crick crack monkey
ABOUT MERLE HODGE
- Merle Hodge was born in 1944 in Calcutta Settlement, Trinidad.
- She left for England in 1962 to study French at London University.
- She traveled extensively throughout Europe and Africa.
- She has written extensively as a freelance journalist.
- She is currently a teacher of English and creative writing at the Trinidad campus of the University of the West Indies.
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MERLE HODGE'S NOVELS
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THEMES
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SETTING
Time / Place
Time / Place
- The story is set in Trinidad, post-WW II.
- The plot unfolds in Santa Clara, Pointe d’Espoire, and Canapo in the 1950’s.
- World War II led to the establishment of American bases, which introduced an opportunity to earn money.
- The Base that they refer to in the text is most likely Chaguarmas, the only base that was kept after the Americans downgraded their presence on the island at the end of WW II.
- Trinidad boasted a very diverse Creole society populated by a variety of ethnic groups, each with its own cultural and religious practices.
- The general hierarchy was as follows: whites, Indians, Blacks.
- The middle-class Blacks (professionals) renounced their 'Africaness', and tried to copy the European-oriented behaviour of the whites, who were at the top of the social structure.
SUMMARY
Crick Crack Monkey is a book about Tee, her family, and the relationship that she has with the members of her family. The story opens with Tee and Toddan anxiously awaiting the arrival of their parents and new sibling. Tragedy strikes, however, and the children’s mother, along with the long-awaited baby, dies. Selwyn, the father, goes to England leaving the children in the care of their Tantie Rosa, his sister. A battle ensues, however, between Tantie Rosa and Aunt Beatrice, the mother’s sister, about who should foster the children. Time passes and Tee passes the Exhibition examination, receiving a scholarship to attend St. Ann’s High School. At this point, she goes to live with Aunt Beatrice, with alarming results. Tee is caught between the raucous and joyous world of Tantie Rose and the sedate middle-class life of Aunt Beatrice. She cannot find a place in either world and becomes very confused in terms of who she should be and how she should behave. The book ends with Tee on the verge of leaving Trinidad for England.
Crick Crack Monkey is a book about Tee, her family, and the relationship that she has with the members of her family. The story opens with Tee and Toddan anxiously awaiting the arrival of their parents and new sibling. Tragedy strikes, however, and the children’s mother, along with the long-awaited baby, dies. Selwyn, the father, goes to England leaving the children in the care of their Tantie Rosa, his sister. A battle ensues, however, between Tantie Rosa and Aunt Beatrice, the mother’s sister, about who should foster the children. Time passes and Tee passes the Exhibition examination, receiving a scholarship to attend St. Ann’s High School. At this point, she goes to live with Aunt Beatrice, with alarming results. Tee is caught between the raucous and joyous world of Tantie Rose and the sedate middle-class life of Aunt Beatrice. She cannot find a place in either world and becomes very confused in terms of who she should be and how she should behave. The book ends with Tee on the verge of leaving Trinidad for England.
MAJOR CHARACTERS
Cynthia Davis (Tee)
Cynthia Davis (Tee)
- She is a very determined young lady, initially, who does not give up on 'pranking' her way out of staying with Aunt Beatrice.
- She, initially, is not easily intimidated by anyone, an example being Teacher Gloria and Sir.
- She is an avid reader, a fact that contributed to the formulation of Helen, as well as her success in the Exhibition Examination.
- Tee transforms from a self-assured little girl to an introspective and confused adolescent who, under the influence of Aunt Beatrice, starts to dislike herself.
- Tee and Toddan's aunt.
- She is related to their father's sister.
- She has an intense dislike for Aunt Beatrice, who she refers to as 'the bitch'.
- Tantie is extremely loud and aggressive, as seen in her many arguments with Mikey, Aunt Beatrice, and Mr. Ling.
- She is also soft-hearted and caring because she opens her home to children who need love.
- She also finds it very difficult to let go of her children, as in the case of Mikey, Tee, and Toddan.
- He is a charming young man who loves his family, jokes with them, and constantly tries to please them.
- This is seen when he teases Tee, like a big brother, and when he delights in taking home presents for Tantie from the Base.
- She is Tee and Toddan's aunt.
- She is related from their mother's side, their mother's sister.
- A very determined woman who wants to have an influence on the upbringing of her sister's children.
- She has an intense dislike for Tantie, whom she feels is rearing her sister's children in a very 'ordinary and niggery' way.
- She is portrayed as a snob and a social climber because she treats people well, or otherwise, according to their social standing in society.
- She spoils her children.
- She is a lonely woman who takes Tee as her 'companion'.
- When she is spurned by Tee on the beach, she starts to castigate Tee in an insidious manner.
- She contributes to Tee's confusion and self-loathing.
- Codrington Davis (Toddan) - Tee's brother.
- Selwyn Davies - Tee and Toddan's father / He sends a letter requesting that Tee and Toddan join him in England.
- Norman McNiel (Uncle Norman) - Aunt Beatrice's husband / Tee and Toddan's uncle by marriage / Often bored and unresponsive to his family, especially Aunt Beatrice.
- Bernadette McNeil - Eldest child of Uncle Norman and Aunt Beatrice / Very snobbish to Tee, initially, until she learns that Tee is going to live in England.
- Jessica McNeil - Second daughter of Uncle Norman and Aunt Beatrice / Very snobbish to Tee / The darkest of all the daughters / The least favourite and most harassed daughter (by her mother) because she is the darkest offspring.
- Carol McNeil - Youngest daughter of Uncle Norman and Aunt Beatrice / Very snobbish to Tee / She is spoilt by her mother and cossetted by her teachers/ she is the lightest daughter and the most favoured by Aunt Beatrice.
- Elizabeth Helen Carter - The white ancestress / Aunt Beatrice almost worships her / All the light-toned members of the family are named after her, eg, Tee's mother and Carol (middle name).
- Miss de Vertueil - Carol's dance instructor / She rejects Tee as a student.
- Euphemia - The McNeil family helper when Tee first goes to stay with Aunt Beatrice.
- Mrs. Harper - The McNeil family ironing lady when Tee stays with the family the second time around / she is very disdainful of Aunt Beatrice's attempt to 'lighten' the family.
- Doolarie - Tee's childhood friend / She is Indian, and scorned by Aunt Beatrice.
- Mr. Hinds - Tee's teacher at ABC School / He is very strict with the children.
- Mrs. Hinds - Mr. Hinds' wife who assists him with teaching.
- Helen - Tee's proper self, the person she aspires to be / she is concocted from Tee's readings on how a proper young lady should behave.
- Mr. Thomas - The principal of the Santa Clara EC School / He is very pleasant and forgetful.
- Mr. Oliver - The watchman of Santa Clara EC School who dislikes children.
- Miss Dorothea - The vendor at the Santa Clara EC School who constantly annoys Mr. Oliver.
- Teacher Gloria - A teacher at the Santa Clara EC School who is subservient to Sir.
- Sir - The third standard teacher / He is extremely strict with his students.
- Mr. Ling - The Chinese owner of the local shop.
PLOT
Chapter 1
This chapter opens with the children, Tee and Toddan, sitting by the window anxiously awaiting the arrival of their parents, along with their new sibling. Tee then awakens by the windowsill to great confusion. The children's mother, and the baby, had died, and everyone was volunteering to take the children. Their father, Selwyn, then migrated, apparently leaving the children with Tantie Rosa. However, the threat of 'the bitch' loomed over the children.
Chapter 2
The reader discovers that Tantie's household is loud, boisterous, and hilarious. The focal point of this chapter is the bridge. We get an account of the activities that occur on the bridge and the characters that visit it. The jovial mood is spoiled, however, by Audie Murphy, who makes a disparaging comment about Tantie Rosie. Mikey then attacks Audie Murphy and a fight ensues. When Mikey comes home, he is treated in a loving and kind way by Tantie, despite the expectation that she would be on the rampage because Mikey was on the bridge, and took the children with him.
Chapter 3
Tantie Rosa wages a war with Aunt Beatrice by destroying all her letters and giving the children strict instructions about what to do if they encounter 'the bitch'. However, Aunt Beatrice visited the children unexpectedly one afternoon. They went for a car ride with her and Uncle Norman, where they were bribed with treats and persuaded to ask Tantie to allow the children to visit her. Tantie did not react well to her visit and she went on a rampage of cursing.
Chapter 4
The children were sent to Pointe d'Espoir to vacation with Aunt Josephine. This chapter gives an account of all the fun activities that the children did with their grandmother, Ma Josephine. The chapter also highlights the fact that the family is poor and that Tee is Ma's favourite grandchild.
Chapter 5
This chapter opens with Tee and Tantie at the gate of the ABC school, hoping to gain entry, along with a crowd of other parents and pupils. The first school runs out of space, so Tantie and the crowd rush to the second school, with the same results. At this point, they are left with no option but to go to Mrs. Hinds' school. Much time is spent outlining the actions of Mr and Mrs. Hinds in the classroom. One particular incident with a student called Duncey Joseph was highlighted because he experienced Mr. Hinds' wrath in the form of verbal and physical abuse.
Chapter 6
Aunt Beatrice appears at Tantie's house with a legal document that allows her to take the children. The chapter then focuses on life at Aunt Beatrice's house, while Tee and Toddan, in the shadows, do many rude things in order to be sent back to Tantie Rosa's house. However, each prank by the children was met with an indulgent smile by Aunt Beatrice. The inequality in Aunt Beatrice's household was revealed through the preference shown towards Carol, the lightest in skin tone, of the three daughters. Tantie eventually got the children back, however, with a letter from Selwyn naming her as their legal guardian.
Chapter 7
Tee recounts the differences between Big School and Mrs. Hines' school and the Friday night ritual of shopping at Mr. Ling's was highlighted. Tantie' Rosa's outlandish behaviour, and personality, are shown in her altercation with Mr. Ling over an item that she bought at his shop.
Chapter 8
This is a short chapter in which Tee recounts her experiences in Big School. Aside from being looked down upon by her class teacher because of her status as one of 'Mrs. Hinds' children, she also has to cope with being in the lowest grade, and all the disadvantages that come with this status. The dynamic between Sir and Gloria is explained, as well as the sheer awesomeness, from the perspective of Tee, of Big School.
Chapter 9
This chapter is about Mr. Oliver, the overzealous watchman who lives on the school property. The reader becomes privy to his comical relationship with the school vendor, as well as the school children. Details of the tragic end to a 'game' between Mr. Oliver and the children is recounted as well.
Chapter 10
This is a short chapter that highlights the exploits of the EC and RC school children, as well as the politics behind ownership, and usage, of the Savannah.
Chapter 11
Tee relays her life, with Sir, in third standard. He was a strong disciplinarian who used a whip called 'fire and brimstone' and 'the wrath of God'. He was very liberal with the use of his whip, except when he received visits from the pastor or Mr. Thomas.
Chapter 12
Tee and her friend raid the Estate, despite the wild stories of ghosts and hauntings that surround it. She is caught collecting the tamarinds, by Mr. Brathwaite, and reacts by cursing him and running away because she thought that he was a ghost. She was identified by Mr. Brathwaite the following day, and subsequently sent to Mr. Thomas' office to receive her punishment. This did not occur, so she returned to class. Her triumphant look, upon entering the classroom, signaled to Sir that no punishment was given, he therefore took it upon himself to puniish Tee with his whip.
Chapter 13
This chapter seeks to explain the existence of Helen, Tee's alter ego, or 'proper me'. She is a proper English girl whom Tee tries to emulate. She is laughed at by her family for trying to be like Helen.
Chapter 14
This chapter is about Mikey's job on the American base, and the advantages that come with it. He takes a permission form for Tantie to sign one night, which would give him the opportunity to go to New York. Tantie is upset and unwilling to sign because she feels as if she is losing everyone. First Selwyn, then the children (he'll send for them soon), and now Mikey. She reluctantly signs, and this chapter ends with everyone saying goodbye at the port of departure.
Chapter 15
Discussions about the Exhibition examination, along with the tenseness that surrounds it, form the body of this chapter. Tantie receives the news, early one Sunday morning, that Tee has received a scholarship. Plans are made that Tee would attend St. Ann's and live with Aunt Beatrice.
Chapter 16
The change in Tee's attitude towards her cousins and aunt, from defiant to compliant, is highlighted in this chapter. Tee seems to have entered a strange world in which children do not obey their parents and are, in fact, very rude to them. It turns out that Carol and Tee are in the same class, but it does not benefit her because she is ignored by Carol. She is at the bottom of the social hierarchy because she is not chosen for clubs or sports. Dancing is also a disaster because she is rejected by Carol's dance teacher. Her clothes and style of dress are rejected and she is to be christened in the Catholic church. She is also not allowed to attend Moonie's wedding because Moonie is Indian.
Chapter 17
Bernadette's views about her sisters and Tee are revealed. We learn that Bernadette's, along with the other cousins, contempt and Aunt Beatrice's cloying attention are two things that Tee finds uncomfortable. We learn about the white ancestress and her pivotal role in the family. Selwyn and the Godparents are blamed for Elizabeth's (Tee's mother) fall. Tee internalized the shame of being the product of this 'unholy union'.
Chapter 18
This chapter highlights Aunt Beatrice's favouritism towards Carol and her 'disfavour' towards Jessica. She blames Jessica's 'darkness', and subsequent woes associated with this state, on Uncle Norman. We also see her using Tee as a crutch to cope with her spoilt daughters, constantly comparing Tee's model behaviour to their rude ones. This makes Tee uncomfortable and further alienates Tee from the cousins. Tee develops a fear of her aunt that leaves her defenseless against her psychological onslaught. She did not go to carnival with Tantie and her family, as planned, but watched it from a respectable distance, all the while remembering the 'niggeryness' of the affair when she attended, in previous years, with Tantie. She also did not spend Easter vacation with Tantie and her family, but instead, went to Canapo with Aunt Beatrice's family.
Chapter 19
Uncle Norman spent most of the vacation sleeping, the three cousins spent all their waking hours with the Da Silva family, and Aunt Beatrice kept Tee very close to her. So much so, that she felt suffocated and hid away to be by herself on several occasions. The big event for Aunt Beatrice was having the Da Silva's over for lunch. She went shopping and prepared sumptuous dishes, but was disappointed, however, when her daughters returned home without their guests. Aunt Beatrice's loneliness is revealed in this chapter, along with Tee's suffocation and depression.
Chapter 20
Aunt Beatrice's attitude changes towards Tee after she snatches her hand away from her on the beach, she pointedly and reproachfully left her to her own devices for the duration of the time in Canapo. Life resumes at the MacNeil house and Tee is given a lecture for eating rice out of a bowl, with a spoon. Aunt Beatrice vowed to pull Tee out of her 'ordinaryness' and 'niggeryness', and blames this on Tantie. Bernadette's snobbish ways are highlighted in her treatment of Tee and Aunt Beatrice's interest in Bernadette's friends, particularly Roger, is revealed. She is particularly interested in Roger because he is light-skinned.
Chapter 21
This chapter reveals that Aunt Beatrice's perception of her, Tee, is having an impact. She now believes that her Tantie Rosa is indecent and a nobody. This chapter also reveals Mrs. Wattman's favouritism toward the lighter-toned children, she tells Tee that she will never get far.
Chapter 22
Tee spent a lot of time on the back steps of Aunt Beatrice's house watching and envying the passersby, who were unconsciously going home. The snobbish attitude of Aunt Beatrice and her children is seen in how they ignore and scorn their neighbour and Mrs. Harper defies Aunt Beatrice by conversing with the woman next door, leaving Aunt Beatrice appalled and powerless. Aunt Beatrice continues to treat Tee reproachfully and verbally abuses her about how she is uncouth. She achieves this in an insidious way, by blaming Tantie, but the result is that Tee slowly begins to dislike herself.
Chapter 23
Tee receives a letter from Tantie stating that she will be visiting. When Tantie arrives, Tee is appalled at the appearance and actions of her family. She entertains Tantie, Toddan, Doolarie, and Uncle Sylvester in the drawing room. Toddan gives her news, Doolarie is too shy to talk, they eat 'ordinary' food and then they leave. She yearns to call them back for a second but endures them in silence during their visit.
Chapter 24
The MacNeils take Tee to Tantie's house, where a going away party is in progress. The cousins' attitude to Tee has shifted dramatically since their discovery that she is to go to England to live with her father. Aunt Beatrice's influence is apparent at the party, however, when Tee shrinks away from the 'ordinaryness' of the occasion. Tee wishes that she was already in England during her party.
Chapter 1
This chapter opens with the children, Tee and Toddan, sitting by the window anxiously awaiting the arrival of their parents, along with their new sibling. Tee then awakens by the windowsill to great confusion. The children's mother, and the baby, had died, and everyone was volunteering to take the children. Their father, Selwyn, then migrated, apparently leaving the children with Tantie Rosa. However, the threat of 'the bitch' loomed over the children.
Chapter 2
The reader discovers that Tantie's household is loud, boisterous, and hilarious. The focal point of this chapter is the bridge. We get an account of the activities that occur on the bridge and the characters that visit it. The jovial mood is spoiled, however, by Audie Murphy, who makes a disparaging comment about Tantie Rosie. Mikey then attacks Audie Murphy and a fight ensues. When Mikey comes home, he is treated in a loving and kind way by Tantie, despite the expectation that she would be on the rampage because Mikey was on the bridge, and took the children with him.
Chapter 3
Tantie Rosa wages a war with Aunt Beatrice by destroying all her letters and giving the children strict instructions about what to do if they encounter 'the bitch'. However, Aunt Beatrice visited the children unexpectedly one afternoon. They went for a car ride with her and Uncle Norman, where they were bribed with treats and persuaded to ask Tantie to allow the children to visit her. Tantie did not react well to her visit and she went on a rampage of cursing.
Chapter 4
The children were sent to Pointe d'Espoir to vacation with Aunt Josephine. This chapter gives an account of all the fun activities that the children did with their grandmother, Ma Josephine. The chapter also highlights the fact that the family is poor and that Tee is Ma's favourite grandchild.
Chapter 5
This chapter opens with Tee and Tantie at the gate of the ABC school, hoping to gain entry, along with a crowd of other parents and pupils. The first school runs out of space, so Tantie and the crowd rush to the second school, with the same results. At this point, they are left with no option but to go to Mrs. Hinds' school. Much time is spent outlining the actions of Mr and Mrs. Hinds in the classroom. One particular incident with a student called Duncey Joseph was highlighted because he experienced Mr. Hinds' wrath in the form of verbal and physical abuse.
Chapter 6
Aunt Beatrice appears at Tantie's house with a legal document that allows her to take the children. The chapter then focuses on life at Aunt Beatrice's house, while Tee and Toddan, in the shadows, do many rude things in order to be sent back to Tantie Rosa's house. However, each prank by the children was met with an indulgent smile by Aunt Beatrice. The inequality in Aunt Beatrice's household was revealed through the preference shown towards Carol, the lightest in skin tone, of the three daughters. Tantie eventually got the children back, however, with a letter from Selwyn naming her as their legal guardian.
Chapter 7
Tee recounts the differences between Big School and Mrs. Hines' school and the Friday night ritual of shopping at Mr. Ling's was highlighted. Tantie' Rosa's outlandish behaviour, and personality, are shown in her altercation with Mr. Ling over an item that she bought at his shop.
Chapter 8
This is a short chapter in which Tee recounts her experiences in Big School. Aside from being looked down upon by her class teacher because of her status as one of 'Mrs. Hinds' children, she also has to cope with being in the lowest grade, and all the disadvantages that come with this status. The dynamic between Sir and Gloria is explained, as well as the sheer awesomeness, from the perspective of Tee, of Big School.
Chapter 9
This chapter is about Mr. Oliver, the overzealous watchman who lives on the school property. The reader becomes privy to his comical relationship with the school vendor, as well as the school children. Details of the tragic end to a 'game' between Mr. Oliver and the children is recounted as well.
Chapter 10
This is a short chapter that highlights the exploits of the EC and RC school children, as well as the politics behind ownership, and usage, of the Savannah.
Chapter 11
Tee relays her life, with Sir, in third standard. He was a strong disciplinarian who used a whip called 'fire and brimstone' and 'the wrath of God'. He was very liberal with the use of his whip, except when he received visits from the pastor or Mr. Thomas.
Chapter 12
Tee and her friend raid the Estate, despite the wild stories of ghosts and hauntings that surround it. She is caught collecting the tamarinds, by Mr. Brathwaite, and reacts by cursing him and running away because she thought that he was a ghost. She was identified by Mr. Brathwaite the following day, and subsequently sent to Mr. Thomas' office to receive her punishment. This did not occur, so she returned to class. Her triumphant look, upon entering the classroom, signaled to Sir that no punishment was given, he therefore took it upon himself to puniish Tee with his whip.
Chapter 13
This chapter seeks to explain the existence of Helen, Tee's alter ego, or 'proper me'. She is a proper English girl whom Tee tries to emulate. She is laughed at by her family for trying to be like Helen.
Chapter 14
This chapter is about Mikey's job on the American base, and the advantages that come with it. He takes a permission form for Tantie to sign one night, which would give him the opportunity to go to New York. Tantie is upset and unwilling to sign because she feels as if she is losing everyone. First Selwyn, then the children (he'll send for them soon), and now Mikey. She reluctantly signs, and this chapter ends with everyone saying goodbye at the port of departure.
Chapter 15
Discussions about the Exhibition examination, along with the tenseness that surrounds it, form the body of this chapter. Tantie receives the news, early one Sunday morning, that Tee has received a scholarship. Plans are made that Tee would attend St. Ann's and live with Aunt Beatrice.
Chapter 16
The change in Tee's attitude towards her cousins and aunt, from defiant to compliant, is highlighted in this chapter. Tee seems to have entered a strange world in which children do not obey their parents and are, in fact, very rude to them. It turns out that Carol and Tee are in the same class, but it does not benefit her because she is ignored by Carol. She is at the bottom of the social hierarchy because she is not chosen for clubs or sports. Dancing is also a disaster because she is rejected by Carol's dance teacher. Her clothes and style of dress are rejected and she is to be christened in the Catholic church. She is also not allowed to attend Moonie's wedding because Moonie is Indian.
Chapter 17
Bernadette's views about her sisters and Tee are revealed. We learn that Bernadette's, along with the other cousins, contempt and Aunt Beatrice's cloying attention are two things that Tee finds uncomfortable. We learn about the white ancestress and her pivotal role in the family. Selwyn and the Godparents are blamed for Elizabeth's (Tee's mother) fall. Tee internalized the shame of being the product of this 'unholy union'.
Chapter 18
This chapter highlights Aunt Beatrice's favouritism towards Carol and her 'disfavour' towards Jessica. She blames Jessica's 'darkness', and subsequent woes associated with this state, on Uncle Norman. We also see her using Tee as a crutch to cope with her spoilt daughters, constantly comparing Tee's model behaviour to their rude ones. This makes Tee uncomfortable and further alienates Tee from the cousins. Tee develops a fear of her aunt that leaves her defenseless against her psychological onslaught. She did not go to carnival with Tantie and her family, as planned, but watched it from a respectable distance, all the while remembering the 'niggeryness' of the affair when she attended, in previous years, with Tantie. She also did not spend Easter vacation with Tantie and her family, but instead, went to Canapo with Aunt Beatrice's family.
Chapter 19
Uncle Norman spent most of the vacation sleeping, the three cousins spent all their waking hours with the Da Silva family, and Aunt Beatrice kept Tee very close to her. So much so, that she felt suffocated and hid away to be by herself on several occasions. The big event for Aunt Beatrice was having the Da Silva's over for lunch. She went shopping and prepared sumptuous dishes, but was disappointed, however, when her daughters returned home without their guests. Aunt Beatrice's loneliness is revealed in this chapter, along with Tee's suffocation and depression.
Chapter 20
Aunt Beatrice's attitude changes towards Tee after she snatches her hand away from her on the beach, she pointedly and reproachfully left her to her own devices for the duration of the time in Canapo. Life resumes at the MacNeil house and Tee is given a lecture for eating rice out of a bowl, with a spoon. Aunt Beatrice vowed to pull Tee out of her 'ordinaryness' and 'niggeryness', and blames this on Tantie. Bernadette's snobbish ways are highlighted in her treatment of Tee and Aunt Beatrice's interest in Bernadette's friends, particularly Roger, is revealed. She is particularly interested in Roger because he is light-skinned.
Chapter 21
This chapter reveals that Aunt Beatrice's perception of her, Tee, is having an impact. She now believes that her Tantie Rosa is indecent and a nobody. This chapter also reveals Mrs. Wattman's favouritism toward the lighter-toned children, she tells Tee that she will never get far.
Chapter 22
Tee spent a lot of time on the back steps of Aunt Beatrice's house watching and envying the passersby, who were unconsciously going home. The snobbish attitude of Aunt Beatrice and her children is seen in how they ignore and scorn their neighbour and Mrs. Harper defies Aunt Beatrice by conversing with the woman next door, leaving Aunt Beatrice appalled and powerless. Aunt Beatrice continues to treat Tee reproachfully and verbally abuses her about how she is uncouth. She achieves this in an insidious way, by blaming Tantie, but the result is that Tee slowly begins to dislike herself.
Chapter 23
Tee receives a letter from Tantie stating that she will be visiting. When Tantie arrives, Tee is appalled at the appearance and actions of her family. She entertains Tantie, Toddan, Doolarie, and Uncle Sylvester in the drawing room. Toddan gives her news, Doolarie is too shy to talk, they eat 'ordinary' food and then they leave. She yearns to call them back for a second but endures them in silence during their visit.
Chapter 24
The MacNeils take Tee to Tantie's house, where a going away party is in progress. The cousins' attitude to Tee has shifted dramatically since their discovery that she is to go to England to live with her father. Aunt Beatrice's influence is apparent at the party, however, when Tee shrinks away from the 'ordinaryness' of the occasion. Tee wishes that she was already in England during her party.
Contributor: Leisa Samuels Thomas
Hodge, Merle. Crick Crack, Monkey. (Oxford) Heinemann Educational Publishers, 2000.
Henry, Christelene. Heineman Study Guides for CXC English: Merle Hodge’s Crick Crack Monkey. (Kingston, Jamaica) Heinemann Educational Books Ltd, 1981.
http://users.rcn.com/alana.interport/hodgebio.html
Hodge, Merle. Crick Crack, Monkey. (Oxford) Heinemann Educational Publishers, 2000.
Henry, Christelene. Heineman Study Guides for CXC English: Merle Hodge’s Crick Crack Monkey. (Kingston, Jamaica) Heinemann Educational Books Ltd, 1981.
http://users.rcn.com/alana.interport/hodgebio.html
