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How does Jamila Gavin Present 18th Century Values and attitudes in

Coram Boy
Jamila Gavin has shaped a thought provoking and motivating novel by effectively
gaining compassion from her readers; Gavins impartial viewpoint provides the reader
with an intricate sense of 18th century moral values and attitudes which differ from
ours today, furthermore numerous social concerns are discussed in Gavin's book, which
include disability, slavery, and illegitimate pregnancies. Her novel, Coram Boy, is the
gripping tale of Meshak Gardener whose life is overpowered by his unbearable, miserly
father Otis and plagued with an abnormal connection to the supernatural. When his
world collides with that of Alexander Ashbrook, a victim, of sorrow brought about by his
forbidden love for music, the story transforms into an epic journey fraught with peril
and excitement.
In the 18 century pregnancies out of matrimony were considered outrageous,
scandalous and dishonorable to the respective family name. This aspect of 18 th century
life highly impacts the construction of Coram boy and is highlighted in many of Gavins
language choices and portrayed through the characterization of Mrs. Milcote and
Melissa.
The disgrace. Well both be thrown out. Destitute
This section of dialogue reveals the distressing emotions that one would feel during
these times, underlined through the cluster of three. This is effective as it achieves the
sense of fear and terror needed to grip the reader further.
Another appealing attribute Gavin uses, is the structure. In this paragraph, the full
stops after each phrase, not only help build up dramatic tension and trepidation, they
make the reader contemplate the circumstances further, thus allowing many questions
to pop up, shortly to be answered.
Gavin tries to attain sympathy for her characters, she does this through governing
words; such as suffocated, terrified, ruined. These terms are sophisticated and
signify the extent of their ordeal which in turn accentuates the repercussions of
children born out of wedlock.
"He picked his way through the hordes of homeless children who congregated at
evening, like the starlings, to look for the most sheltered niche into which they could
huddle for the night." Gavin uses vast details to aid the reader envisage the scene in
addition to also using a simile to help the reader compare the circumstances in which
the children are in. This sentence impacts a few aspects of Coram boy Slavery,
Pregnancy and Class. It shows that crowds of poor children had to live on the streets
and fend for themselves during the 18th century, this is highlighted through the
alliteration hordes of homeless ,Gavin uses this word choice to make the reader feel
concerned, this was not only a consequence of illegitimate children but also the means
many acquired slaves for free labor.
The characterization of the boy Meshak is significant because it assists us in
understanding the possible motives behind his disability and why he was regarded as a,
Simpleton, a loon nothing but an empty vessel lacking in all substance, a cowering
dog
These words highlight the suffering Meshak had to face and the harsh opinionated
attitudes towards disability at that time. Gavins comparison of Meshak to an empty
vessel is extremely successful as its paints a bleak picture in the readers mind of pity

but also surprise or anger at how unjust society was at that time. The word dog I feel
is particularly effective at conveying Meshaks placement in society as it gives a sense
of filth, being overpowered by his father, strong suppressed emotions or something
there to be bred, Gavin cleverly displays a blend of Meshaks emotions through one
simple word. This idea links in with how the disabled were thought to have no thoughts
opinions or feelings and were used by others to radiate a certain atmosphere.
Otis liked to have his idiot son up next to him during certain transactions; this gave
him the air of being the devoted father
This subtly hints to the reader the kind of relationship Meshak has with his father which
later plays a big part in the development of the plot.
However Meshak is not the only victim of disabled discrimination in this book For
example, Gavin mentions about the once beautiful Mrs. Peebles whose looks had been
spoilt by smallpox. "He sensed his father wince and drop his eyes as she pulled her veil
across her ravaged, pitted face."
It illustrates society's unease towards individuals who do not appear regular and also
demonstrates people's unawareness and how their feelings were swayed simply by a
persons external looks
Gavin presents the boy Meshak as some suppressed, a miserable human trying to come
out, an example of this can be shown here.
How could Meshak speak of his terrors, There was no one to tell except Jester.
This is an example of Hypophora where Gavin asks and answers her question, this
device is effective here as it captures the audiences attention and makes them more
inquisitive of what is to come.
Another issue presented in Coram Boy is Slavery; Gavin reveals the cruel and harsh
treatment often faced by Negros in the 18 century. This is shown here
They will put you in irons and brand you like a bull Aaron says to his black friend Toby
Here the simile regarding the bull refers to force which is being imprisoned a wild
dangerous beast kept under reigns, disliked by most, a toy to irritate and tease. This
makes the reader feel compassion towards the slaves and to some extent grateful for
the state we are in today in, a world that shuns non equality. The writer incorporates
this factual information in the story and interlaces it with the fictional plot. This
generates an exciting effect on the story. Another example of slavery is when Philip
Gaddarn expects Toby to behave as an exotic toy to please his guests whilst concealing
his real intentions, shown here;
In their eyes Im nothing but an animal, I hate being picked up and stroked and
undressed to see if Im black all over.
This demonstrates the lack of value and respect that was shown towards those who
were deemed less than themselves due to status age or affluence and how ill-treated
some of the slaves were, in addition to the immoral disregard for those who were
thought to have no one to support them. Gavin uses an understatement here Nothing
but an animal she uses this statement to weaken or soften Tobys words to make him
sound innocent, this however changes in the next line where Gavin shows Tobys
desperation regarding the matter by simply but strongly stating the uses to which he is
being put to and how he has given up, trying, to ironically deny that all is well (in the
previous line). His extreme anxiety hits the reader and automatically amplifies pity for
Toby who up till his sudden outburst of strong feelings came across as a happy child.

This bring over a sudden realisation on the reader that perhaps the children at Coram
were not content within.
She slapped the girl hard round the face, Africans. All manacled and chained
together
These two sentences show how in the 18th century it was common to treat the slave to
cruel and even ruthless handling and in the return the slave was subject to remain
quiet or beaten more. The words illustrate the terrible conditions they had to face for
having the wrong colour skin
Gavin presents Coram Boy as a successful and inspiring story which entwines fact with
fiction to create an invigorating atmosphere. She powerfully discusses fragile topics
whilst upholding a fascinating plot throughout. As we can see within Gavins novel,
values and attitudes have changed dramatically from the 18th century, the changes in
our thinking and mentality is reflected in the changes made by us in society and It is
expressed in the surroundings we lives in, the way we react to certain situations and
our opinions. These days there is a certain understanding that people have, concerning
ideas of Preganancy,Slavery and Disability. People beilve in equality,freedom of speech
and regard for opinions made by others undettered by race, age or background. In my
opinion I feel that Jamila gavin presents 18th century attitudes regarding
pregnancy,slavery and disabilty brilliantly through the use of various language devices,
opiniated word choices and strong characterisation, to produce an enjoyable and
informative journey giving the reader an elaborate sense of 18th century, attitudes,
approaches and frame of mind.

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