English B- Revision Drama : Ti-Jean and his Brothers

Do Now: Consider:  Pride, Humility

Objectives: 

Share ideas on “Ti-Jean and his Brothers”

Demonstrate respect  for classmates’ contributions to the class

Demonstrate the behaviour associated with an effective learner/student

Share ideas on “Ti-Jean and his Brothers”

Demonstrate respect for classmates’ contributions to the class

Demonstrate the behaviour associated with an effective learner/student

Pride vs. Humility Colonialism versus. Racism

Capitalism and Dehumanisation (Slavery/Indentureship)

The Supernatural (God/ Supreme being, the devil, the spirit world or realm alongside or parallel to the natural world and the overlaps/intersections)

Walcott demonstrates the dangers of pride by showing it as what causes the two older brothers to succumb to the Devil’s manipulation. 

Gros Jean and Mi-Jean’s pride cause them to want to prove that they measure up to the standards and expectations set by the Devil. Their egos are so inflated that they don’t stop to wonder whether it’s really worth it to try and prove themselves to the Devil. 

However, Ti-Jean’s humility allows him to recognise  that there is no need for him to prove himself to the Devil. He discerns that the whole system the Devil set up is exploitative and needs to be destroyed.

The antagonist of the three brothers is the Devil himself . Ti- Jean and his two older brothers live in poverty so the Devil promises them that whoever among them can cause him to lose his temper will receive wealth and property. However, if the Devil succeeds in making one of the brothers angry, he gets to eat him. 

As the three brothers navigate this challenging situation, they demonstrate varying understandings of religion and faith. While Ti-Jean has an understanding of faith that gives him courage and strength to face the Devil, his two brothers have more negative understandings of religion that end up limiting them and causes their deaths.

 Through demonstrating the ways in which Ti-Jean’s faith helps him to beat the Devil, Walcott stresses the power of steadfast religious belief even in the face of bleak circumstances.