Themes on the first six chapters of Beka Lamb

Many themes in the first six chapters of Beka Lamb are shown such as racial discrimination, education, poverty, politics, success, death, fear and overcoming obstacles. The most dominating theme of all is Change because of all the themes that are displayed, most of them revolve around it. Change is shown in the first chapter when Beka won the essay writing contest in which she never won before. This shows that her mind has developed from 'a flat-rate Belize Creole' to an individual of 'high mind'. This is also where the themes 'success and education' are displayed and shows you that success in education is a process in high status in society. Maturity is also part of change in this chapter. Physical and Metal changes are beginning to occur in her life.

When Beka received her prize for the essay contest, Gran Ivy told her that those kinds of prizes usually go to 'bakras' which are local whites, 'panias' and 'expatriaties' meaning that the local whites or people of high class usually are the ones to win the whole contest, other than 'some creoles and blacks' like Beka. The theme of racial discrimination is shown in the third chapter where there were clubs for the people in Belize, according to their race.

Poverty was a theme displayed throughout the chapters. Beka and her family live in an environment where many people struggle with everything they go through, where the houses in the area are in poor shape due to the 'weathered wooden houses and the rusty zinc rooftops', and the mood of it all is very depressing and sad. For example, Beka has to endure her best friend's death, Toycie, the sounds in which the different animal in the area made(mosquito whining, frogs grumbling, the slapping at a mosquito, the death of the polar bear etc.), and the wreath at the funeral(her great grandmother's). This is where the theme, Death, is included and is also connected to the theme poverty.

Failure and fear was shown also in chapters 3 and 4 when Beka failed four subjects and lied to her parents about it. She shuddered at the thought of her father punishing her by scolding her, in which he did and damaged Beka's lip. Maturity came into this situation also when Beka decided to stop lying. She did her chores and duties around the household and always had an interest in politics with her dad, proving to them that she is developing into this mature young adult. They didn't seem to recognize her changes so she came to an understanding with herself that she must do well in her school work.