Gros Jean: Departure & Encounters

What is the central theme Walcott explores through Gros Jean's interactions with the Old Man?

Gros Jean accurately recalls and follows his mother's advice to praise God and seek guidance from nature upon leaving home.

How does the Planter's repeated misnaming of Gros Jean reveal a deeper commentary on societal issues?

The Old Man's advice to Gros Jean, 'Remember an iron army may rust, flesh is ________,' serves as a warning against relying solely on physical strength.

Match each character with their primary role in shaping Gros Jean's downfall:

Which statement best describes the significance of the tasks assigned to Gros Jean by the Planter?

Gros Jean's willingness to work on the plantation despite its harsh conditions demonstrates his understanding of the true value of hard work and dedication.

Explain how Gros Jean's desire for the Planter's approval ultimately contributes to his defeat.

The Planter describes capitalism as a '________' that spreads even to the common man highlighting its pervasive and destructive influence.

Match the following quotes with the character who said them:

What does Gros Jean's threat to kill the Old Man primarily reveal about his character?

Gros Jean recognizes the exploitative nature of the plantation system and actively resists conforming to its oppressive practices.

How does the setting of the plantation contribute to the overall themes of the play?

Gros Jean believes that just because he comes from the mountain forest, or just because he’s ________, doesn’t mean he can’t become like the Planter.

Match each task assigned to Gros Jean by the Planter with its symbolic representation of labor exploitation:

What is the primary significance of Gros Jean's physical strength in the context of the play?

The Planter's inability to get Gros Jean's name right is a mere oversight and does not reflect any deeper societal commentary.

Explain how Gros Jean's interaction with the frog foreshadows his later failures.

Gros Jean tells the Old Man that he has an arm of ________ but is missing money.

Match each of Walcott's literary devices with an example:

Which of the following best describes the significance of Gros Jean's mother's advice?

Gros Jean's primary motivation for leaving home is to seek adventure and explore the world.

How does the Devil's disguise as the Planter enhance the play's critique of colonialism and capitalism?

The Devil, with his Planter’s mask removed, says in French, 'Give the Devil a child for dinner. ________!'

Match these character statements about Gros Jean with the underlying assumptions:

What is the best interpretation of the Planter's statement, 'Can’t tell one face from the next out here'?

Gros Jean’s frustration stems primarily from the Planter's underestimation of his physical abilities.

Briefly explain the symbolism behind the Old Man’s hairy hoof.

When Gros Jean asks the Old Man what the “quickest way” is to “what counts in this world,” the Old Man advises him that the only things that count in the world are money and ________.

Identify each of the following literary strategies employed by Walcott, with the effect it has upon the reader:

Which of the following quotations most directly reveals Gros Jean's inflated ego?

Gros Jean is able to classify and stack the sugar cane leaves quickly and efficiently, without error.

Explain how Gros Jean’s threat against the Old Man sets him on a path toward defeat.

The Planter responds, “Sorry, sorry, Gros Jean, sometimes we people in charge of industry forget that ________ aren’t machines. I mean people like you, Hubert…”

Pair each character with the weakness that the Devil exploits to trick them:

What is the significance of the detail that Gros Jean must count all the leaves of cane in the field, standing up?

After working for the white man, Gros Jean is handsomely rewarded with money and respect.

What is the symbolism of the leaves of cane?

The Planter is upset that Gros Jean has taken a break, and reminds him that ________ is over.