A High Wind in Jamaica · Question
How does A High Wind in Jamaica develop the theme of Family and Abandonment?
Answer
A High Wind in Jamaica by Richard Hughes develops Family and Abandonment across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The Thornton parents send their children away, and the children form new attachments with pirates and sailors, revealing the fragility of family bonds and the ease with which children adapt to surrogate caregivers.
The chapter explores the emotional distance between parents and children, as the Thorntons send their children away for safety, while the children are more attached to their nurse Tabby and each other than to their parents.
The parents' silent journey and reflection on their children's emotions underscore the familial bonds and the pain of separation.
The Thorntons receive news of their children's supposed deaths, highlighting the separation and loss.
Evidence in the book
- I
The chapter explores the emotional distance between parents and children, as the Thorntons send their children away for safety, while the children are more attached to their nurse Tabby and each other than to their parents.
- II
The parents' silent journey and reflection on their children's emotions underscore the familial bonds and the pain of separation.
- III
The Thorntons receive news of their children's supposed deaths, highlighting the separation and loss.
- III
The children's impending separation from the pirates, who have become surrogate family, and their uncertain reunion with their biological parents highlight themes of abandonment and belonging.
- II
The chaotic reunion highlights the fractured family dynamics, with John's absence and the children's fierce possessiveness over their mother.
