Essay Questions

How does Winsome Pinnock explore the theme of intergenerational conflict in the play Leave Taking?

The primary theme in the play is the intergenerational conflict between characters. The relationship between characters is rough because they differ in their way of life, language, and other crucial factors. For instance, the relationship between Enid and her daughters is strained. Enid is a first-generation immigrant in England and does things according to her Jamaican culture. On the contrary, the daughters, Viv and Del, are Westernized second-generation immigrants who do not subscribe to their mother's culture and way of thinking. Viv and Del disagree with their mother on almost every aspect of their lives, which makes Enid angry.

Why is Viv determined to visit Jamaica and meet her relatives?

Viv suffers from an identity crisis and wants to know more about her roots. Viv's mother, Enid, rarely talks about where she comes from. Viv is always curious and questions her mother about her relatives and home country. Whenever Viv asks her mother about her Caribbean origin, she becomes furious. Viv's constant curiosity about her roots creates a rift between her and Enid.

What is the significance of Mai in the play?

Mai is the Obeah woman who has the natural power to predict situations and identify complex problems facing people. Mai is an important character because she plays a significant role in enhancing the plot. Mai's ability to maintain her traditions of being a natural seer and palm reader shows readers that the first-generation immigrants in England are in constant touch with their culture, customs, and religious beliefs. Mai's traits contradict the second-generation immigrants who are Westernized and have little to do with their traditions.