In the first six chapters of the novel many themes were present. Such themes were death, racial discrimination and change. However, the theme of change was developed throughout these six chapters as we saw social changes, political changes and personality changes shown by Beka. The thematic changes that occurred so far related to the lives of the Belizeans some way or the other.
In the first chapter the theme of death is clearly evident as the author, Zee Edgell creates a dismal mood which denotes death. We see that Beka has to cope with the death of two major persons in her life Gran and her best friend Toycie. However, Beka’s success of winning the contest diminished her grief. Beka was soon able to find comfort in her memories.
In Belize, gaining education successfully was the means by which people could attain social, political and economical betterment. Beka was one of the few persons to achieve this “transformation”. Her family sees her transformation as a ‘flat rate Belize Creole’ into someone with a ‘high mind’. Beka also decides to stop lying, which she thinks of as a change. This change is symbolised where Mr. Lamb cuts down the bougainvillea plant.
The main political change is the issue of colonial dependence to national independence. Trade unions were developed to protest the rights of workers and soon the people of Belize would have the authority to vote.
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