Essay Questions

Who is Emma, and what is her significance in the play 'The Tropical Breeze Hotel'?

Emma is introduced as a nude black dancer because that is the only way she earns her living. However, Emma's father is not happy with the career path she has taken, but she has no option but to continue going against her father's wishes. Emma represents the difficulties that unemployed young women go through to put food on the table. For Emma, men appreciate her body more than her personality, and she decides to entertain men at night clubs to earn a living.

How satirical is the white community?

The white community views the minority people as unfit to access opportunities and have a decent life. For instance, Emma is not doing nude dancing for fun, but she has no alternative because that is the only way she earns a living. Ironically, the white men are attracted to Emma's nude dancing. It is satirical that the white men gather in clubs to watch Emma's gorgeous body while in real life, they discriminate against the minority communities.

Is Ishmael an honest man?

Emma's career is the reason why she has remained single for many years. Being a nude dancer, most suitors shy away from courting Emma. Emma is aware of this, but she eagerly waits for a man in her life. When Ishmael appears in Emma's life, she feels that her prayers have been answered. However, Ishmael is an opportunist, and he wants to use Emma to satisfy his sexual desires. Emma blindly falls in love with him, but she later realizes that Ishmael is not an honest man because he only wants to use her.