This novel, despite its seemingly simple narrative, addresses a number of significant issues or themes that are prevalent in Caribbean society.

The role of education and women in society

One of the most important themes explored in the story is the role of education and women in society. Through Anjanee’s story, the author reveals that there still exists a strong belief in the Caribbean that a woman’s place is at home, and that education is a wasted effort for girls.

Hodge presents Anjanee’s valiant struggle to get an education, which is hindered by her oppressive home life. Anjanee’s father, Mr. Cephas, keeps her confined to household chores, silences her, and makes her afraid to make any decisions. This situation results in Anjanee’s tragic suicide, which is a poignant commentary on the impact of patriarchal oppression on women.

The author challenges this belief by showing how Anjanee’s father’s actions have crushed her spirit and transformed her into a broken and unhappy woman. Hodge uses the metaphor of a plant in too much shade to describe Anjanee’s situation, where she is unable to thrive due to the lack of support and freedom.

Overall, the author’s portrayal of Anjanee’s struggles sheds light on the issues of education and women’s role in Caribbean society. By highlighting the challenges faced by women like Anjanee, the author urges society to reconsider its traditional gender roles and offer more opportunities for women to pursue their dreams.

ACTIVITY

Discuss why the title of this novel is appropriate.

The supposed superiority of things foreign

In the West Indies, there are some individuals who hold the belief that anything foreign is superior to the local version. For instance, they may hold the view that spinach from America is better than bhaji, a popular Caribbean dish. They may also prioritize Greek myths over Anansi stories, which are a well-known part of Caribbean folklore. Similarly, they may consider Standard English superior to Patois, a Creole language spoken in the Caribbean. Additionally, they may believe that life in New York City, which is often portrayed as the epitome of success and glamour, is far better than life in the local capitals.

However, this novel challenges such beliefs and instead celebrates the many wonders of Caribbean life. It highlights the richness of Caribbean culture, including the vibrant food, the unique stories, the colorful language, and the diverse people. By celebrating the beauty of local traditions and customs, this novel encourages individuals to embrace their heritage and appreciate the richness of the Caribbean experience.

Migration and family relationships

Miss Patsy is a hardworking migrant who has moved to New York to provide a better life for her family. She sacrifices a lot to send barrels of essentials back home to her family. However, her absence brings about significant adjustments to the family’s life. Lacey, her daughter, feels loved and supported at her grandmother’s home, where she receives the warmth and affection she craves. However, when she returns to her father’s home, she faces a different reality. Cephas, her father, often lectures, insults and criticizes her, leaving her feeling unsupported and unloved.

Despite what her social studies teacher says, Lacey understands that the textbook “model family” with two parents and two children is not necessarily the recipe for happiness. Many Caribbean families do not fit the traditional ideal of a father, mother, and two children. The contrast between Cephas’s home and Ma’s home shows that where there is love, children will thrive.

Hence, the story of Miss Patsy and her family highlights the challenges and adjustments that come with migration. It also underscores the importance of love and support in a family structure, rather than conforming to a textbook ideal.

Race and class prejudice

The Caribbean society is home to a mixture of many races. People of different races get along with each other and this is evident with villagers in Balatier. But there are times when there is conflict which stems from racial tensions.

The children accuse Mr Tewarie of being ‘racial’ because he does not punish the Indian boys who misbehaved. Marlon jokingly sings a song about ‘nigger’ and ‘coolie’ and pretends to mimic an Indian dancer. Miss Hafeez seems exhausted by the problem she sees and she is unsure of how to handle the situation.

In Balatier, Maharajin rejects her ‘kilwal’ grandchild and Ma lovingly takes her in: “Yes, my doogla baby … You tell your Nani you coming and live by your next Nani, you hear?”. Cephas scolds Lacey in racist terms: “the only thing you could find to friend with is a coolie?” Cephas’s words reflect racial as well as class prejudice. The readers realize that he believes that he is of a superior class to others. He notes that he has given Lacey an opportunity “to live in a decent home, a decent family, instead of that … low-class hole, between all those coolie and ole-nigger”.

Class prejudice also surfaces when Mrs. Lopez mocks the way the country children speak. Both racial prejudice and class prejudice are very much alive in this portrayal of Caribbean life.