Themes of Beka Lamb

In the first six chapters many themes were present . Some of these themes were, racial discrimination , poverty and politics, success and failure and defeating challenges as well as, the main theme, change. The themes in the book, Beka Lamb, shows the different challenges teenagers experience in life.

In the first chapter it is said that Beka changed from a ‘flat rate Belize creole to a person with high mind’ . The theme ‘ change’ is portrayed. For the first time in her life Beka won an essay contest in her school. She was not always on the top of the class but she won the contest . However, this theme is linked to poverty and politics . Poverty and politics is shown when Miss Ivy considered a forward position in the political party when Beka won the contest. She felt that Beka made a massive change from washing bowls underneath the house bottom to books in a class room. Beka was cautioned that not many creoles can be in a class room .

The theme racial discrimination played a very important part in the book . Beka was warned that the prizes for the essay contest would normally go to the ‘whites’(bakras), Spanish speaking persons,(panias) and the foreigners(expatriates). The theme was also furthered when it was said in the third chapter , that according to your race you are allowed to go to a certain club, meaning that there was a club for each, bakras ,panias and expatriates. Belize was separated according to race.

This is where the theme poverty and politics is also represented. The way in which Beka lived was described as stale , unpleasant and dirty. Stagnation and poverty is shown when stated that there were leaned lampposts, rusty rooftops and the leaning of the wooden houses in the village.

Beka was the main character and she portrayed the main theme which was change. Beka wanted to show her parents and her grandmother that she is becoming a mature young lady. She showed this by doing extra house chores, however , Beka’s parents did not notice these changes, this is where she decided to try her best to win the contest, which she did. Beka showed that she was becoming mature when she realized that being successful , she can overcome her challenges. When her friend Toycie died she was distraughted but she then felt hope when she won the contest.

However, this is where the theme of death is linked . The slapping of the mosquitoes and flies , killing them as well as the chirping of the crickets and the noises of frogs. This symbolizes Toycie’s death. Discontent and distress is shown. As mentioned in the book , the death of the polar bear also represented the theme death.The polar bear died because the ice factory was out of order.

The theme defeating challenges is shown when Beka had a dream about crossing the bridge before it raises . She screamed ‘ I’m coming , wait pon me , sa!’ This represents Beka calling out for help. The bridge rose and left her behind. The theme success and failure is shown when she fails to, jump to cross the bridge when she was told by the villagers ‘jump nigger gial’.

All of the above themes is linked to the main theme in the book which is change . And here we see that it is the change in our teenage life and how we react to how emotions. They all show the changes a teenager goes through in life.