old train
station.
CHARACTERS
Jack York (Daddy)
He was not ready for the arrival of his daughter, Dorian, and does not seem to have a close
relationship with her.
Emma York
She is a good mother who plays with her child and treats her well.
She is a good wife who loves her husband (as seen in how she greets him when he gets home)
and is considerate of his feelings; as seen in her reasons for not having another baby.
She is a very smart and polished lady who can handle herself with people who are coy and
critical of her; as seen in her argument with Mrs. Robinson in the mall.
Dorian York
A very innocent little girl who is the first person narrator of the story.
She is younger than her friend Maria, who is nine (9) years old.
Grandaddy
Emmas father.
Brought joy into the family because daddy stayed home, came home early, and spent quality
time with the family, due to grandaddy's implied interference.
Loved her grandfather because he seemed to do what her dad didnt spent time with her
and her first person perspective of him reflected her love.
Ruby Robinson
She is not a good friend to Emma because she is both critical and jealous of her.
She sends Maria and Dorian to boarding school in order to enact her plan to keep the player.
Maria Robinson
She filters and explains a lot of the adult conversations that Dorian does not understand.
THEMES
Innocence
This theme is epitomized by Dorian York. The story is told from her perspective, therefore, the reader
gets a firsthand view of the innocence behind her misunderstanding of adult conversation and
situations. She senses emotions, but misses a lot of the innuendo, as is seen when she tells the
audience about the fight that her parents had. Her innocence is also seen in her expectation that her
mother would come home after the accident, but instead, she finds Mrs. Robinson in her mot hers
bed. Her growth, or advancement into maturity, is highlighted in the end of the short story when
Dorian reassures Maria that everything will be ok, they will play adult games better.
Love and family relationship
There are two types of families in this short story, the nuclear family and the single family unit.
Dorians family is the nuclear family, consisting of mother, father and child. This family is a troubled
one because the father is seemingly more absent than present due to an implied other woman, who is
later confirmed as very real. He also seems uncomfortable around his only child, as is confirmed by
Emma, who decides to forgoe having another child because Jack wasnt ready for Dori (Cole, p.53).
Emma, on the other hand, seems to live to please both her child and husband. She is very affectionate
with Dorian, and this love is returned ten fold, as seen in the adoration that imbues the tone of the
narrator. She is the same with her husband, but the reception is less enthusiastic. It would be unfair to
say that the family is dysfunctional, because one parent is at least invested in the emotional happiness
of the child, but the family has issues because the head of the households concentration lies
elsewhere.
Mrs. Robinson is a single mother, parenting her only child; Maria. She does not appear to be
particularly liked by both girls because no-one wants to play at being her. She aggravates her child
constantly and appears to be unhappy with her life. This family structure can be seen as dysfunctional
because the parent does not seem to devote her energies toward making her child feel loved and
comfortable, which is one of the primary aims of any family structure.
Friendship
There are two contrasting friendships in this short story. There is the friendship between Dorian and
Maria, which is characterized by play, conversations and support of each other. Then there is the
friendship between the adults, Emma and Mrs. Robinson, which is contrastingly characterized by
cattiness and jealousy; mostly on Mrs. Robinsons part.
MOTIF
Play
The motif of play appears to be a strong one in this short story, perhaps due to the fact that the
narrator is a young child. The children play at being adults, immitating and fighting over their
favourite adult. They also literally see the life of adults as play. Dorian confirms this at the end of the
story when she reassures Maria that I learned a lot about this game. When its our turn to play, well
play smarter. (Cole, p.58).
SYMBOL
Deck of cards
The deck of cards that Emma carries around in her purse is a powerful symbol for life. In any card
game that is being played, every-one has a chance at success, or failure, depending on how they play
the game. Mrs. Robinson gives Emma an alternate way to play the game of life, with success being the
joy of keeping her player husband. Emma, however, chooses to play the game in an another way, one
in which she attempts to satisfy the needs of both Dorian and Jack. Emma is the loser in the game,
however, because she dies with the joker in her hand. This signifies that her future could have gone in
any direction because the joker introduces the element of chance to the game; it can be a bonus, a
penalty, or both, depending on how it is used in the game. In the game of life, Emma lost because she
chose to take a chance with pleasing both members of her family, instead of concentrating soley on her
husband, as Mrs. Robinson suggested. The game of life gives every-one chances however, just like a
card game, and Mrs. Robinson was given a chance to bag her rich man with Emmas exit from the
game.
CHARACTERS
Mom Luby
She's a very productive woman who helps the people in her community.
Miss Rushmore
Elijah (narrator) & Puddin' - The two young children that Mom Luby fosters.
THEME
Love and Family Relationship
The love that Mom Luby has for her two young charges is apparent by her simple act of fostering
them. She is a poor, older woman who runs a speakeasy to survive. This is not the profile of someone
who should be willing to take care of two young children, as well as a whole community, yet she does.
The act of visiting the Social Security Office is a testament to her commitment to taking care of the two
children. The great irony in this short story is that a poor, older lady, is able to take better care of two
little children than the State agency that is assigned to do so. This is because she can get more
accomplished in two hours, to benefit them, than the agency can accomplish in two years with their
most motivated agent.
Septimus
SUMMARY
The short story 'Septimus' is set in Barbados. It is told from the perspective of an adult and opens in
the present. Mama is crying over a letter that she has received from Septimus. The last sentence of
the letter makes Mama cry at last I can have a whole apple for Christmas. A flashback occurs at
this point. Septimus family resides in the Gap and the reader learns that the seven children have
claimed the place and its residents. The story really begins one Christmas Eve when Mama sent the
girls on an errand at Aunt Bless house. She had recently returned from shopping in town and
Septimus saw three shiny apples on the top of the shopping bag. He ran off with one because he
wanted it for himself. He was told that this was impossible because the three apples had to be shared
among the nine members of the family. Septimus was not pleased, but he was appeased by Aunt Bless
who later gave him an apple for himself. When he returned home he sliced the apple in nine pieces
and offered it to his mother.
SETTING
The story is set in Barbados.
CHARACTERS
Mama:
Strict with her children, for example, the girls thought that Septimus would get in trouble for
accepting the apple.
Septimus:
Performs a caring and beautiful act by sharing his apple with his family.
Aunt Bless:
Given the nick name by Septimus because of her habit of greeting people with a blessing.
Old Bostic:
A watch maker.
THEMES
Poverty:
The family is very poor, as seen in the description of where they live, the Christmas gifts that Mama
bought and the sharing of three apples among nine people. The narrator herself confirms that the
family is poor, the principle had to be established that what we had which was not much had to
be shared p. 107.
Happiness:
Despite their physical state of being poor, the seven children were very happy. A major part of this
happiness was their ownership of the Gap and the people in it, they had a sense of belonging.
Innocence:
Septimus defines this through his youth, as well as his actions based on his youth. He is perturbed by
the concept of sharing, initially, but once he got pass this feeling, he embraced the concept with the
vivacity of innocence and youth.
SYMBOL
Apple:
The apple represent knowledge and a loss of innocence because a six year old child is forced to face the
reality of being poor. He cannot have a whole apple for himself. The child is no longer innocent after
he is faced with this reality because he learns that life is not fair because he cannot always get what he
wants. The apple also represents growth as well because Septimus is able to accept his situation by
voluntarily sharing his apple.
Shabine
SUMMARY
'Shabine' is the story of Justene, a mixed race woman who is constantly mocked for being poor, of
mixed heritage, and presumably promiscuous. She was taunted with the words jamette and shabine
(half white, or of mixed heritage) on the streets. The story opens with the narrator explaining that she
had a fiery temper, which she unleashed on her tormentors when provoked. Her two sons, Gold and
Silver, were subjected to similar taunts, with Silver reacting in the same way as his mother, while Gold
tried to do damage control. The reader then learns that Justene had lived with her mother, who was a
maid in Justene's father's house. It is implied, by the narrator, that her mother invited white sailors
surreptitiously into her house to sleep with Justene. The rest of the story is filled with the narrator's
regret for what could have existed between him and Justene.
SETTING
The story is set around the time of WWII, when American troops were prevalent in the
Caribbean.
MAJOR CHARACTERS
Justene (Shabine)
She is described as having 'pale, reddish skin colour, the mass of coarsish red hair that
resembled the wool of sheep, the grey eyes ... the chocolate freckles.' (Simmonds-McDonald,
p.14).
She is very coy and provocative, as can be seen in her response to the narrator.
She does not fear her taunters, but boldly defends herself.
She is fiercely protective of her children, as can be seen when she defends them.
She is a proud woman who does not want her children to stoop to the level of their taunters.
Narrator
He is male.
He seems to be completey enthralled by Justene, as is seen with the token gift of paradise
plums, that he ritualistically left for her on the gate post.
He mourns the loss of the possibility of a future that he might have had with Justene.
MINOR CHARACTERS
Gold - Justene's son. He had thick wooly red curls, red bushy eyebrows, a freckled face and grey eyes.
Silver - Justene's son. He was sort of blond, he had straight close cropped, sun bleached white hair
and he was fearless.
Mr. Cazaubon - Justene's mother's employer. He is also Justene's father, but he does not acknowledge
her.
Mrs. Cazaubon - Wife to Mr. Cazaubon. She is aware of Justene's parentage, and treats mother and
child in a contemptuous manner.
Shabine's mother - Mrs. Cazaubon's maid. It is rumoured that she died from 'too much rum and grief
because Misie Cazaubon had never kept his promise to her to acknowledge Justene as his daughter
and to send her to Convent School.' (Simmonds-McDonald, p.13).
THEMES
Love and Family Relationship
This theme is brought out by Justene and her two children. She protects them by dispersing her
children's tormentors in a hale of her own words and stones. She then told them that they should not
respond to their tormentors because they would become like them. This is the hallmark of a loving
mother. She defends and protects her children, yet teaches them the value of maintaining their pride.
This is in contrast with the very vague details surrounding the relationship with her mother.
Whereas the reader sees Justene hugging and comforting her children, there is only the implication
that Justene's mother allowed white sailors to 'visit' her home, implying that Justene might have been
the lure, or the mother herself. The narrator also implies that he had good intentions towards Justene
through his shy, patient and consistent courting. However, Justene's mother discourages this:
'Justene's mother had come to complain about his giving of paradise plums and putting ideas in
Justene's head and upsetting her life' (Simmonds-McDonald, p.14 ). The narrator implies that the
mother robbed her daughter of a future that was close to 'paradise' as Justene would have gotten. She
is not a totally bad mother, however, because she stands up for her child when Mrs. Cazaubon
attempted to treat her like a servant.
Women in Society
This short story highlights the fact that women, in general, have very few choices. Justene's mother
has a child by her employer and remains under his roof. Many people would argue that she had a
choice to leave with her child, but that is easier said than done. Raising a child takes a village, so it is
difficult for anyone to decide to leave a space of financial security. The argument is the same for Mrs.
Cazaubon. She stays with a man who has fathered a child, in her own home, with their maid. What is
even worse is that the maid and the child, the evidence of her husband's indiscretion, remains in her
home. Her impotence, concerning the situation and her life, is seen in her treatment of Justene and
her mother, as well as her quarrels, or rather, abusive monologues, with Mr. Cazaubon. Both women
are tied to this man based on the fact that he provides financial security in a world that can be even
more cruel to women who lack this.
The severe hypocrasy in the society, as it concerns the sexual indiscretions between men and women,
is also highlighted in this short story. Justene and Mr. Cazaubon are treated very differently for their
sexual indiscretions. Mr. Cazaubon remains a respected gentleman, despite fathering a child with the
maid, and having them reside under the same roof with his wife, while Justene is stoned and
castigated in the streets for keeping company with white sailors, as implied by the narrator. Society
appears to have different rules for women and men in the sexual arena.
SYMBOL
Paradise Plums
Paradise plums represent the alternate life that Justene could have had. The fact that this candy/
'sweety' was used to court Justene in such a shy, innocent and consistent manner, implies that her life
with the narrator could have been very pleasant and healthy.
SUMMARY
This short story is about a little boy's obsession with ice-cream. Benjy is a little boy who lives in rural
Jamaica. His family is extremely poor and the most important, and festive, day for them is the Harvest
Festival. It is an even more important event for Benjy because this is the only place that he can access
the coveted ice cream. Benjy has never tasted ice-cream, but he relishes the very thought of it through
the second hand description that is passed on to him by his sister. The story opens with
the family's preparations to attend the festival and their scenic journey down the hill. Benjy's
obsession with ice-cream becomes evident at the festival when he cannot enjoy himself due to his
anxiety surrounding when the ice-cream will be forthcoming. This mirrors his father's obsession with
scouting out the man whom he believes to be his wife's lover and Benjy's father. The obsessions collide
when Benjy finally gets his ice cream and it falls out of his hand because his father sees a male talking
to his wife and drags Benjy along to confront him. The story, therefore, ends in disappointment for
Benjy.
SETTING
The family is from an even smaller town called One Eye, located in the mountains of
Springville.
CHARACTERS
Benjy
Elsa
Mother
Papa
He was a farmer.
THEME
Jealousy:
Papa is irrationally jealous about his wife's activities. It is revealed that he believes that she cheated on
him when she spent three weeks away from him in Springville, where she was attending to her dying
mother. He watches her like a hawk at the Harvest Festival, thereby getting very little enjoyment out
of the fair. This jealousy has serious implications for his relationship with his son Benjy. He does not
believe that Benjy is his biological child, but a product of his wife's 'affair' in Springville. Benjy,
therefore, is not treated well by his father, but viewed with suspicion and slight contempt. The
narrator tells us that Benjy is in a state of constant suspense, as well as anxiety, in terms of what his
father's response to him will be.
SYMBOL
Ice cream:
Ice cream, in this short story, is the symbol for anything that is intensely desired, anything that is
anticipated to bring great pleasure.
Understanding
Imaginative
Bold
Naive
Rena:
Naive
THEMES
Religion:
This is the central theme in this short story. Plantation life was centered on religion to the extent that
even the narrator's father was a deacon in the church. Religious fervor, in the form of hellfire
preaching, is also the fuel for the panic that overtakes the narrator/protagonist in this short story.
Love & Family Relationship:
The love and trust between father and daughter is glaring. When the narrator/protagonist was
worried about the world coming to an end, the first person that she thought to consult on this issue
was her father. His response to her childish fears, in turn, highlights the easy relationship between the
two. Daddy's care in covering his daughter after her mad dash through the turnrow is also an
indication of the love that he has for his child.
CHARACTERS
Sullivan
Enjoys playing at being a man by taking care of his mother and the household chores.
Mother
A sickly lady.
She feels guilty that her son has to display such maturity by taking care of her.
Displays what a loving mother she is by understanding that Sullivan is an innocent boy that
succumbed to peer pressure.
She also takes excellent care of her son when she is able to do so.
Minni Ryan
She is a family friend who advises Dooly during the course of his mothers illness.
Doctor
THEME
Love & family relationship
This is shown in the relationship between the mother and her son. Sullivan is frightened that his
mother will die of pneumonia, so, despite his fear, he enters a public house (pub) in order to ensure
that she gets her home-made remedy, and travels to an unsavory neighbourhood in order to get her
medicine. The mother is equally devoted to her son, as seen in her guilt over the fact that he has to
take care of her. She is also very understanding when he succumbs to the peer pressure of drinking
her medicine. She understands that one cannot expect a child to be a man, no matter how well he does
at playing at being a man. Her love for her child is also manifested in the pride she feels when he
displays the level of maturity akin to an adult.
Innocence
The fact that Sullivan does not recognize that his new friend is using him for a taste of his cough syrup
proves that he is still an innocent young man, at least in relation to the ways of the world. Despite
playing at being a man, he is still an innocent child. His reaction, after realizing that he was used, also
points to his innocence. He reacts in the manner that any child would, he ran home crying.
To Dah-Duh in Memoriam
SUMMARY
This short story is about a young girl's visit, from New York, to the island of Barbados. The
protagonist, along with her sister and mother, visit Dah-Duh. The visit is an interesting one in which
Dah-Duh and the protagonist develop a caring, yet competitive, relationship. Dah-Duh introduces her
to the riches of Barbados (nature), while the protagonist introduces her grandmother to the steel and
concrete world of New York (industrialism). There is a competitive edge to their conversations
because they each try to outdo each other on the merits of their separate homes. Dah-Duh, however, is
dealt a blow when she learns of the existence of the Empire State building, which was many stories
taller than the highest thing she had ever laid her eyes on Bissex Hill. She lost a little bit of her spark
that day and was not given a chance to rebound because the protagonist left for New York shortly
after. The story progresses with the death of Dah-Duh during the famous 37 strike. She had refused to
leave her home and was later found dead, on a Berbice chair, by her window. The protagonist spent a
brief period in penance, living as an artist and painting landscapes that were reminiscent of Barbados.
SETTING
CHARACTERS
Dah-Duh:
She had a very unattractive face, which was stark and fleshless as a death mask (Marshall,
p.178).
Competitive spirit.
Protagonist:
A strong personality.
Competitive in nature.
THEMES
Race:
This theme is apparent when Dah-Duh and the protagonist discuss the fact that she beat up a white
girl in her class. Dah-Duh is quiet shocked at this and exclaims that the world has changed so much
that she cannot recognize it. This highlights their contrasting experiences of race. Dah-Duhs
experience of race relations is viewing the white massa as superior, as well as viewing all things white
as best. This is corroborated at the beginning of the story when it was revealed that Dah-Duh liked her
grandchildren to be white, and in fact had grandchildren from the illegitimate children of white estate
managers. Therefore, a white person was some-one to be respected, while for the protagonist, white
people were an integral part of her world, and she viewed herself as their equal.
Love and family relationship:
This story highlights the strong familial ties that exists among people of the Caribbean, both in the
islands and abroad (diaspora). The fact that the persona and her family left New York to visit the
matriarch of the family, in Barbados, highlights this tie. The respect accorded to Dah-Duh by the
mother also shows her place, or status, in the family. The protagonist states that in the presence of
Dah-Duh, her formidable mother became a child again.
Gender Issues:
This is a minor theme in this short story. It is highlighted when it is mentioned that Dah-Duh liked her
grandchildren to be boys. This is ironic because the qualities that are stereotypically found in boys assertive, strong willed, competitive - are found in her grand daughter. An example of this is the
manner in which the protagonist / narrator was able to win the staring match when she first met DahDuh, this proved her dominance and strength.
SYMBOL
Empire State Building
This building represents power and progress. It is in the midst of the cold glass and steel of New York
city and, therefore, deforms Dah-Duhs symbol of power; Bissex Hill. It is not by accident that the
knowledge of this building shakes Dah-Duhs confidence. Steel and iron, the symbol of progress, is
what shakes the nature loving Dah-Duh. It can, therefore, be said that her response to the knowledge
of the existence of the Empire State Building defeat is a foreshadowing of her death. This is the
case because it is metal, in the form of the planes, that rattled her trees and flatten[ed] the young
canes in her field. (Marshall. p.186). This is a physical echo of her emotional response to the
knowledge of the existence of the Empire State building. The fact that she is found dead after this
incident is not a surprise to the reader.