“You see how they’ve been running up and down the street since morning like they don’t have mothers. And what kind of mother let their children run wild like that.”
In this quote, Mavis expresses a mixture of disapproval and concern. She comments on the behavior of the children from the neighborhood who have been running around without any apparent supervision since morning. Mavis's statement underscores her own responsible and attentive approach to parenting, suggesting that she believes children should be under the watchful eye of their mothers or caregivers. By saying "like they don't have mothers" she implies that these children are behaving recklessly as if lacking proper parental guidance. Mavis's concern for the well-being of these children contrasts with her own approach to parenting, highlighting her belief in maintaining a sense of control and discipline over her own family.
“Well none of that is going to happen when Mummy hears that Weston is worst than the devil’s playground. And Margot she says all sorts of things but none of them seem to ever happen so.”
Wendell Junior is dismissing Princess's excitement about going to Weston-super-Mare for her birthday with her friend Margot. He uses a mix of intimidation and skepticism to undermine Princess's anticipation. He first implies that he possesses knowledge about the dark and sinful activities that supposedly take place in Weston-super-Mare, comparing it to the "devil's playground." By associating the place with such negativity, he attempts to scare Princess and cast doubt on the idea of going there. Furthermore, Junior cynically criticizes Margot's promises and declarations, suggesting that Margot tends to make empty claims that never come to fruition. In essence, Junior is employing a combination of fear and skepticism to discourage Princess from looking forward to the trip, ultimately displaying a mix of rivalry and protectiveness towards his sister.
“When mi come to dis country I was ar good man. Ar soldier. Fight far King an’ country. But it never make far respec’. Fram dis Englishman. Dem just throw mi out of the army, and expect mi to live on air. Mi try to make it work for all af us. Truly. But here…Beat. Even now everywhere mi go looking far work, dem look at mi so so… An’ grown men wit ar family scratching around far even ar paper round. Wha’ kinda world?! Wha’ kinda world put men in de same sentence as dogs?”
Wendell reflects on his past as a soldier who fought for his country, conveying a sense of honor and sacrifice. He highlights his disappointment in the lack of respect he received for his service, particularly from the English society in the new country he migrated to. Wendell recounts how, despite his dedication as a soldier, he was ultimately discarded from the army and left to fend for himself without adequate support. He expresses his earnest attempts to provide for his family despite the challenges, symbolizing his commitment as a father. The comparison of men to dogs in this context emphasizes the dehumanization and disrespect he feels from a society that has marginalized him. The quote also captures Wendell’s attempt to explain himself to Wendell Junior since he has not been receptive to his coming back into their lives.
“You don’t have to know everything. Some things are secret.”
In this quote, Wendell Junior intervenes as Princess bombards Lorna with questions. His statement reveals an underlying tension and secrecy within the situation. His words suggest that there are matters best left unexplored and that not all information should be readily shared. This statement hints at the presence of hidden complexities within the family. This quote also deepens the mystery surrounding Lorna's visit and highlights the larger theme of secrecy that runs through the conversation.
