Money

Money is a prominent recurring motif in the novel, and the narrative uses it as a platform by which to explore the salience of practical limitations in human existence. Human lives are necessarily shaped by limitations, and the novel forms direct connections between the idea of limitation and its specific manifestation in the form of financial necessities. For example, in the novel’s opening chapters, the narrative places specific emphasis on the financial limitations of Clyde and his family. Clyde and Joy have often discussed moving to Port of Spain, where life might be a little safer and easier. However, the cost of living would be higher and would necessitate the sale of the family’s current house: “Once he sells this house, he knows how things will be: they will be forever packing up, scrambling to try to find somewhere to live” (43). In a more...