Essay Questions

How does the issue of discrimination and harassment arise in ‘Sixty Lights’ by Jones?

When Thomas and Lucy are orphaned, their father's brother, Neville, comes to take them to London to continue with their studies and resume everyday life. However, after arriving in London, things take a drastic turn for the two orphaned siblings. They are taken into a school where they face radical discrimination and harassment because of their accents. Unfortunately, Thomas and his sister Lucy do not manage to make friends at school because everyone is laughing at them.

Why do Thomas and Lucy cut short their studies in London after five years?

Despite the discrimination and harassment that Thomas and her sister go through in school, they are determined to finish their education. However, their education ambitions are cut short when their uncle is sucked from his clerical job due to claims of embezzlement of funds. Neville and the two siblings move to a smaller house where they can afford it. Thomas and Lucy are forced to cut short their studies to start working to ensure that they have something to eat. Thomas starts working at a Lantern Business while Lucy is employed at a local factory.

Why is Lucy possessed with photography?

Lucy is introduced to photography by Victor Browne while on her trip to India to meet Isaac Newton. After a few months of her stay in India, she takes a trip to London to reunite with her brother Thomas. After arriving in India, she is diagnosed with a disease that allows her to live for many years. The sad news that she will not live for long makes Lucy to be possessed with photography. She takes as many pictures as possible to act as a memory to her daughter and those who love her.