Discussion Topic
The purpose of chapters eight and ten in Beka Lamb
Summary:
Chapters eight and ten in Beka Lamb serve to deepen the reader's understanding of the protagonist's personal growth and the socio-political context of Belize. These chapters explore Beka's academic struggles, her family's expectations, and the impact of colonialism on their lives, highlighting themes of identity, change, and resilience.
What is the purpose of chapter eight in Beka Lamb?
In chapter 8, we are introduced to Emilio Sanchez Villanueva, Toycie's boyfriend.
Emilio is described as a boy of seventeen, the same age as Toycie, and of both Mayan and Spanish ancestry. Emilio is also strong, illustrious, and capable.
We are told that he can swim better than all the boys in his age group. In fact, there are times when his prowess in the water exceeds that of older boys. Emilio can also dive for a long time and gut fish as well as his grandfather.
In short, Emilio is the kind of boy who can turn any girl's head. He's strong, good-looking, talented, and intelligent. Accordingly, Emilio's parents sold their property in Ambergris Caye to finance their son's education at St. Anthony's Jesuit College in Belize.
Emilio, of course, passed the entrance exam to the college, which prompted his parents to make the fateful decision to leave Ambergris...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
Caye.
Chapter 8 also highlights the foundation of Toycie and Beka's close friendship, and is also describes the major reason for conflict between Toycie and Beka.
The chapter also calls attention to Toycie's growing distrust of Emilio. Even Granny Ivy is skeptical of Emilio's intentions toward Toycie: she warns that, if Toycie isn't careful, she may end up with a baby instead of a diploma.
In addition to all of this, chapter 8 also foreshadows the negative impact of Toycie's poor decisions, mistakes which eventually lead to her death later in the novel.
What is the purpose of chapter 10 in Beka Lamb?
Chapter 10 of Beka Lamb reveals Beka sitting with her mother, Lilla and Granny Ivy as Greatgran Straker's funeral takes place. Greatgran Straker, Beka's mother's grandmother was Beka's confidante, always encouraging her to be herself and to create a place for herself in the world. Chapter 10 gives the reader an insight into "the old people that remember things from the time before." The whole community either observes or participates as it is customary to understand details of the person who has died and his or her family. A funeral draws the community together more than most other occurrences.
The reader is exposed to Granny Ivy's political opinions as Aunt Tamara, she feels, does not dress appropriately and is far too Spanish for her liking, having been working in Honduras. There is further tension between Emilio's mother; Emilio being Beka's best friend Toycie's, boyfriend; and Toycie's guardian and the difficulties surrounding their relationship. Toycie's pregnancy will result in tragic circumstances which Beka struggles to cope with.
Chapter 10 thus highlights the growing differences between old and new beliefs and customs and the difficulties between meeting cultural requirements and becoming one's own person.