Major themes presented in the first six chapters of Beka Lamb

From the first six chapters of the book 'Beka Lamb', many themes are highlighted. Some themes are death, change-Education and Maturity, Politics, Race and discrimination.
In chapter one, there is an introduction to the theme of change as stated in the line 'Beka changed from a 'flat rate Belize creole' into a person with 'high mind'." This introduces Beka's aspiration to become a mature and educated woman as seen in chapter four, when she tries to stop her lying and her 'phoney-ness'. She tries to prove her worth by the success of the essay contest in chapter one and she shows a particular interest in the politics of Belize. In chapter five, Beka's father compares Beka to the bougainvillea vine. By her father's decision to cut down the vine suggests a removal of her 'phoney-ness', her feeling of superiority and her habitual lies. There is also a comparison between Beka's change and the changes in politics occurring in Belize. In chapter five, there is contrast between the time of Beka's great-grandmother and the present. Social changes in the colony are in progress such as the ability to vote and protest. This leads on to the theme of politics.
In chapter two, there is a conversation between Bill Lamb and Beka Lamb about the politics of Belize. This conversation describes the current political situation of Belize and the political turmoil the colony faces such as the intervention of Guatemala, the rule of Britain and the newly formed party, the People's Independence Party. There is the situation of the 'Brain Drain' in chapter three when Granny Ivy compares the death of the polar bear with the migration of the doctor. Poverty seems to be evident in Belize as seen in "rusty zinc roofs", "lamp posts that seem to lean" and "wages were so low...splitting the goods amongst themselves, especially at Christmas time". This suggests that present times were indeed difficult for those residing in Belize.
Death is a major theme in 'Beka Lamb' as references are seen on the very first page. There is a depressing mood in the setting of the first chapter with "in its evening gloom", "the honeyed scent of flowering stephanotis" and "grumblings of frogs...shrilling of every cricket". Death is highlighted with the death of Beka's good friend, Toycie and the references of "wreaths at her great granny's funeral", "slapping at a mosquito" and "with a cloth she used as a fly whisk". Beka's success in the contest diminishes the grief and depression she has for the death of Toycie.
In the second chapter, Beka's dream is a technique used by the author to symbolize Beka's fear of failure. The dream describes her journey to success and maturity and the obstacles that she has to overcome. Beka is fearful that she might fail, which is represented by the "filth floating on the surface of the water" no matter how much she calls for help. The incident of the death of the circus bear and the wake Beka keeps for Toycie both reinforce the theme of death.
There is the issue of race is seen when the sailors shout, "Jump, nigger gial, jump!" and the occasion with 'National Vellor'. There is a particular interest shown by Toycie and Lilla Lamb, with culture of foreign countries. Lilla is interested in fashion and aspires to be of high class with the reference, "worrying about her rose plants"and Toycie always chooses the wealthier areas to take their Sunday walk.
These themes are repeated and further described as the story continues.