on an after noon train from purley to victoria Flashcards
themes
cultural identity, connection, nostalgia
summary
interaction between jamaican and quaker they connect despite differences
AIDWMFBBF
Alongside in darkness was my father’s big banana field
* “darkness” - not just lack of light but mystery, uncertainty or emotional obscurity + displacement
* sense of connection to the past - field represents roots - symbol of l
WPOAIJSS
What part of Africa is Jamaica she said
* minsunderstaing - simplfies the speakers complex cultural identity by associaating all black ppl with africa
* innocence or irgnorance? lack of awareness
* either has a simplistic view of identity by disreharding the diversity
* reflecting the racial simplification ppl from different backgrounds face
* exposes and disconnect almost like his identity is unknown to others
SFEIS
Snow falls elsewhere I said
* “snow” - metaphor for distance both geographially and emotionally - snow = cold, impersoal which contrasts with vibrant and warm jamaica
* implying they have left smth behind for a place that feels unfmiliar for them
* feels disnconnected or out of place
* or emotional coldness they feel in a place that doesnt understand their background
* int = expressing their move was not a choice, but driven by necessity - snow is symbolic of the alienation he feel for the new environment
* this shows woman is sheltered - unaware of the struggles
* however she may have said “sunny and pleasant” for the sake of small talk
SSSWBAPSAU
So sincere she was beautiful as people sat around us
* “beautiful” - her genuine nature of her attempt to connect despite the differences they ha dbetween them suggesting that difference can make people feel connected - its a way to understand and learn about others that are diff to you
* “sincere” - truly wanted to connect she is genuinly interested perhaps naive
* “people sat around us” - alienation - passive and observing presence of others contrasts with active and personal interaction
* disconnection from broader social environment
* ppl may be physcially present but emotionally and socially detached
* being surrounded by ppl yet feeling isolated - expiernce for migrants
WIINLIS
Where Ireland is near Lapland I said
* attempts to diffuse the convo with humor
* or perhaps sarcasm due to womans ignorance
* could also be defensive reaction
* after “What part of Africa is Jamaica?” - attempt to either deflect or correct misunderstanding
* alienation - speaker feels misunderstoof, reduced to a stereotype or isolated due to cultural background
context
- windrush gen - ppl from the caribbean seeking work = often faced ignorance
- quake = treating everyone qually, her mistundering even with good intentions, theres still a gap between equality and reality and accepting ppl from diff backgrounds
