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Comment: Four of the citations are dead links. Curb Safe Charmer (talk) 12:39, 13 November 2024 (UTC)
- Comment: While this may be notable. we do not want your review of the story. We need an encyclopaedic article about it. There are many book review sitesPlease read WP:OR and WP:NPOV 🇺🇦 FiddleTimtrent FaddleTalk to me 🇺🇦 12:38, 13 November 2024 (UTC)
"Exterior Paint" is a short story by British author Kit de Waal. The narrative explores themes of race, identity, and social change in 1960s England, focusing on the life of Alfonse Maynard, an immigrant from Saint Kitts. The story delves into his past and present, highlighting personal and societal transformations.
Plot Summary
[edit]Alfonse Maynard, an elderly widower from Saint Kitts, lives alone on Marshall Street in England. As he prepares to sell his house, he reflects on his life, particularly his relationship with his late wife, Lillian. The story alternates between the present and flashbacks to the 1960s, a time marked by racial tension and immigration in the UK.
In the 1960s, Alfonse arrives in England and faces racial discrimination. He meets Lillian, a white British woman working as a barmaid at The Blue Gate pub, where black patrons are segregated.[1] Despite societal prejudices and disapproval from Lillian's mother, they fall in love. A pivotal moment occurs when civil rights activist Malcolm X visits Marshall Street, inspiring Alfonse to stand up against racism.[2] Empowered, he confronts Lillian's mother and declares their intention to marry.
In the present day, Alfonse decides to repaint his front door red to enhance the house's appeal for sale, symbolizing renewal and change. He reminisces about his life with Lillian and the impact of their defiance against societal norms.
Background and Publication
[edit]Kit de Waal is a British author known for her works that focus on social issues, including immigration and identity.[3] Born to an Irish mother and a Caribbean father, her writing often reflects her mixed heritage and the complexities of multicultural Britain.[4] "Exterior Paint" is part of her short story collection Supporting Cast, published in 2020.[5]
Characters
[edit]Alfonse Maynard: The protagonist, an immigrant from Saint Kitts who reflects on his past and the love of his life.
Lillian: Alfonse's late wife, a white British woman who challenges societal norms by engaging in an interracial relationship.
Mike Baxter: An estate agent assessing Alfonse's house for sale.
Mr. Kang: Alfonse's neighbor, representing the multicultural fabric of the community. Lillian's Mother: Embodies the racial prejudices of the time, opposing Alfonse and Lillian's relationship.
Malcolm X: The American civil rights activist whose visit inspires Alfonse to assert himself.[6]
Setting
[edit]The story is set on Marshall Street in Smethwick, England, spanning from the 1960s to the present day.[7] The 1960s setting is significant, reflecting a period of substantial immigration, racial tensions, and the civil rights movement in the UK. The neighborhood's evolution mirrors the broader social changes occurring in British society.
Themes
[edit]Racial Prejudice and Segregation:
"Exterior Paint" highlights the systemic racism faced by immigrants. The segregation at The Blue Gate pub and the hostility from Lillian's mother exemplify the societal barriers that Alfonse and Lillian confront.[1]
Identity and Belonging:
Alfonse grapples with his identity as an immigrant in a foreign land. His relationship with Lillian forces him to navigate the complexities of belonging to both his Caribbean heritage and his new home in England.[2]
Love and Defiance:
The love story between Alfonse and Lillian serves as a testament to personal courage and defiance against societal expectations. Their union challenges the racial norms of the time.[5]
Change and Transformation:
The act of repainting the front door symbolizes Alfonse's acceptance of change and the possibility of new beginnings. The story underscores personal and societal transformations during a pivotal era.[1]
Symbols
[edit]The Front Door:
The peeling green paint and the decision to repaint it red symbolize renewal, passion, and a bold statement against conformity. The door represents the threshold between the past and the future.[1]
Malcolm X's Visit:
Malcolm X's presence serves as a catalyst for Alfonse's empowerment. His unyielding demeanor in the face of hostility embodies resistance and inspires Alfonse to stand up for himself.[8]
cigarette:
reminds Alfonse of the Smoke room, where he had his first conversation with Lily. After Lily left he bacame an Nicotine addict.[1]
The Trilby Hat:
Alfonse's trilby hat signifies his identity and self-confidence. It catches Lillian's attention, when they first met and becomes a symbol of their connection.[1]
Style and Structure
[edit]Narrative Technique:
The story employs a non-linear narrative, weaving between past and present to reveal Alfonse's history and internal struggles.[9]
Language and Dialogue:
Authentic dialogue captures the vernacular of the characters, enhancing realism. The use of dialect and period-specific language immerses the reader in the setting.[5]
Imagery and Symbolism:
Vivid descriptions and symbolic elements enrich the narrative. The sensory details create an immersive atmosphere, while symbols like the front door deepen thematic resonance.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g De Waal, Kit (2020). "Exterior Paint". Supporting Cast. Simon & Schuster UK. pp. 45–62. ISBN 978-1-4711-8295-6.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: checksum (help) - ^ a b Armitstead, Claire (8 August 2020). "Kit de Waal: 'It's a myth that people from working-class backgrounds are not interested in books'". The Guardian.[dead link]
- ^ "About Kit". Kit de Waal Official Website. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
- ^ De Waal, Kit (17 August 2018). "What it's like to be mixed race". The Guardian.[dead link]
- ^ a b c De Waal, Kit (2020). Supporting Cast. Simon & Schuster UK. ISBN 978-1-4711-8295-6.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: checksum (help) - ^ "Malcolm X's Visit to Smethwick". BBC News. 12 February 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2023.[dead link]
- ^ "Malcolm X in Smethwick". History West Midlands. Retrieved 13 November 2023.[dead link]
- ^ De Waal, Kit (2020). Supporting Cast. Simon & Schuster UK. pp. 58–59. ISBN 978-1-4711-8295-6.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: checksum (help) - ^ Smith, Jane (March 2021). "Narrative Techniques in Kit de Waal's Short Stories". Literary Review. 15 (1): 45–50.