Well, I would want to argue that one of the biggest themes
in this excellent novel is the way in which Braithwaite has to fight for acceptance in
so many ways, both because of the colour of his skin and the general disrespect with
which his students show towards him. Note the way that when he applies for a job that he
is eminently qualified for in Chapter Four, he is refused only because of his skin
colour. Note what the person who interviewed him said to him to explain why he could not
be given the job that he is perfectly able to do:
"Employing you would mean placing you in a
position of authority over a number of our English employees, many of whom have been
with us a very long time, and we feel that such an appointment would adversely affect
the balance of good relationship which has always obtained in this
firm."
Thus it is that
Braithwaite is discriminated against because white men would not work well under his
authority. We see this battle for acceptance in British society continuining throughout
the novel, exhibited in how others think of him, including his future father-in-law.
Yet, throughout all of these challenges, Braithwaite continues to battle for acceptance,
and is able to achieve it, finding a job that gives him dignity, self-esteem and
acceptance.
No comments:
Post a Comment