Cultural dualism in the works of George Lamming

Bc. Hubert Holásek

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Cílem této studie je prozkoumat mentalitu obyvatel Karibských ostrovů skrz jejich vyobrazení ve dvou románech George Lamminga (nar. 1927): V Hradu Mé Kůže (In the Castle of My Skin, 1953) a Doba dobrodružství (Season of Adventure, 1960). Autor v obou románech popisuje každodenní život karibských vesničanů a poukazuje tím na sociální a politické problémy společnosti. V oblasti Karibiku můžeme stále pozorovat silný evropský vliv. Tento kulturní dualismus se stal významnou součástí karibské identity, a je hlavním tématem této studie. Práce se zabývá negativním postojem ke vzdělání, rasismem v karibské společnosti a negativním postojem vůči autoritám v díle George Lamminga.

Abstract:

The aim of this study is to investigate various aspects of Caribbean mentality through portrayal of the Caribbean society in two novels by George Lamming (b. 1927), In the Castle of My Skin (1953) and Season of Adventure (1960). In both novels, the author reflects on cultural, social and political aspects of the Caribbean society by capturing everyday lives of villagers in the Caribbean. A strong European influence has remained in the Caribbean even after decolonization, and the author often deals with the issue of the cultural dualism in the Caribbean, which is also the major focus of this work. The thesis discusses problems of education in the Caribbean, racism in the Caribbean society and hostile feelings towards authorities of the Caribbean people.

Keywords

Caribbean identity, cultural dualism, colonization, slavery, education, racism

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 14. 5. 2015

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 15. 6. 2015
• Supervisor: prof. Mgr. Milada Franková, CSc.
• Reader: Velid Beganović

Masaryk University

Faculty of Arts

Bachelor programme / field:
Philology / English Language and Literature