Tantie at D Oval

Think Piece

Paul Keens- Douglas a renowned writer, storyteller and author was born in Trinidad but spent his early childhood growing up in Grenada where he attended Presentation Boys College. From early on in his life he was actively involved in drama with a wide and varied background in Theatre and Creative Arts. Over time he acquired diplomas in both Commercial Broadcasting and Radio and Television Production. As a writer and performer most of his poetry and storytelling was focused on highlighting the vernacular language of our region mainly in Trinidad and Tobago. In this short story “Tanti at de Oval” he details humorously the physical antics of both characters. The audio which is a summarized version of the short story gives a vivid description of the arduous journey between the two characters the narrator and Tantie Merle as they make their way to and from and also during the viewing of a cricket match at The Queen’s Park Oval. This cricket match described in the short story was based on a famous match that took place between Trinidad & Tobago and the Combined Leeward and Windward Islands from The Shell Shield Series sponsored by The Shell Oil Company. In this paper issues concerning the gender bias mentality of men and the overall disrespect towards a particular age demographic will be discussed.

During the excerpt the narrator viewed the task of having to accompany Tantie Merle to the oval with annoyance. As a relative and being in her company from time to time he was fully acquainted with her personality and antics. This was the reason he dreaded carrying her along as he knew she would be the source of his delay and discomfort and be a constant hindrance to him enjoying the match. This attitude towards Tantie Merle’s demeanor hinted and highlighted at the generation gap between him and her and illustrated the attitude the younger generations held to elderly people in society. He developed this attitude because he grew up and was...