Analysis: Tanti at the Oval

The oral performance being examined in this Think Piece is the story "Tanti At The Oval". Many aspects of Caribbean identity, national pride, cricket competition and family relationships are vibrantly highlighted throughout.

The concept of identity is extremely elusive because it is so all-encompassing. Identity is structured on a platform of culture, which is witnessed in the particular behaviours exhibited by a people in their norms, their foods, their ways of life and how they express themselves. Tanti Merle prepares her basket with ginger beer, sorrel, cake and other items which are typically Caribbean foods that are popular around the Christmas holiday. It is inherent of Caribbean women to carry their own food from home on any expedition they embark upon. Moreover, Caribbean people are very generous when it comes to food; everyone in close proximity shares in it. This is evident as Tanti Merle shares her goodies even with the "bad-john" with whom she exchanged profanities earlier. This incident also reveals the ungrudging nature of Caribbean people as she quickly forgives him for their bitter discourse. Furthermore, it also highlights the distasteful trait in which it is a norm for strangers to "cuss" each other publicly when they disagree on a matter or become infuriated. This is showcased by several characters including the taxi-driver, Tanti Merle and the "bad-john". Through Tanti Merle's unique character, it can be understood that culture is a way of life and it directly dictates the pattern of a people's behaviour, thereby developing their unique identity. Her character is a true representation of our distinctive Caribbean identity.

Tanti Merle exudes a deep sense of national pride throughout the excursion to the Oval. This is apparent as she seizes every potential opportunity to narrate the history of her home-island, St. Vincent, to both the taxi-driver and the spectator at the Oval who inquired about her nationality. Her passion in relating the...