Brother Man

Brother Man

What are some of the Narrative Techniques that Roger Mais used in Brother Man?

 The narrative techniques present in the novel Brother Man are:

Foreshadowing                                                 Flashback                                            Setting

Characterization                                               Plot

How does Roger Mais develop characterization?

Roger Mais developed characterization by depicting real personalities and the livelihoods of Jamaicans, in that time, to relate to his characters in the novel to make them appear more real.

Where is the setting?

The setting of the novel Brother Man is in Kingston, Jamaica.

What are some of the themes?

Some of the themes present in the novel are:

Love                                      Poverty                                                Greed

Betrayal                               Friendship                           Lust

Abuse                                   Deception                           Religion

Discuss the different plots that are within the book.

The different plots presented in the book are:

Bra Ambro’s plot to destroy Bra Man- This was illustrated at the beginning of the novel when Bra Ambro asked Bra Man to hold some of his belongings just until after the police raid was over. When Bra Man refused to do the favor, Bra Ambro grew fixated on plotting his revenge on Bra Man for what he thought was betrayal. He used a desperate and depressed Cordelia as his pawn to turn against Bra Man using Black Magic.

Papacita’s plot to get rid of Bra Man- Papacita developed feelings for Minette, as evident in the novel, but knew that it would be impossible for him to vie for a chance at her love with Bra Man in the way. So he devised a plan to frame Bra Man so that through loneliness, Minette will be forced into his arms.

How was Foreshadowing displayed?

Foreshadowing was displayed:  

In Bra Ambro and Bra Man antagonistic relationship. Bra Ambro’s need for revenge on brother man for what he felt was an act of disloyalty.

In Girlie and Papacita’s unhealthy, abusive relationship. It was foreseen that such a Relationship would not have a happy ending.

In Papacita’s hate for Bra Man. It was visible that Papacita was           determined to get what he wanted at any cost.

How was Flashback displayed?

Flashback was evident when:     Bra Man told Minette of his past struggles and betrayals.

                                                          Minette’s horrid past, before she met Bra Man, was stated.

Cordelia remembers her boyfriend, before he was charged with drug possession and sent to prison.

         

How has religion played an important role in the novel Brother Man?

Religion played a major role in the novel Brother Man because the main character, Bra Man, was described as being the epitomy of Jesus Christ. He exemplified characteristic, such as the power to heal, and even physical features that are similar to those of Christ. Roger Mais also included biblical allusion referencing to events that occurred in the bible for example:  He preached to the non-believers and healed the sick just as Christ did. Another example that presented itself was just as Jesus’ followers betrayed and turned on him at the time of his crucifixion so did the person’s that Bra Man healed.