Julie Tagg, April 12, 2024

In the novel, there are two important settings that play a crucial role in shaping the story – Ma’s home in Sooklal Trace and Cephas’s house in the city. The author takes us on a vivid journey to Ma’s home during Christmas preparations, which is a lively and welcoming space that is bustling with activity. Children are seen tumbling over each other in excitement, while adults are busy rolling out linoleum, painting the steps, putting up new curtains, and varnishing chairs. The description of this typical Caribbean scene is so vivid that it instantly creates a mood of joy, togetherness, and contentment. It is a heartwarming scene that makes the reader feel like they are part of the family.

On the other hand, when the author describes Cephas’s home, the mood changes drastically. The house is crammed with upright furniture, most of which is dressed in dark velveteen. Crowds of ornaments jostle each other on little tables, on the walls, and on the big television set that is out of order. It is not a place where one would feel comfortable sitting in their home clothes, nor is it a place where one could relax lawlessly in their chairs. The atmosphere is dull, gloomy, and uninviting, making it clear that there is no togetherness in this home. The fact that Cephas has his own private ‘bachie’ quarters built on to the main house further emphasizes the lack of togetherness in this household. The description of the furniture in Cephas’s home is particularly noteworthy. The use of the word “upright” to describe the furniture creates a funereal mood that matches the “mournful” cowed appearance of Miss Velma, who is a central character in the story. It is evident that the author has carefully crafted each detail to bring out the contrast between the two settings. Merle Hodge uses these contrasting settings to make the reader feel how happy Lacey is in her grandmother’s home and how unhappy she is in her father’s home, which is filled with ornaments instead of children. The contrasting settings play a crucial role in shaping the mood and tone of the story.