Themes and issues
Identity tradition vs independence?
This theme is shown when Letitia pushes back against the traditional path Miss Velma wants her to follow.
Who is letitia
This character represents the younger generation struggling against traditional expectations.
What is third-person limited
This point of view is used in Chapter 11, allowing the reader to closely follow Letitia’s feelings.
What does the kitchen symbolizes ?
This room in the house symbolizes tradition and domestic responsibilities.
How are gender roles reflected ?
This issue is reflected in the expectations placed on Trinidadian women in the 1970s–80s.
Who is Velma
This older character’s strictness is revealed to be rooted in fear and cultural conditioning.
What is symbolism?
This technique is used through descriptions of the kitchen, hands, and doorway to represent deeper ideas.
How sacrifice or hardship shown through symbolism ?
Miss Velma’s worn hands symbolize this aspect of the lives of older Trinidadian women.
Identity mother–daughter conflict?
This type of internal struggle Letitia faces relates to deciding who she wants to become.
Who is cousin Jerome
This minor character provides comic relief and normality amidst the tension.
What is humour?
This device is used when humorous moments break tension in the household scenes.
What is tension or emotional strain?
The home environment in the chapter symbolizes this type of emotional atmosphere between characters.
Identity generational expectations/cultural pressure?
This broader theme shows how cultural expectations are passed down from one generation to another.
Who is aunt mavis
This relative is mentioned as reinforcing traditional expectations and societal pressure.
What is imagery?
This literary tool is used by the author to paint vivid emotional and physical details throughout the chapter.
What is tradition vs change?
The contrast between the kitchen and the doorway symbolizes this tension between Letitia’s two possible paths.