Blackout

Question 1

Summary

Answer 1

This short story is about a white American woman’s encounter with a black man on the street of
an unnamed island in the Caribbean. The story opens with the young lady waiting at a bus stop
on the night of a blackout. She encounters a young man who approaches her and politely asks for
a light (for his cigarette). She explains that she does not have a light, but he points out that she is
smoking a cigarette. She grudgingly acquiesces to give him a light from her cigarette. She holds
her arm out for him to take her cigarette and light his, but instead, as is the case with many
smokers, he bends over the offered arm and lights his cigarette.

Question 2

Setting

Answer 2

• An unnamed island in the Caribbean.

- The story occurred around the time of World War II

Question 3

Main Characters

Answer 3

American Woman (White)
Caribbean Man (Black)

Question 4

Characteristics of American Woman (White)

Answer 4

• Took pride in the fact that she was an American young woman who did not scare easily.
• Considered herself to be superior to the young man.

Question 5

Characteristics of Caribbean Man (Black)

Answer 5

• Had a sense of pride about being black.

- Did not consider himself to be inferior to the American woman.

Question 6

Theme

Answer 6

Racism

eg. ‘She could snub him quietly, the way she should have properly done from the start’