Orchids – A resilient orchid survives neglect, symbolizing memory and emotional

change.
2. This is the Dark Time, My Love – Colonial oppression darkens nature,
dreams, and people’s hope for freedom.
3. Ol’ Higue – A cursed woman explains her unwanted thirst for baby’s
blood.
4. Dulce et Decorum Est – Gas attack reveals war’s horrors and the lie of
patriotism.
5. Birdshooting Season – Men hunt; women prepare; children witness gender
roles and violence.
6. My Parents – Parents shield son from bullies; class and envy remain.
7. Little Boy Crying – Child misreads discipline; father hides love behind
stern lesson.
8. God’s Grandeur – Despite man’s destruction, nature renews through God’s
divine presence.
9. A Stone’s Throw – Mob judges woman; interrupted by unexpected
compassion and self-reflection.
10. It is the Constant Image of Your Face – Memory of betrayal haunts
speaker with guilt and love.
11. Dreaming Black Boy – Young boy dreams of freedom from racism and
limited opportunities.
12. The Woman Speaks to the Man… – Mother confronts man corrupting her son
into criminal life.
13. Test Match Sabina Park – Cricket symbolizes colonial tension, pride,
and racial unease.
14. South – Exile recalls tropical home; beauty contrasted with current
alienation.
15. Sonnet Upon Westminster Bridge – London’s morning stillness inspires
awe and appreciation for industrial beauty.
16. West Indies, U.S.A. – Commercialized Caribbean disappoints; lacks
authenticity of speaker’s true home.
17. Once Upon a Time – Father longs to unlearn adult hypocrisy and regain
innocence.
18. An African Thunderstorm – Thunderstorm mirrors colonial chaos and fear
among African villagers.
19. Mirror – Unbiased mirror reflects truth, aging, and woman’s self-
perception struggles.
20. Theme for English B – Black student explores race, identity, and shared
human experience.

1. Orchids – Hazel Simmons-McDonald

The speaker reflects on leaving a house she lived in for just five weeks. While
packing, she notices that the only item left unpacked is a spray of orchids gifted
to her by someone who routinely gives flowers. Initially, she views them as
unremarkable and only waters them once, expecting them to die like everything else
she’s discarding. Surprisingly, the orchids survive and even bloom again. This
causes her to reconsider their significance, and she decides to press them between
the pages of a book, suggesting a new-found respect or emotional attachment. The
poem explores themes of memory, resilience, and finding unexpected meaning in
small, overlooked things.

2. This is the Dark Time, My Love – Martin Carter

Written during the political upheaval in 1953 British Guiana, the poem reflects on
a period of military occupation and national oppression. The speaker addresses “my
love,” possibly a literal lover or a metaphor for his homeland. Nature mirrors the
suffering of the people: the sun is hidden, and red flowers droop in sorrow. The
atmosphere is filled with tension and fear, described as a “festival of guns” and
“carnival of misery.” The oppressors are depicted as steel-booted invaders,
trampling dreams and freedoms. The tone is somber and grim, highlighting themes of
colonialism, war, and loss.

3. Ol’ Higue – Mark McWatt

A Caribbean folklore character, the Ol’ Higue (a soucouyant), expresses frustration

with her cursed existence. She resents having to shed her skin and fly at night to
suck baby’s blood, not out of desire, but compulsion. She describes the painful
rituals involved in her supernatural life and her longing for normalcy—she’d rather
eat black pudding like others than live on infant blood. However, she admits being
drawn to the irresistible life-force of babies. She argues that she serves a
societal function: mothers need someone to blame for sudden infant death or even
their own dark thoughts. The tone is bitter yet insightful, reflecting on aging,
compulsion, and scapegoating.

4. Dulce et Decorum Est – Wilfred Owen

This powerful anti-war poem portrays the brutal reality of life in the trenches
during World War I. The speaker describes soldiers as physically broken and
mentally exhausted, trudging through mud, shell-shocked and gasping for breath. A
gas attack suddenly erupts, and while most manage to put on their gas masks, one
soldier fails and suffers a horrific death. The image of this man choking and dying
haunts the speaker’s dreams. In the final stanza, the speaker rejects the old
patriotic saying “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori” (“It is sweet and fitting
to die for one’s country”), calling it a lie. The poem underscores themes of
trauma, disillusionment, and the horrors of war.

15. Sonnet Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802 – William Wordsworth

This Romantic sonnet praises the beauty and calm of early morning London as seen
from Westminster Bridge. The speaker marvels at the city’s stillness and grandeur,
likening it to natural beauty and suggesting that only a dull soul could ignore
such splendor. It explores themes of nature, industrial beauty, and awe, capturing
a rare moment of peace in a bustling city.

16. West Indies, U.S.A. – Stewart Brown

The speaker contrasts the artificial, sanitized version of the Caribbean seen in
places like Miami or tourist resorts with the raw, authentic Caribbean of his
homeland. He laments the commodification of Caribbean culture and identity,
expressing frustration at the stereotypes and cultural erosion. The poem explores
identity, cultural authenticity, and postcolonial criticism.

17. Once Upon a Time – Gabriel Okara

A father speaks to his son about the loss of genuine human emotions in a society
where people wear false smiles and insincere expressions. He reflects on his own
transformation into a man who pretends and hides his true feelings, and longs to
relearn honesty from his child. The poem explores themes of innocence, pretense,
and the loss of authenticity in adulthood.

18. An African Thunderstorm – David Rubadiri

The poem uses the metaphor of a powerful, approaching thunderstorm to represent

chaos, change, or colonial invasion in Africa. Women and children react fearfully,
while the storm sweeps through the village. The vivid imagery and kinetic rhythm
mirror the movement and unpredictability of the storm. Themes include nature,
colonization, fear, and upheaval.

19. Mirror – Sylvia Plath

The poem is narrated by a mirror, which reflects truth without bias or emotion. The
mirror becomes a metaphor for aging, self-perception, and the harsh reality of
time. The speaker (a woman) struggles with her changing appearance and loss of
youth. Themes include identity, truth, aging, and self-awareness.

20. Theme for English B – Langston Hughes

A young Black student in a predominantly white university writes a poem as a class

assignment, reflecting on his identity and experiences. He questions how race,
truth, and individuality affect his

WORLD OF PROSE

1. Raymond’s Run – Toni Cade Bambara

Squeaky, a determined and competitive young girl, is the protagonist of this story.
She excels at running and looks forward to the annual May Day race in her
neighborhood. Squeaky is also the primary caregiver to her brother, Raymond, who
has a developmental disability. Throughout the story, Squeaky faces off against her
main rival, Gretchen, but ultimately, the story becomes about self-discovery.
Squeaky’s attitude toward competition shifts when she witnesses Raymond’s own
progress in running. The story reveals themes of personal growth, the importance of
family, and the shift from individual rivalry to recognizing the value of teamwork.

2. Blackout – Roger Mais

Set in Kingston, Jamaica, Blackout explores the reactions of various people when
the electricity goes out during a tense political climate. The story primarily
focuses on the internal struggles of a middle-class family as they navigate the
sudden loss of power. It symbolizes not only the literal darkness of a power
failure but also the figurative darkness of societal issues such as inequality,
corruption, and political unrest. The family is forced to face the complexities of
their lives, and the story reflects on how external circumstances influence
personal lives and relationships. Through these small moments, the story critiques
the social and political conditions of Jamaica.

3. Shabine – Hazel Simmons-McDonald

This coming-of-age story is set in a small Caribbean village where a young boy
named Shabine grapples with his identity. Raised by his grandmother, Shabine faces
ridicule because of his lighter skin, a consequence of colonial legacies. Shabine’s
experiences with his peers, family, and community force him to confront his sense
of self-worth and identity. As he matures, he becomes more aware of the
complexities of race and colorism in the Caribbean. The story poignantly captures
the emotional and psychological struggles of growing up in a world where social
expectations are deeply intertwined with race and heritage.

4. Blood Brothers – John Wickham

In Blood Brothers, two men, who were once close friends and have shared many
pivotal moments in life, find themselves at odds due to a tragic betrayal. The
story explores the complex dynamics of their relationship, which oscillates between
love, loyalty, and resentment. The tension between them escalates when they both
fall in love with the same woman, and their friendship unravels due to their
competing desires. The title, Blood Brothers, refers to the idea of an unbreakable
bond that exists between them, yet the story reveals how easily such bonds can be
destroyed by personal conflict, jealousy, and betrayal.

5. Buried with Science – John T. Gilmore

Buried with Science focuses on the dangers of blind scientific experimentation. A
scientist, deeply involved in his research, becomes obsessed with a particular
theory that promises to make groundbreaking advances in medicine. However, his
obsession leads him to neglect ethical considerations and personal relationships.
The story explores how scientific curiosity can sometimes spiral out of control,
leading to unintended consequences. It critiques the idea that science, while a
force for good, can sometimes be dangerous when it overlooks human ethics and the
well-being of individuals.

6. Emma – Carolyn Cole

The story of Emma revolves around a young girl named Emma who is caught between the
expectations of her family and her personal aspirations. Emma is a hardworking,
intelligent girl who dreams of breaking free from the confines of her small rural
village. However, she is held back by her family’s financial and emotional
dependence on her. The story explores Emma’s internal conflict as she contemplates
her future and her role in the family. It addresses the themes of sacrifice,
ambition, and the tension between personal dreams and familial duty. The resolution
of the story is both bittersweet and hopeful, as Emma comes to terms with her place
in the world.

7. Two Boys Named Basil – Mark McWatt

This story centers on two boys, both named Basil, who have very different lives but
are linked by a shared experience in a Caribbean village. One Basil comes from a
wealthy family, while the other is from a poor background. The narrative contrasts
their lives and shows how class and socioeconomic status impact their interactions
and worldviews. Through a series of events, the two boys’ lives intersect, and the
story reveals how deeply ingrained social divisions affect personal identity and
relationships. The story ultimately conveys a message about the importance of human
connection and the potential for individuals to overcome class barriers.

8. Victory and the Blight – Earl Lovelace

In Victory and the Blight, the story follows the journey of a young man named
Victory, who is trying to make sense of his role in a society marked by racial and
social inequality. Victory’s internal struggles mirror the larger social issues
that affect his community. He battles with feelings of powerlessness, but the story
reveals his gradual transformation as he learns to find his own voice. The blight,
a metaphor for the oppressive forces in his life, threatens to consume him, but he
ultimately rises above it. The story highlights themes of resilience, the search
for identity, and the fight for justice in a corrupt society.

9. Child of Darkening Humour – Noel D. Williams

This darkly comedic story focuses on a young boy, raised by a single mother, who
has a sharp sense of humor that masks his pain and confusion about his family and
identity. The boy navigates a world of complex emotions, often using humor as a
defense mechanism. The story explores themes of family dynamics, the challenges of
growing up, and the personal toll of dealing with unresolved trauma. As the boy
matures, he learns to understand the complexities of his relationships and begins
to reconcile with his past.

10. The Man of the House – Frank O’Connor

In The Man of the House, the protagonist is a young boy who takes on the
responsibility of caring for his mother and siblings after his father leaves. The
boy tries to step into the role of “man of the house” but faces a series of
challenges that force him to mature quickly. The story deals with the themes of
maturity, responsibility, and the loss of innocence as the boy navigates the
difficulties of family life. His transition from childhood to adulthood is marked
by his internal conflict and the complex dynamics of his family.

11. The Day the World Almost Came to an End – Pearl Crayton
This story focuses on a young girl who experiences a dramatic shift in her
understanding of the world after a near-disastrous event. Set against the backdrop
of a seemingly normal day, the story reveals how an accident, involving the main
character’s family, forces her to confront the fragility of life and the importance
of living fully in the present. The event serves as a catalyst for personal growth
as the girl learns to appreciate the fleeting moments of happiness, relationships,
and the unpredictability of life.

12. It’s Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White – Barbara Jenkins
The story revolves around a young woman who is caught between the pressures of her
past and the opportunities of her future. The protagonist is a woman of Caribbean
descent who navigates the complexities of cultural identity and personal
relationships. As she tries to reconcile her heritage with the modern world, she
faces challenges that force her to confront her own perceptions of herself and her
place in society. The story explores the tension between tradition and change,
examining how the protagonist learns to balance these competing forces.

13. The Boy Who Loved Ice Cream – Olive Senior

This is a heartwarming story about a boy named Lennox, who has an insatiable love
for ice cream. The boy’s simple joy becomes a symbol of childhood innocence and the
pure pleasure of small things. Lennox’s obsession with ice cream becomes a metaphor
for the larger desire for fulfillment in life. The story touches on themes of
childhood joy, materialism, and the passage of time, as the boy’s obsession with
ice cream leads him to reflect on what truly makes him happy in life.

14. Uncle Umberto’s Slippers – Mark McWatt

Uncle Umberto’s Slippers is a humorous yet poignant exploration of family dynamics
and generational gaps. The story revolves around a young boy and his relationship
with his eccentric Uncle Umberto. The uncle’s peculiar habits and attitudes towards
life, especially his obsession with his slippers, create both comedic and serious
moments in the narrative. The story deals with themes of familial love, respect,
and the sometimes awkward but enduring bonds between relatives, illustrating how
generations can clash but still find ways to connect.

15. The Creek – Subraj Singh

Set in a rural Caribbean village, The Creek follows the story of a young boy and
his connection to the natural world around him, especially the creek near his home.
The creek serves as a symbol of life, change, and memory. As the boy grows older,
he begins to see the creek and the life around it differently. The story explores
the theme of loss—both of innocence and of the natural world—as the boy’s
perspective shifts and he comes to terms with the changes that come with growing
up. It also touches on the relationship between humans and nature.

16. Georgia and Them There United States – Velma Pollard

This story deals with the complexities of migration and the pull between home and
the lure of a foreign country. It follows a young girl named Georgia, whose family
has migrated to the United States in search of a better life. Georgia grapples with
the cultural differences, the alienation of being away from her home country, and
her struggle to belong in a new place. The story highlights the challenges and
sacrifices involved in migration, focusing on Georgia’s internal battle as she
tries to reconcile her identity in both her home country and the U.S.

17. Shoes for the Dead – Kei Miller

In Shoes for the Dead, the main character reflects on the cultural practices
surrounding death and the symbolism of the afterlife in Jamaican society. The story
follows the protagonist’s journey through grief and memory as he tries to
understand the significance of his own family’s customs surrounding death. The
protagonist is caught between his modern sensibilities and the traditional beliefs
of his family, which creates a rich tension that challenges his understanding of
life, death, and legacy. The story addresses themes of memory, loss, and cultural
practices, as well as the emotional complexity of mourning.

18. The Girl Who Can – Ama Ata Aidoo

The Girl Who Can focuses on a young girl named Akosua, who defies the expectations
placed on her as a girl in her rural Ghanaian village. Despite the fact that her
society values boys over girls, Akosua excels in running, a talent that gives her a
sense of pride and accomplishment. The story highlights themes of gender equality,
personal empowerment, and the strength of women. Akosua’s journey becomes symbolic
of the broader struggle for women’s rights and opportunities in traditional
societies.

19. The Pain Tree – Olive Senior

The Pain Tree explores the tension between the Caribbean heritage and the modern
world. The protagonist is a woman who returns to her rural Jamaican home after
being away for several years. As she reconnects with her past, she revisits the
memories of pain, loss, and sacrifice associated with her family. The central motif
of the pain tree, which symbolizes suffering and emotional scars, underscores the
story’s focus on reconciliation with the past and healing. The narrative weaves
themes of memory, generational trauma, and the search for peace.

20. Mint Tea – Christine Craig

This is a poignant story about a young woman who is caught between the fading
memories of her childhood and the realities of adulthood. The protagonist’s
relationship with her mother and the role that tea plays in their bonding moments
highlight the significance of simple rituals in familial life. As the protagonist
reflects on her changing relationship with her mother and the passage of time, the
story explores themes of memory, change, and the passage of generations.

21. To Da-Duh, in Memoriam – Paule Marshall

In To Da-Duh, in Memoriam, the protagonist is a young girl who visits her
grandmother, Da-Duh, in rural Barbados. The story focuses on the generational
divide between the narrator, a child of the urban, modern world, and Da-Duh, a
proud woman of the land who holds on to the old ways. Their relationship evolves as
they engage in a battle of wills, with the narrator’s modernity clashing with Da-
Duh’s traditionalism. The story explores themes of cultural identity, change, and
the tension between progress and tradition, as well as the generational divide that
comes with time.

22. Savi’s Trial – Hazel Simmons-McDonald

This story follows a young girl named Savi, who is faced with a personal challenge
that tests her courage, intelligence, and resilience. The story captures Savi’s
struggle to overcome the difficulties placed before her, learning important life
lessons along the way. The narrative explores themes of perseverance, personal
growth, and self-discovery, illustrating how an individual can find strength even
in the face of adversity.

23. Mom Luby and the Social Worker – Kristin Hunter

In this story, the protagonist, Mom Luby, is an elderly woman who is visited by a
social worker. The story contrasts Mom Luby’s traditional, independent lifestyle
with the social worker’s more modern, institutional approach. Through their
interactions, the story delves into the challenges faced by elderly people in
modern society, particularly the tension between personal autonomy and the desire
for help or intervention. It also touches on themes of care, dignity, and
generational gaps.

24. Berry – Langston Hughes

Berry is a story that focuses on the themes of resistance and pride within the
African American community. Berry, an elderly Black man, stands up to the
oppression of white landowners, demonstrating courage and strength in the face of
systemic racism. The story explores themes of dignity, defiance, and the human
spirit’s ability to endure in the face of injustice. Berry’s actions represent a
quiet yet powerful rebellion against the societal structures that seek to oppress
him.

25. The Two Grandmothers – Olive Senior

This story revolves around the relationship between the narrator and her two
grandmothers, who represent contrasting values and lifestyles. One grandmother
lives in the city, leading a modern, somewhat materialistic life, while the other
lives in the countryside, embodying traditional values and wisdom. The story
reflects on the narrator’s growing understanding of these two very different worlds
and how they shape her identity. The narrative explores themes of cultural
heritage, family, and the influence of different generations on a young person’s
development.

1. Raymond’s Run – Toni Cade Bambara

Competitive girl learns personal growth through running and family support.
2. Blackout – Roger Mais
Power outage forces characters to confront societal issues and relationships.
3. Shabine – Hazel Simmons-McDonald
A boy’s search for identity amidst cultural challenges and conflicts.
4. Blood Brothers – John Wickham
Friendship deteriorates due to jealousy, rivalry, and a tragic betrayal.
5. Buried with Science – John T. Gilmore
Scientist’s obsession with research leads to dangerous, unintended consequences.
6. Emma – Carolyn Cole
Girl struggles between family responsibility and personal aspirations, finding
balance.
7. Two Boys Named Basil – Mark McWatt
Contrasting lives of two boys reveal class divisions and relationships.
8. Victory and the Blight – Earl Lovelace
Young man struggles with societal issues, personal identity, and resilience.
9. Child of Darkening Humour – Noel D. Williams
Young boy uses humor to mask internal pain and family struggles.
10. The Man of the House – Frank O’Connor
Boy assumes responsibility for family after father leaves, growing up quickly.
11. The Day the World Almost Came to an End – Pearl Crayton
Near-disastrous event changes a girl’s perspective on life and relationships.
12. It’s Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White – Barbara Jenkins
Protagonist navigates cultural identity and generational tension in modern life.
13. The Boy Who Loved Ice Cream – Olive Senior
Boy’s obsession with ice cream symbolizes childhood innocence and desires.
14. Uncle Umberto’s Slippers – Mark McWatt
Eccentric uncle’s quirky obsession with slippers reveals familial bonds and love.
15. The Creek – Subraj Singh
A boy’s connection to a creek represents innocence, growth, and loss.
16. Georgia and Them There United States – Velma Pollard
Georgia struggles with cultural identity after migrating to the United States.
17. Shoes for the Dead – Kei Miller
Death customs in Jamaica explored through family’s grief and legacy.
18. The Girl Who Can – Ama Ata Aidoo
Girl defies societal expectations, showing empowerment, strength, and ambition.
19. The Pain Tree – Olive Senior
Protagonist reconnects with painful memories, confronting personal growth and
healing.
20. Mint Tea – Christine Craig
Reflecting on changing relationships, the story explores family, memory, and
transition.
21. To Da-Duh, in Memoriam – Paule Marshall
Young girl clashes with grandmother over traditional versus modern values.
22. Savi’s Trial – Hazel Simmons-McDonald
Savi faces personal trials, discovering strength, resilience, and self-discovery.
23. Mom Luby and the Social Worker – Kristin Hunter
Elderly woman’s independence challenges social worker’s intervention in her life.
24. Berry – Langston Hughes
Elderly Black man defies oppression, embodying dignity and quiet rebellion.
25. The Two Grandmothers – Olive Senior
Protagonist reflects on contrasting values of two grandmothers shaping identity.