Becky S Places Since Childhood Essay Example

her Creole dialect and uses it to make a point to Sister Gabriela.

Beka discovers that she has control over her own fate and by working hard, she can avoid a life like that of National Vellor, a Coolie prostitute who explains to Beka, "No mother, no father, no school. What could I do?" Beka's best friend is Toycie Qualo, a seventeen-year-old girl who lives with her aunt Eila because her mother abandoned her and moved to Brooklyn when Toycie was two years old. The Qualos are extremely poor, but Beka initially doesn't realize this because she sees everything through Toycie's optimistic perspective. Toycie is intelligent, talented, and beautiful. She plays the guitar and is well-liked and helpful to everyone. Toycie works hard at school and values the sacrifices her aunt makes to pay for her education. Despite lacking any positive male influence in her life and her aunt's failure to provide guidance about the dangers of premarital sex, Toycie becomes an easy target for Emilio's advances.

As the relationship between Toycie and Emilio grows stronger and Beka starts focusing on her studies, the two girls drift apart. Toycie's life takes a tragic turn when she becomes pregnant and is abandoned once again. The Sisters of Charity, who were supposed to provide support, instead expel her from school. This devastating situation leads Toycie to lose her desire to live. She stops eating and eventually loses her sanity. Tragically, she dies during a hurricane when a mango tree falls on her, causing her skull to shatter. Beka's maternal grandmother, Granny Ivy, lives with her son's family and shares an attic bedroom with Beka.

Granny Ivy is a storyteller who

reminisces about the past in Belize. She believes that things were better in the past but is optimistic about the future. She is actively involved in the Peoples’ Independent Party, which opposes British colonial rule, leading to disagreements with her son. Granny Ivy is a role model for Beka, supporting her in arguments with her parents. Near the end of the novel, she reveals to Beka that she also experienced an out-of-wedlock pregnancy but did not let it defeat her like Toycie. Instead, she ended up taking on the role of a caretaker rather than pursuing her dream of training animals in a circus.

"Unlike Toycie, Granny Ivy is a non-victim. She advises Beka that if she loses her virginity, it's unfortunate to do it outside of marriage or with the wrong person, but once it's gone, it's gone. There's no need to demean yourself," says Granny Ivy. Beka's mother is Lilla Lamb, who often expresses dissatisfaction with Beka's actions to her husband and then feels remorse when he physically punishes Beka. Lilla is a stay-at-home mother with three children, which is uncommon in Creole culture. Despite occasional disagreements with Granny Ivy's beliefs, Lilla regards her mother-in-law highly."

Lilla genuinely worries about Beka’s development and remembers her own experiences as a girl. She comforts Beka that the scar left by her father’s beating will fade with oil treatments and convinces her husband to let Beka straighten her hair with a hot comb. This is not to cross cultural boundaries, but because it is the fashionable style. Lilla rejects Granny Ivy’s stories from the past because she believes they will hold Beka back from looking towards the

future. Lilla gives Beka a notebook and a beautiful fountain pen to help her find her voice and write down her "fictions". She encourages Beka to enter an essay contest and gives her the final piece of advice that enables Beka to complete her essay. Lilla is a wise woman who strives to spare her daughter from enduring the same hardships she faced as "the blackest and poorest one in my class."

She encourages Beka to remain resilient, comparing her to London during the bombings. Beka has only completed two years of high school, while her husband has had no education. Beka is determined to prevent this from happening to her. Bill Lamb, Beka's father, is mentioned. In Belize, a society where women hold power, the main characters in Beka Lamb are female. However, Beka's father is more than just a provider, as he frequently complains about not having a say in the family dynamics – stating that he only contributes financially.

"Bill goes beyond just providing support. He puts in extensive effort towards supporting his family and elevating their standard of living. He works long hours under Mr. Blanco, who is known to be a demanding boss and has earned the nickname 'Wild Bill'. Despite unintentionally causing harm to Beka with his belt buckle, he immediately regrets his actions. Although he is Beka's primary disciplinarian, he also believes in the transformative power of education and gives her a second chance to excel in school. When Toycie is expelled, Bill fearlessly stands up for her, boldly urging Sister Virgil to not wait for change but to have the courage to initiate that change."

"Bill assumes the role of

a champion for Toycie and Eila, taking charge of Toycie's medical treatment and assisting her relocation to Sibun River. He is also the one who delivers the tragic news of Toycie's passing to Beka. Sister Gabriela and Sister Virgil, who are both members of the Sisters of Charity at St. Cecilia's Catholic School, where Beka and Toycie attend, symbolize different perspectives of religious beliefs according to Zee Edgell."

Sister Gabriela, an American who grew up on a farm in Wisconsin, is a loving and merciful encourager who takes Beka under her wing. She is new at St.

According to Beka, Sister Gabriela, a nun at Cecilia’s, is not very knowledgeable about Beka’s background. Beka admires Sister Gabriela’s physical attributes, such as her large frame, eyes, and gigantic nose. However, it is Sister Gabriela’s smile that makes Beka feel like anything is possible with her. Observing something unique in Beka, Sister Gabriela motivates her to participate in an essay competition, even though Beka believes she has no chance of winning. Sister Gabriela assures Beka that while winning is a possibility, the main objective is not just about winning. She reminds Beka that she has access to opportunities that most Belizean girls do not have and it is her responsibility to make the most of them and serve her country.

"You must push the boundaries of your life," Sister Virgil advises Beka. She explains that things may appear to be falling apart, but in reality, they are simply transforming into something new. Beka is encouraged to change her mindset, acknowledge this distinction, and take action. Sister Virgil is confident and resolute in her beliefs as the leader of St. convent.

Cecilia,

unlike Sister Gabriela, is a strict disciplinarian who emphasizes rule enforcement over exhibiting charity and grace. She firmly refuses to make exceptions to the rules at St.

Cecilia refuses to let Toycie go back to school after giving birth, stating that girls should be more "modest" around boys and take responsibility for their actions. Bill Lamb pleads with her, saying that Toycie needs hope, but Cecilia is unmoved. She tells him that women must learn to control their emotions and change their lives. Otherwise, they will end up vulnerable like Toycie.

In this text, Edgell suggests that the church should demonstrate strength and mercy for the long-term development of Belize by harshly but truthfully characterizing two Sisters of Charity. Beka Lamb is a seemingly straightforward novel that delves into universal themes such as love, loss, sexuality, and community. It takes place in a unique setting and time period, Belize in the 1950s, where the characters face challenges involving friendships and relationships in a cultural context that reflects broader social and political struggles. Through the perspective of a girl transitioning into adulthood, the book explores both the personal growth of its characters and the nation's journey towards independence. It offers hope that overcoming such painful growth will ultimately provide redemption and strengthen both individuals and the country. The novel serves as a coming-of-age story for both Beka and Belize, highlighting themes of growth and maturity through powerful symbolism.

Beka plants a bougainvillea bush that grows uncontrollably and encroaches on Miss Boysie's property. Bill Lamb cuts it down to maintain peace. After Toycie's death, the characters realize they must unite and support each other. Miss Boysie expresses her longing for

the bougainvillea. A trellis is erected to support the plant's new growth. During a storm in which Toycie is abandoned and a violent hurricane strikes, community members find refuge in each other's homes and provide encouragement. Everyone survives except Toycie, who dies from a falling mango tree.

The act of replanting the bougainvillea has a dual purpose. Firstly, it serves as a tribute to Toycie, reminding the community of her existence. Secondly, it acts as a constant reminder for the community regarding the necessary steps to achieve Sister Virgil's long term development plan for Belize. Beka's struggle in establishing her identity within her family and community teaches her the importance of continual progress, even if it means taking steps backward at times. Sister Gabriela emphasizes the role of attitude in making forward progress, leading Beka to understand that she must face the consequences of her lies. However, she can also transform her penchant for fabrication into writing fiction in her notebook.

Despite engaging in distractions instead of her responsibilities, she faces the consequence of repeating a grade but gains the valuable opportunity of acquiring an education that can uplift her from poverty. While she mourns and keeps Toycie in her thoughts, she discovers that obtaining a diploma is presently more significant than having a child. She can enjoy spicy cuisine and converse in Spanish while still maintaining her fluency in the "best Creole drawl." Additionally, she learns to appreciate that religion is embodied by both Sisters Gabriela and Virgil.

She discovers that Belize is a diverse mix of Expatriates, Bakras, Creoles, Panias, Maya, Coolies, and Caribs, but acknowledges the value in each group. Beka's victory in the essay

competition marks a significant milestone in her journey towards maturity. It proves to her that her belief in the possibility of anything is indeed valid. Through these experiences, she transitions from her mother's description of a "flat-rate Belize Creole" to someone with a greater intellect. Additionally, Belize must also focus on establishing its own unique identity.

The theme of nationalism in Beka's search for identity is intertwined with the history of Belize. Under the British Empire, Belize was known as British Honduras and it continued to face the remnants of colonialism during the time of the novel while striving for independence. The question arises: what should this independence entail? The long-established colonial rivalry between England and Spain has influenced Belize for centuries. Is it in Belize's best interest to align itself with England and the United States, taking advantage of its status as the only English-speaking country in Central America? Alternatively, should Belize embrace its Spanish heritage and acknowledge Guatemala's territorial claims? This conflict is represented by the characters Beka and Toycie in the novel.

Toycie is losing control as she prioritizes her relationship with Pania Emilio over her connection with Beka. The Lamb household is also experiencing conflict, with Bill and Lilla urging Beka to focus on the future while Granny Ivy encourages her to remember Belize's resilient roots. The initial imprisonment of the two P.I.P. men is a significant milestone for Belize's journey towards independence.

Beka confides in Sister Gabriela about feeling broken, comparing herself to the state of her country. The notion that everything in Belize eventually breaks down is echoed by multiple characters. Granny Ivy recounts the story of a circus bear that perished

from overheating, while Sister Gabriela recalls encountering machinery that was beyond repair due to the unavailability of replacement parts. Similar to Voltaire's philosophy in Candide, Sister Gabriela believes in taking matters into one's own hands and urges Beka to find a solution, even if it means learning to create the necessary component. Beka heeds this advice and Belize must follow suit. Presently, Belize is still in search of replacement parts.

It was only in 1981 that Belize finally gained independence. Edgell expresses hope for Belize's future through Beka's success, envisioning a day when all of its diverse cultures will unite and declare, along with Granny Ivy, that "everyone's home is paradise."