A High Wind in Jamaica · Theme
Violence and Cruelty
How A High Wind in Jamaica develops Violence and Cruelty.
Violence pervades the narrative, from natural disasters and animal deaths to pirate brutality and the casual murder of children, presented with a detached, almost clinical tone that underscores its absurdity.
Where it surfaces
- I
The casual cruelty in the bird-catching game (prolonging suspense before killing or releasing) and the children's manipulation of negroes' fears of duppies reflect a normalized violence.
- IV
The brutal death of Tabby and the casual violence of the storm reflect the cruelty inherent in the natural and colonial world.
- III
The pirates commit murder and destruction, with the captain describing the children's deaths in graphic detail.
- I
The sailors' deliberate intoxication and attempted amputation of Jacko's tail, and the monkey's eventual death, highlight casual cruelty aboard the ship.
- II
The pirates use threats of shooting the children, a mock execution by fire, and actual violence (striking Marpole) to coerce compliance.
- II
John's accidental fall and the immediate, unspoken erasure of his existence highlight the casual cruelty of the children's world.
- III
The goat and pig engage in a violent fight, with biting and trampling, reflecting the casual cruelty of life aboard the schooner.
- II
The drunken captain's menacing advance and Emily's violent bite, along with Margaret's terror, underscore the latent cruelty and danger in the adult world intruding on childhood.
- II
Emily's injury, the forced animal duel, and her desperate slashing of the Dutch captain highlight the pervasive violence.
- I
The murder of the Dutch captain by Margaret shocks even the hardened pirates, revealing the depths of human depravity.
- II
The memory of her violent act and the constant threat of further violence (real or imagined) permeate her thoughts.
- III
Jonsen's physical punishment of Rachel and his threatening use of a belaying pin against Edward underscore the cruelty present in the children's captivity.
- IV
Emily threatens Rachel with an iron 'sword' and chases her, showing a cruel streak in her play.
- II
The crew sharpens knives and Jonsen's dark joke about sewing children in bags underscores the threat of violence.
- III
The pirates are depicted as cruel villains, and John's death is framed as a heroic martyrdom against their violence.
- V
The legal discussion centers on the murder of John and Captain Vandervoort, highlighting the violence endured.
- VI
The murder of Captain Vandervoort is described through Emily's fragmented recollection, and the court's reaction underscores the brutality of the act. The waxwork of Captain Jonsen with a knife further emphasizes violence.
- VII
The chapter depicts the brutal execution of the pirates, including Jonsen's attempted suicide and the hanging of an unconscious man.
