Chapter 8

John tells Bernard that one of his first memories is of violence—of his mother, Linda, being raped after John had been locked out. He remembers the women being cruel toward his mother after the incident, and a man named Popé who would bring her alcohol (“mescal”). He also remembers Linda being beaten up by the local women and how, sometimes, Linda would lash out and beat John up, in retaliation. He remembers her as a drunk, sick, and depressed person. He also tells Bernard that Linda was terrified when she found lice in his hair.

John also has happy memories of his childhood. He fondly remembers Linda’s recollection of the “Other World” where progress and technology made everyone happy and healthy. She’d told him about helicopters and “everyone belonging to everybody else” sexually. John also grew up listening to the tales of the elders in the Savage Reservation—of the fights between the old and new, the left and right, the tribal gods and technological weapons.

John practices reading with The Complete Works of Shakespeare, which Linda considers an uncivilized work. The book has a profound effect on John, who tries in vain to murder his mother’s lover, Popé.

Wishing to assimilate with the savages, John tries to follow their many traditions. However, he is constantly rejected and called the son of a “she-dog.” He is too white-skinned to be accepted in this society.

John’s isolation resonates with Bernard—a pariah in his own world. Much to John’s excitement, Bernard promises to try and take John and Linda to London.

Analysis

This chapter focuses entirely on John, a man caught between the civilized world and the savage reservation. His story alludes to the “nature versus nurture” debate. His mother, Linda, struggles to come to terms with the ways of the savage world. Though John is treated as an outcast in the tribal community on account of his complexion, he considers himself a member of the community nonetheless.

John’s loneliness is exacerbated by the fact that there is no one else like him in the community. Nonetheless, John finds a sympathizer in Bernard, who understands John’s difficulties.