Discussion 14.11.13

The chapter, "The Shape of Africa," was discussed today in class. What stood out to me the most in this discussion was the fact that Aminata is clueless as to the shape of a map. She never knew, until Solomon Lindo gave her the privilege to view one, that maps even existed or how they looked. Aminata had recently been told that there was a place called Africa and that she was African. Now she is seeing the shape of Africa on this map and she is appalled. She is offended that there are no labels of the villages in Africa. It is just a shape on the map where black people come from. If I were in Aminata's situation, I too would be upset. All of this information to take in at once is overwhelming. What confuses me is why Solomon Lindo is helping her if she is his servant. I like his kind-heartedness but I feel as though he just wants something in return. Aminata is a troubled girl, having experienced too many mishaps and turmoils, including the loss of her baby and husband. She is alone in this new village, working for Solomon. She does have Dolly, but when she sees her swollen belly full of a baby, she weeps and mourns over the loss of her own child whilst working for Appleby. I am glad that Aminata is under gentler care now, not with that devil Appleby, but I truly hope that as she becomes more and more knowledgable, she finds a way out....a way to a new, happy life.