Lamming briefly mentions several men who became heroes to West Indians of African descent, including Marcus Garvey, Paul Robeson, and Patrice Lumumba. Investigate the lives of these individuals and other influential figures such as Franz Fanon or Bob Marley. What qualities did they possess that resonated with the aspirations of the West Indian population?

When were the West Indies first "discovered" by Europeans? Who were the initial settlers? Which different colonizing nations have had a presence there, and which nations still maintain their influence? What impact did slavery and plantation agriculture have on their colonization?

In the novel, the character Trumper leaves Barbados and emigrates to the United States. His journey mirrors that of millions of West Indians who moved to the United States in the twentieth century and continue to do so today. Where are the major West Indian communities located in the United States? What challenges do they encounter? What tensions have emerged between West Indian communities and other immigrant or native groups in the United States?

Like numerous writers throughout history, George Lamming became an "exile," leaving his homeland to discover his artistic voice. Explore the lives and careers of other famous exiled writers from both modern and ancient times, such as Ovid, Boethius, Dante, Lord Byron, or James Joyce. Why were they exiled, and how did their exile influence their work?

Barbadians proudly consider themselves citizens of "Little England," a place with a unique connection to the mother country. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, England established one of the largest empires in history. What were some of the other significant colonies? How did England attempt to instill its culture and values in these colonies?