lightwork
Why could chapter 19 be considered one of the most important chapters in the text?
Although chapter 19 may not appear to be significant considering it is only four and a half pages long, this chapter is the bridge between the people of one 'Small Island' coming into contact with another. It describes the reactions of many men who believed Britain to be a place of wonder as their eyes feast on the boring industrial mess that Britain once was. Throughout the story of 'Small Island' we are given the impression that the people of the Caribbean, specifically Jamaica, are told of Britain and all its qualities and delightful attributes due to it being the origin of the empire that most of the Caribbean islands are a part of. This idea that Britain is very much theirs is planted in their minds from a young age so when they discovered Britain in the state it is described in the book they are both shocked and slightly angered. 'They looked shocked when billowing black smoke puffed its way around the white washing' Their disbelief in some of the things they have seen represents the idea that most non British people would have of the 'mother country' which is one of the main themes this book is about.
One key part of chapter 19 is the small section about the discovery of a brooch. Gilbert's discovery of 'this precious oval jewel' can be compared to the re-occurring theme of Britain being this beautiful, stunning island. This concept of Britain was presented to the people of Jamaica just like the brooch was presented to Gilbert , Gilbert also pictured the brooch looking 'pretty' on Hortense the same way he pictured Hortense living in Britain and just like the concept of Britain to the Jamaicans was distinguished within seconds so was the brooch as it flew away with the 'flies'. Which left a 'small piece of dog's shit' which could of been the summary of Britain in comparison to the Jamaicans previous assumption.
Chapter 19 also highlights the prejudice and racism that
Although chapter 19 may not appear to be significant considering it is only four and a half pages long, this chapter is the bridge between the people of one 'Small Island' coming into contact with another. It describes the reactions of many men who believed Britain to be a place of wonder as their eyes feast on the boring industrial mess that Britain once was. Throughout the story of 'Small Island' we are given the impression that the people of the Caribbean, specifically Jamaica, are told of Britain and all its qualities and delightful attributes due to it being the origin of the empire that most of the Caribbean islands are a part of. This idea that Britain is very much theirs is planted in their minds from a young age so when they discovered Britain in the state it is described in the book they are both shocked and slightly angered. 'They looked shocked when billowing black smoke puffed its way around the white washing' Their disbelief in some of the things they have seen represents the idea that most non British people would have of the 'mother country' which is one of the main themes this book is about.
One key part of chapter 19 is the small section about the discovery of a brooch. Gilbert's discovery of 'this precious oval jewel' can be compared to the re-occurring theme of Britain being this beautiful, stunning island. This concept of Britain was presented to the people of Jamaica just like the brooch was presented to Gilbert , Gilbert also pictured the brooch looking 'pretty' on Hortense the same way he pictured Hortense living in Britain and just like the concept of Britain to the Jamaicans was distinguished within seconds so was the brooch as it flew away with the 'flies'. Which left a 'small piece of dog's shit' which could of been the summary of Britain in comparison to the Jamaicans previous assumption.
Chapter 19 also highlights the prejudice and racism that