Genre
Play
Language
English
Setting and Context
It is set in Bristol, England during the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott.
Narrator and Point of View
The play uses character perspectives and dialogue rather than a traditional narrator.
Tone and Mood
The tone is serious and empowering. The mood is emotional.
Protagonist and Antagonist
The protagonist is Princess. The antagonist is racial discrimination.
Major Conflict
The major conflict centers around the James family's struggles in a racially divided society. The family faces external conflicts stemming from racial discrimination, social inequality, and the changing cultural landscape of 1960s Bristol. These challenges are intensified by the absence of the father, Wendell James, who is torn between his desire for a better life for his family and his involvement in civil rights activism.
Climax
The climax occurs when Princess runs away from home and seeks refuge with Margot.
Foreshadowing
Princess's attachment to her hair and the idea of beauty foreshadow the decision to cut her hair as an act of rebellion.
Understatement
"He’s gone like I said he would."
Wendell Junior's understatement downplays the severity of his father's absence.
Allusions
The mention of South Africa and Commonwealth criticism alludes to issues of race, colonialism, and social justice.
Imagery
“She takes off her bra – expertly doing whilst keeping her dress in place, and slides a wig off her head. Her limp and lacklustre hair underneath falls to her shoulders. She looks at herself again.”
The moment when Margot reveals her natural hair to Princess is a powerful symbol of authenticity and vulnerability.
Paradox
Wendell Junior criticizes his father's actions but also shows a level of concern and a hint of forgiveness.
Parallelism
Mavis and Princess are parallel characters who represent different stages of womanhood. Both characters are seeking empowerment but their approaches and challenges differ due to their age.
Personification
“The sad withering Christmas tree in the corner of the room”
The Christmas tree is described as sad, which is a human emotion.
Use of Dramatic Devices
Stage Directions: “PRINCESS bursts into heartbreaking sobs” and “MAVIS raises the belt high above her head” are stage directions that guide the actors' emotions and actions.
Soliloquy: Mavis's emotional outpouring about her family and struggles is a soliloquy as she is revealing her inner thoughts to the audience.
