4 Arts

For the Life of

Laetitia
By: Merle Hodge
Andeisha Fermin, Jyah Mckenzie,Tyrell
Brooks, Briana Luna
4 Arts
Literature
Table of contents
01 02 03
Summary Compare & Contrast Themes
What the book is about.. • Two settings Some themes found in the
• Two characters text

04 05 06
Characters Conclusion Questions
Detailed description of the Summary of everything Any Questions?
characters
For the Life
of Laetitia
Morning class my group members
an I will be presenting on the
above topic and my group consist
of Jyah Mckenzie,Braina Luna,
Tyrell Brooks and myself Andeisha
Fermin
01 Summary
Hodge's novel portrays Caribbean culture
with serious themes. Laetitia, 12, moves to
the city to live with her father after passing
exams for a distant secondary school.
Despite abuse and discrimination, Lacey's
resourcefulness and friendship with Anjanee
help her endure. Anjanee's story is a
reminder that women without education are
invisible; she would rather die than live in
servitude. The dialogue includes island
patois. It is an inspiring tale of a young
woman's resilience and determination to
achieve education.
Compare and Contrast
Two settings:
In the novel, two contrasting settings
vividly come to life: the tranquil,
nurturing environment of Lacey's
grandparents' home in the countryside
and the bustling, challenging town where
she must live with her self-important
father. The rural setting symbolizes
warmth, wisdom, and a sense of
belonging, providing Lacey with a
supportive foundation. On the other hand,
the town represents a harsher reality,
marked by class prejudice and the
brutality of her father
Two characters:
As for characters, Lacey embodies
resilience and intelligence, navigating
adversity with determination. In contrast,
Anjanee, Lacey's Indian classmate, faces
unbearable pressures in her pursuit of
education without traditional family
support, ultimately leading to a tragic
outcome. These settings and characters
intricately weave together to illuminate
the diverse challenges and strengths
within the Caribbean culture portrayed in
the novel.
 Themes
● Resilience-“The teacher taught us children who were living in a home with someone that’s not their father
and exacts mother are living in a broken home” The theme of resilience is evident in Lacey's ability to face
adversity, demonstrating her inner strength and determination to overcome challenges.

● Friendship and support- "A friendship with Indian classmate Anjanee becomes Lacey's anchor in a sea of
difficulties." The importance of friendship and support is highlighted as Lacey finds solace and strength in
her relationship with Anjanee during tough times.

● Education as empowerment- "Anjanee's suicide is a compelling lesson: a woman who doesn't go to school is
doomed to a life of slaving for others. The theme underscores the transformative power of education,
emphasizing its role in breaking societal norms and empowering individuals to shape their own destinies.

● Confronting Prejudice-"Lacey must challenge both racism and sexism to get the education that will allow
her to escape both."
The narrative explores the theme of confronting prejudice, showcasing Lacey's journey in challenging societal
biases based on both race and gender to attain her educational goals.
 Four Characters
1.Laetitia
Lacey is a 12-year-old girl who faces the challenge of
leaving her nurturing home to live with her self-important
father in town. Despite facing class prejudice from
teachers and abuse from her father, she demonstrates
remarkable resourcefulness and resilience. Her friendship
with Anjanee provides a crucial support system.
2.Ma Willie
Lacey's wise grandparents play a pivotal role in her
upbringing. Their countryside home represents a tranquil
and nurturing environment, providing Lacey with a
sense of belonging and stability. While physically
distant, their influence and guidance linger throughout
the story, symbolizing the importance of familial support
in navigating life's challenges.
3.Anjanee
Anjanee, an Indian classmate of Lacey, grapples with
the cruel pressures of pursuing education without the
support of her traditional family. Her struggles become
unbearable, leading to a tragic outcome. Anjanee's
character highlights the harsh consequences faced by
women who lack access to education and support,
underscoring the broader theme of the transformative
power of schooling.
4.Mr.Cephas
Lacey's self-important father in town serves as a contrasting
figure. His character introduces challenges, including class
prejudice and abuse, contributing to Lacey's struggle for
independence and education. His portrayal adds complexity
to the narrative, exploring themes of family dynamics,
societal expectations, and the impact of parental
relationships on a young person's development.
Thanks for
listening
any
questions?