Beka Lamb
Independent study Project | ENG 3UI | | Beka lamb by Zee Edgell and The hummingbird tree | | Taneese Jones | 6/12/2011 | |
Introduction Summary of the novel:
In the novel Beka Lamb by Zee Edgell, Beka experiences various events that contribute to her sense of responsibility and maturity. Beka Lamb is the debut novel of Belizean author Zee Edgell. It is the story of both Beka and Belize, an adolescent girl and an adolescent country. Set in Belize in the 1950s, fourteen-year-old Beka struggles with growing pains complicated by the society in which she lives while her country struggles to move from colonialism to independence. Among these is her parents' growing disappointment over her habit of lying as Beka has a tendency to tell tales in order to get out of trouble. Beka lies about passing her final exams and after being found out and witnessing the sheer sorrow in her father's face, she recognizes that this must be a turning point for her. She vows to turn over a new leaf and thereafter stop telling lies. In addition, Beka receives a valuable life lesson as her best friend Toycie finds herself intertwined in a tragic dilemma. Beka learns about the pitfalls of infatuation, the pangs of betrayal and the stigma of an unwanted pregnancy. "Death" also plays a significant role in the novel as Toycie's horrific end sends shock waves throughout the small community. While the death of Toycie causes great grief and sorrow, it also serves to remind the villagers of the fragility of life and the secrets that can torment and consume an individual. On the other hand, death serves as an escape from all the problems of life and it appears that Toycie's death in some respects appears more favourable than the option of being forfeited out of an education and having to live with the stigma of an unwanted child.
The aspect of change will be focused on in this presentation.
Thesis statement- change in society can influence an individual’s
Introduction Summary of the novel:
In the novel Beka Lamb by Zee Edgell, Beka experiences various events that contribute to her sense of responsibility and maturity. Beka Lamb is the debut novel of Belizean author Zee Edgell. It is the story of both Beka and Belize, an adolescent girl and an adolescent country. Set in Belize in the 1950s, fourteen-year-old Beka struggles with growing pains complicated by the society in which she lives while her country struggles to move from colonialism to independence. Among these is her parents' growing disappointment over her habit of lying as Beka has a tendency to tell tales in order to get out of trouble. Beka lies about passing her final exams and after being found out and witnessing the sheer sorrow in her father's face, she recognizes that this must be a turning point for her. She vows to turn over a new leaf and thereafter stop telling lies. In addition, Beka receives a valuable life lesson as her best friend Toycie finds herself intertwined in a tragic dilemma. Beka learns about the pitfalls of infatuation, the pangs of betrayal and the stigma of an unwanted pregnancy. "Death" also plays a significant role in the novel as Toycie's horrific end sends shock waves throughout the small community. While the death of Toycie causes great grief and sorrow, it also serves to remind the villagers of the fragility of life and the secrets that can torment and consume an individual. On the other hand, death serves as an escape from all the problems of life and it appears that Toycie's death in some respects appears more favourable than the option of being forfeited out of an education and having to live with the stigma of an unwanted child.
The aspect of change will be focused on in this presentation.
Thesis statement- change in society can influence an individual’s