Essay Questions

Provide an example of how the author in 'No Telephone to Heaven" depicts the sense of touch to the reader using the Jamaican Community.

The characters of the “No Telephone to Heaven” are predominantly of Jamaican origin. The characters are happy to be in Jamaica a land they call home. For most of them, they call Jamaica a Eden because it is a land of opportunities. However, the government leaders who have been put in place to govern the distribution of resources have lay personal interests first. Therefore, the level of corruption is high because it has been fueled by greediness. Clare and others feel that they are part of Jamaica. The ‘feeling’ among them is the personal touch they have with their country despite it being ruined with the greedy politicians. Therefore, the imagery of touch manifests itself through Clare’s strong feeling to be part of Jamaica no matter what circumstance.

How does the theme of “Death and Trauma” manifest itself in the novel “No Telephone to Heaven”?

Bobby is enigmatic and does not want to open up to Clare about the PTSD death danger, which is looming in his emotions. His corporeal dread is awakened by trauma. This is evident because most of the time he is mistrustful to an extent that he fears to share his death concerns with Clare or any other person close to him. He decides to head to Jamaica leaving Clare behind to research about trauma and bereavement as a sacrificial victim.

Is it ironic for Boy to brag? If so, explain briefly.

Boy’s bragging concerning his European lineage is ironic. He is not a native European because he is half cast of white and black parents. The believe that he is a native European is ironic in itself because his roots can be traced back to Africa. Since one of his parents is black, his ancestors were slaves brought to work in European plantations many years ago. He seems not to recognize that the chauvinistic points he takes proud of did more harm than good to him. It can be concluded that the boy is a self-conspirator.