Challenging Colonial Narratives

THE ROLE OF YARFOWL - Rogues in Paradise Dissenting Voice

In Rogues in Paradise, Yardfowl is an imaginary character influenced by the resistant voices of Barbados. He challenges colonial narratives with a sharp tongue and unapologetic critique, speaking up against the inherited injury of slavery.

Despite attending British schools, Yardfowl communicates in Bajan slang, making his point with a cultural authenticity that highlights his defiance. His name, stemmed from the free-roaming chickens of Barbados, captures his sense of freedom and self-reliance.


Character:

The Contrast Between Yardfowl and Other Characters: Yardfowl's intense stance on manifest destiny stands in stark contrast to characters like Woolly and David, who have made peace with their heritage. For example, Woolly accepts his European and African ancestry, finding pride in the complex identity that comes with it. He is not blind to previous oppression, however he believes in moving on without the weight of bitterness. David, too, is deeply aware of the historic trauma, yet he chooses to live without animosity, finding comfort in his identity. These characters provide a spectrum of reactions to Barbados' colonial legacy, from anger and rejection to approval and reconciliation. Yardfowl refuses to let go of the discomfort of the past and sees any effort to soften the severe truths of the past as a betrayal. This produces tension in the narrative. Nevertheless, the reader's understanding of how individuals connect to their history. While Woolly and David represent recovery, Yardfowl symbolizes the unsolved anger many still carry.



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Wondering how Yardfowl's views trigger debate and discussion? read all in the complete blog site.

Barbados Colonial Oppression