“You wonder why I'm so uptight about entitled white culture? It's not just that I live here half the time and see real poverty. It's not just the snack baskets in first class. It's because entitled white culture encourages those inside it to never look outside their own…worlds.”
When Judy, Eleanor's sister, asks about Malcolm's plans after his father's death, he expresses a vague idea of staying in Montego Bay. Malcolm feels the weight of his father's mortality heavily and yearns for someone his age to share the burden. The quote reflects Malcolm's frustration with the cultural insensitivity and ignorance he perceives in entitled white culture. Malcolm, being biracial and spending time in both America and Montego Bay, witnesses real poverty. He criticizes the self-centeredness and lack of empathy that he believes is prevalent in this white culture. Malcolm's anger is deeply tied to his struggles, as he feels isolated and unsupported in dealing with his father's illness. He perceives that most are too preoccupied with superficial concerns such as material possessions to truly understand. Thus, he longs for genuine connections and compassion rather than superficiality and indifference.
“Nobody knows what he's doing this for - but I think I'm slowly beginning to figure it out. He wants to find out the point of it all. He's trying to comprehend the meaning of life. He's trying to finish the puzzle before it finishes him.”
This quote hints at themes of mortality and the search for meaning in the face of limited time. Malcolm observes the interaction between his father and a woman at the Montego Bay airport while reflecting on his father's behavior. As they prepare to board their flight, the gate area is chaotic filled with anxious and eager travelers. Dad appears relatively nonchalant as Malcolm observes his conduct hinting at a deeper meaning behind his actions. Malcolm mentions that these are his father's last six months on Earth. Despite Dad's seemingly ordinary actions, he senses that his father is grappling with existential questions about life's purpose. Malcolm is coming to terms with the fact that his father's remaining time is precious. Moreover, Dad is possibly using his business trips to Montego Bay as a way to seek answers to life's fundamental questions.
“Because this has to stop now. Life's too short to live the whole thing underground.”
The cousins are on their way to Rancocas State Park searching for clues related to a family mystery. They are trying to locate a deceased cousin who had connections to The Shoveler's father. Shoveler expresses his frustration with the secrets and mysteries that have plagued their family. This statement reflects his desire to uncover the truth and put an end to the hidden secrets that have affected their family for too long. He is determined to confront the past and find closure even if it means delving into uncomfortable truths. They are grappling with emotions of sadness and uncertainty realizing the gravity of the situation. As the characters venture into the dark forest, their journey takes on a metaphorical significance. They are stepping into the unknown facing the shadows of their past. It is a moment of vulnerability and bravery that embodies The Shoveler's resolve to confront their family's history.
