Indledning
The phrase "I am of, and not of, this place" recurs throughout Caryl Phillips' essay, A New World Order, encapsulating the essence of a globalized world where individuals struggle with the notion of belonging.
Phillips explores the theme of nostalgia for a non-existent home by sharing his personal story of how he has constructed an identity with the cards he has been dealt. The essay is a collection of flashbacks from various stages of Phillips' life, not presented chronologically.
Optimer dit sprog - Læs vores guide og scor topkarakter
Uddrag
In his second retrospective, Phillips embarks on a transformative journey to his birthplace alongside his mother.
At the age of 22, he encounters the roots he never knew existed, discovering a sense of belonging within the nurturing cradle of his ancestors. Yet, paradoxically, he remains an outsider in this very place, facing a profound sense of alienation.
Phillips captures the serene essence of the water in St. Kitts with his vivid description: "like the surface of a mirror." This comparison poignantly reflects his ability to see his own reflection in this place.
Similar to his fearless demeanor in New York City, he embraces this environment without hesitation. However, a stark contrast emerges when his mother reveals her reluctance to return, suggesting that there is a reservoir of untold history within her.
While Phillips joyfully embraces St. Kitts as his birthplace, his mother attaches greater significance to this land. Unlike her son, she may not possess the same global perspective, and therefore may never have fully embraced England. St. Kitts is not only her place of birth but also her sole home.
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