Discuss Levy’s presentation of Gilbert and the importance of his character to
the novel.
In the novel “Small Island” there are four main characters: Bernard, Queenie,
Hortense and Gilbert, all of which undergo specific transformations and
experience change. Gilbert Joseph has his own significance and importance in
the novel for various reasons.
At first glance, Levy’s presentation of Gilbert is simply as a comical and
engaging character, giving the novel its light touches. He and Queenie share
this characteristic and bounce off each other: Queenie comments Gilbert has a
funny name and he returns: “What, funnier than Queenie?” Comic relief
usually pops up whenever Queenie or Gilbert are there however, given his
more taxing experiences, Gilbert also shows that even in dire situations it is
one’s take and spin on the subject that measures its effect on the person.
Having Gilbert’s light hearted comments guarantees the reader a breath of air
before delving into complex themes such as racism, prejudice, integration and
multiculturalism. This balance magnifies the tension in stressful situations
whilst also keeping the reader afloat when these occur. Another way in which
Gilbert offers a different importance to Queenie’s entertaining character is
when making humorous comments like the one above; he calls the relativity of
humour into question, what is funny to one can be the other’s norm, in turn
stating Queenie’s name is funny to him. His ability to embrace different
concepts in good grace - like the humiliation in the post office - is what gives
him the moral high ground and what gains our utmost respect, and makes us
realise he is more than just a joker. Others who lack this quality are prevented
from working with others cohesively, as it is this trait which allows Gilbert to
the novel.
In the novel “Small Island” there are four main characters: Bernard, Queenie,
Hortense and Gilbert, all of which undergo specific transformations and
experience change. Gilbert Joseph has his own significance and importance in
the novel for various reasons.
At first glance, Levy’s presentation of Gilbert is simply as a comical and
engaging character, giving the novel its light touches. He and Queenie share
this characteristic and bounce off each other: Queenie comments Gilbert has a
funny name and he returns: “What, funnier than Queenie?” Comic relief
usually pops up whenever Queenie or Gilbert are there however, given his
more taxing experiences, Gilbert also shows that even in dire situations it is
one’s take and spin on the subject that measures its effect on the person.
Having Gilbert’s light hearted comments guarantees the reader a breath of air
before delving into complex themes such as racism, prejudice, integration and
multiculturalism. This balance magnifies the tension in stressful situations
whilst also keeping the reader afloat when these occur. Another way in which
Gilbert offers a different importance to Queenie’s entertaining character is
when making humorous comments like the one above; he calls the relativity of
humour into question, what is funny to one can be the other’s norm, in turn
stating Queenie’s name is funny to him. His ability to embrace different
concepts in good grace - like the humiliation in the post office - is what gives
him the moral high ground and what gains our utmost respect, and makes us
realise he is more than just a joker. Others who lack this quality are prevented
from working with others cohesively, as it is this trait which allows Gilbert to
