Kingston, Jamaica
Kingston, Jamaica, symbolizes political instability and war. Jamaica is a young, developing country where resources are limited. However, the political elites are scrambling to take full control of the available resources at the expense of poor Jamaican citizens like Sanya and Topper. The conflict escalates, and many people flee the city to seek refuge elsewhere. Sanya and Topper migrate to America to search for greener pastures.
Bigotry
The unfair allocation of resources and mistreatment of black Americans in the United States of America symbolizes bigotry. After arriving in America, Sanya and Topper are disappointed because they cannot get good jobs to sustain their young family. In addition, Sanya is often abused because of her dark skin, and she is always reminded to return to her country.
Economic recession and the typhoon
The economic downtown and the typhoon symbolize capriciousness in real-life situations. If Sanya and her husband knew their life would be worse in America, they would have preferred to remain in Kingston. For instance, a few days after arriving in America, Sanya's house is destroyed by a windstorm, and the family is left homeless. After the storm destabilizes Sanya and Topper's life, economic recession sets in, and many misfortunes follow each other.
