Do you know Beka Lamb?
Beryl Clarke, Contributor

Beka is known as a liar, a thief and a phony. Her mother has assisted her to stop the lying; she has discontinued the practice of taking money from her father's pants pocket and does not like being called phony. Previously, we examined the school's influence on the girls in making them false but we must also accept that Beka puts on airs because she considers her family to be superior to many of those among whom they live.

Her other faults include putting off doing her chores and not taking her schoolwork seriously enough to be successful during her first year in the second form because she is lazy. It is her failure to pass second form and the threat of not being allowed to continue her high school education that caused her to examine her position and to question the future she would have if she does not have the opportunity to go back to St Cecilia's. By observing how she goes about cleaning the attic, being careful to do her best and not even stopping to look at old copies of the Jamaica Gleaner, we are able to conclude that she has started to make positive changes. But it is in her reaction to Toycie when she finds out that her friend is pregnant that we see that Beka is really maturing. Even if we overlook her attitude to Emilio and her warnings before Toycie becomes an expectant mother, we cannot ignore how she rushes to her assistance when she vomits in assembly and willingly cleans up the mess. On their way to school that morning we could see that there was a shift in their relationship as it is Beka who physically supports a weak and seemingly ailing companion.

From here on, Beka behaves as if she is the older 'sister', offering comfort and advice and acting with a sense of responsibility that she has not displayed in earlier times. When Toycie had to return home early, it is Beka who realises that she would be alone at home and makes the effort to have Miss Eila informed of this development. She accompanies Toycie to see Emilio outside the Catholic church because she wants to prop her up. Do notice that as part of her growth Beka notes that she is not following her mother's directions but goes with Toycie because she knows that her friend needs her support. There is an incident at this point between Father Mullins and Miss Arguelles that further shows that Beka is changing. Where formerly she would have been amused by Miss Arguelles' vulgar action, this time she is embarrassed.

Her role as the stronger one in their

friendship is maintained as the story unfolds. She is the one who tries to comfort Toycie after Emilio's rejection, declaring her love, suggesting the likelihood of a future reconciliation between Toycie and Emilio, and even making plans for herself and Toycie to live together and bring up the child when he is born. She recognises the mental and emotional state that her friend is in and tries to cheer her up. As a true friend, Beka stands ready to help her despite her situation, and although Toycie withdraws into herself, she does not give up on her but tries to reach her in order to do what she can for her. She understands Miss Eila's pain and mourns for Toycie as she deteriorates mentally. It is, however, part of her growing up that leads to her doing well enough in the essay competition to make her a winner.

At the end of seven months in Beka's life we can see obvious changes, signs of improvement. While she is outspoken, she has learnt to keep silent sometimes instead of rushing into intemperate speech as she used to do. She understands more clearly how a woman's life can break down, not only through her own foolish choices but because of the larger circumstances that confront her. She has reversed her role with Toycie, giving advice and comfort when possible; she no longer creates trying and stressful situations for her parents and through diligent research and hard work she has proven her ability to succeed by organising the folk song segment of the programme planned for the Mother Provincial's visit, topping the essay competition and passing second form.

You need to spend some time contemplating the role of the other women in the story as well as the social and racial aspects of Belizean life as presented in the book. I would like you to think about the writer's style or how Zee Edgell tells the story. For this, you must consider the language used, including her use of Creole, imagery, historical and political references and symbols.

Please remember that we do not learn much by talking - we learn by listening.

God bless!