In the Castle of My Skin

by George Lamming

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 In the novel, the children have a conversation about the shadow king.  I don't understand the concept.

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Colonial power tries to instill their beliefs and culture both in a straightforward manner, and in subtle 'behind the scenes" techniques. Rewards are given to those subjects who play by the rules, and follow their values and objectives with scholarships and other gifts. It is an underhanded way to keep the people happy, and to avoid resistance. One of the boys comments , that England loves shadow kings because they "are fond of shadows. They never do anything in the open."

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