The most important feature of the syntax in this passage is the repeated use of exclamation marks. Their purpose is simple- to emphasize certain sentences, in this case many sentences. They are used accentuate Francisco’s anger against the British. And again, the exclamation marks are used to support the central theme of conflicting beliefs. In this passage they serve to emphasize Fransisco’s heated feelings of which parallels can be drawn in the greater Indian colony such as the conflict between the British and the reformers or the conflict between the Muslims and the Hindus. Furthermore, these exclamation marks come as contrast to the initial questions posed by Epifania, which of course were ended in question marks: “O God, where are they going?” asked Epifania, missing the point. “In such a bad moment they will abandon us to our fate and that boogeyman, Kaiser Bill?”. These questions posed by her almost serve a purpose as if to provoke her husband, which she may have purposely done? Regardless, the effect is an outpouring of anger and emotion from Francisco. (P)
The language used is very poignant and affecting. It plays on the emotions of Indians by highlighting the injustices committed by the British in India. Francisco states that “Our youngsters are dying in British uniforms!”, which of course is something that will reach the heart of all Indians. He is sending out an emotional plea for other Indians to join his side in promoting home-rule through the grave and depressing examples he provides in his speech: “Our nation’s wealth is being shipped off…at home our people starve, but British Tommy is utilizing our wheat, rice, jute and coconut products… our mines are being emptied…I swear!”. Fransisco finally concludes with: “Bombay-wallahs getting rich and nation going to pot” as a stark warning to his family and fellow countrymen that if the British are not removed, then India will soon be left in shambles. (s)
Francisco also relies on the use of imagery in his speech. Specifically, he uses imagery of the India’s great natural resources- the wheat, jute, coconut, saltpeter, manganese, mice and even its youth. One can imagine the beautiful landscapes in India where these materials are sourced, and at the same time see the British consuming and abusing these resources and the landscape so profligately. (P)
In addition, character specific language is evident in this passage. So far the character of Francisco has been developed as one of a modernist and an intellectual, and these traits are evident in his use of witty language. For instance, when Epifania asks such an ignorant and almost childlike questions such as “In such a bad moment they will abandon us to our fate and that boogyman, Kaiser Bill” (which fits her un-intellectual character), Fransisco responds with a witty pun that makes his point clear: “The Kaiser is one bill we are already paying”. Again, this supports the conflicting nature between the characters. (P)
This passage provides prime examples that support what has been built of each character thus far in the story. Francisco’s speech exemplifies his progressive, liberal minded reformist character. Through his hostile speech against British rule, Fransisco highlighted many of the same issues that concern Mr. Nehru and other leaders of the home-rule movement. According to his beliefs, and through his charisma, Fransisco appears to have many of the traits that a hero of a free modern-day India would possess. Coming from such a wealthy background and living a fairly lavish lifestyle (much more than most Indians, but still more restrained than that of his wife and children) would often not be intertwined with a dedication to helping poor and oppressed people of a country. Francisco had a choice. He could ignore the issues facing India and its people and remain with his wealth on his private island, existing in oblivion to oppression and injustice occurring on the mainland (like his wife), or he could advocate for change in hope of creating a free and fairer India. Choosing the latter, made him a hero, but a hero who was not able to fulfill his destiny. Epifania however, sticking to the first choice, kept her traditional pro-British views and died much later than her husband. Though she passed away without any accomplishments in regard to securing India’s future as a free state. (s)
This passage contributes significantly to the story’s overall plot development. The argument between Francisco and Epifania polarizes the family. The story was building up to this point (as issue started to arise that caused a rift in the relationship between Epifania and Fransisco such as the architectural additions). It marks a significant position in the rising action since from this point on the family is divided. Aires takes the reactionary side of his mother, while the younger Camoens sides with his progressive father. With the children taking sides, the rift in the family grows. Even after Francisco’s death, relations between Epifania and Camoens are tense because of position on the issue. (P)
Most importantly this passage supports and develops major themes that reoccur throughout novel. The clash between Francisco and Epifania supports the theme of conflicting beliefs and diverging interests. Though more importantly, this can be extended to India as a whole and the da Gama family can be considered a microcosm of India at the time. Epifania represents the British viewpoint and all the conservatives and reactionaries that support it. Francisco represents the proponents of the home-rule movement such as Nehru, Gandhi and Annie Besant. Their quarrel symbolizes the conflict between the British and the reformers in India at the time. The conflict in the da Gama household led to dysfunction in the family, but India grew out of dysfunction and conflict. India grew out of a conflict of interests between the British rulers and the Indian people desperate for freedom. India was born after the reformers succeeded in removing the British during their years of passive, non-violent resistance. However, modern day India was also born out of another conflict- the Muslim-Hindu conflict. It was this dispute that led to the partition of India and the creation of the Muslim states of Pakistan and East Pakistan and the Hindu dominated state of India. Camoens and Francisco advocated for a secular India, home to both Hindus and Muslims, and free of religious disputes in government. However, the partition brought an end to their hopes. (S)
In conclusion, this passage develops the theme of conflicting beliefs and interests as well as advances the portrayal of the family as a microcosm of India. The characters take clear side in the conflicts that fill Indian politics which in turn deepens the divide already in place in their family. (S)
