Characters
This character shows the narrator's insecurity about cultural belonging
Who is the narrator himself
The story begins when the narrators home is changed with these items
What are bookshelves and books
Sense of self and belonging
What is identity?
These represent education and knowledge
what are books
A character known by description only
Who is Dot/Boysie’s wife?
The narrator used to enjoy this activity before the books took over
What is watching sports/ entertainments
The internal struggle the narrator feels about himself
What is self conflict?
This represents comfort and entertainment
what is the television
She fills the apartment with books and challenges the narrator
Who is Agatha?
How the main character's friend/Boysie reacts when he sees the books
What is amazed or curious
Inner fear of Inferiority and low self-worth
What is insecurity?
These represent pressure and exposure
what are books about black people
A negative character who has a pessimistic outlook
Who is Henry?
The narrator begins to see this about himself toward the end of the story
What is acceptance of identity
Prejudice and scorning based on race or ethnic background
What is Racism?
This symbolises loss of personal space
What are bookshelves, paintings and pictures
Someone close to the main character
Who is Boysie?
The narrator compares his wife's accomplishments to this
what is his own life or status
Judging one's worth by skin tone or shade
What is Colourism?
A symbol of the narrators identity struggle
what are books