Analysis Of Michae Michael Anthony's Enchanted Alley

The history of Trinidad and Tobago, like many other Caribbean islands, has long been plagued and shaped by slavery and its disquieting and despotic intentions. After its eradication however, the problems did not stop and a solution needed to be adopted quickly to save the fall of the monetary state of the island. Thus, indentured labour stood as the only choice and so, between 1845 and 1917, a total of 143.939 Indians were brought to Trinidad and Tobago. They worked assiduously on the cane fields for meagre wages and under dubious contract that resembled far too much its predecessor; slavery. After much time had passed, many workers moved off the plantation in pursuit of becoming independent planters of sugar cane. With the influx of Indians came a new philosophy of a people that was assimilated into the cultural fabric of Trinidad and Tobago, adding layers of diversity to the island.

His stories are known for their simplicity and use of his native home as the backdrop for his characters to flourish. The story Enchanted Alley follows an adolescent boy and his encounter with the Indian culture in a dark alley on High Street. He uses vivid details to fully immerse the readers as they monitor the boy. He is besotted with the aromas of the multitude of delicacies, energetic and eye-catching colours and the vendors with their “sweet tongue.” The experience clings to the young boy’s psyche even long after he has left the alley. The story, in my opinion, can be viewed from two dissimilar perceptions; the unassuming story at first glance and the covert implication of a second, in-depth