A High Wind in Jamaica · Chapter
II explained
On her tenth birthday, Emily explores a stream and discovers a hidden village of runaway slaves, which fills her with a sense of glory and adventure before she returns home to her family and birthday cake.
What happens
On her tenth birthday, Emily explores a stream and discovers a hidden village of runaway slaves, which fills her with a sense of glory and adventure before she returns home to her family and birthday cake.
Themes in this chapter
Childhood Innocence and Morality
Emily's birthday exploration and her innocent delight in discovering the village highlight the theme of childhood wonder and moral development.
Colonial Decay and Imperial Decline
The existence of a runaway slave village underscores the legacy of colonialism and the decline of imperial control.
Characters to notice
- Emily Thornton
Celebrates her tenth birthday by exploring the stream and discovering a village of runaway slaves.
- John Dodson
Sits naked on the bank making a wicker trap while Emily explores.
- Rachel Thornton
Too small for a long walk, remains at the bathing-hole.
- Edward Thornton
Too small for a long walk, remains at the bathing-hole.
Key passages
“Every stone had to be overturned in the hope of finding crayfish: or if not, John had to take a sporting gun, which he bulleted with spoonfuls of water to shoot hummingbirds on the wing, too tiny frail quarry for any solider projectile.”
The children turned over every stone looking for crayfish, and John used a gun loaded with water to shoot at hummingbirds, which were too delicate for real bullets.
Describes the children's playful activities by the stream.
“She gave instantaneous inward thanks to God for thinking of such a perfect birthday treat, especially as things had seemed to be going all wrong: and then began to ferret in the limestone sources with the whole length of her arm, among the ferns and cresses.”
Emily silently thanked God for this wonderful birthday surprise, especially since the day had started poorly, and then she started searching the limestone springs with her arm among the ferns.
Emily's gratitude and discovery of the river's source.
“It was a refuge, built by runaway slaves, and still inhabited. And then, that her cup of happiness might be full, some of the bolder children crept out and respectfully offered her flowers—really to get a better look at her pallid face.”
The village was a haven for runaway slaves that was still lived in. To complete her joy, some brave children came out and gave her flowers, actually to see her pale face up close.
Emily's encounter with the children of the runaway slave village.