Essay Questions

How does Almeyda demonstrate her enduring love for her husband?

Almeyda is married to Martin Anninho, a charismatic Muslim who loves her unconditionally. Unfortunately, Palmares is attacked and destroyed, forcing the enslaved fugitives to run away for their dear lives. While escaping, Almeyda is captured by a Portuguese combatant, and her husband disappears. Luiza later saves Almeyda, and she learns that her husband is dead. However, Almeyda refuses to believe any rumors about the death of her husband and decides to start a dangerous journey across the Brazilian colonies in search of her husband. Therefore, Almeyda demonstrates that she dearly loves her husband and is determined to risk her life to look for him.

How is slavery the main theme in ‘Palmares’ by Gayl Jones?

The main character, Almeyda, is introduced as a young enslaved person living with her mother and grandmother on a plantation owned by Entralgo. The escapee enslaved people live in Palmares, which is later destroyed, forcing them to look for new hiding places. The brutality of slavery is demonstrated by Entralgo when he plans to give Almeyda to a stranger to rape her. Similarly, Almeyda is sold from one plantation to the other, and the life she is subjected to is miserable.

How does Almeyda’s mother protect her mother from the planned rape?

When Almeyda's mother hears that the enslaver is about to give her daughter to a man looking for a black virgin to rape, she gives Almeyda a herb that will make it difficult to be penetrated. When the stranger arrives to rape Almeyda, he tries to penetrate her, but his manhood is pushed out until he gets bothered and decides to go.