Margery is John’s wife. Although, as a woman, Margery possesses less social power, she finds ways to exert power and agency within her own life, particular to her gender. When Karanja visits, Margery utilizes her sexual allure and position as a white woman to make Karanja squirm, enjoying the rush she gets from the use of power. In the same way, Margery has an affair with the Dr. Van Dyke, who disgusts her, primarily for the “anarchic joy” and power she feels in the treachery. Margery plays a small role and principally serves to demonstrate that women may find other forms of power to exert within their own lives, even when they are constrained by society.
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Margery Thompson Character Timeline in A Grain of Wheat
The timeline below shows where the character Margery Thompson appears in A Grain of Wheat. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 4
...reports to John Thompson, who merely wants him to deliver a message to his wife Margery. Karanja hates such trivial errands and resolves to complain to Thompson about them, but delivers...
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Karanja rides his bicycle to Margery’s house, and she oddly invites him to stay for tea, apparently lonely and bored. Karanja...
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...As Thompson is ruminating, Karanja appears to announce that he has delivered the message to Margery. Thompson again tells Karanja he will resolve the matter with the dog, but internally curses...
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Chapter 5
John Thompson returns home to Margery. Though he wants to tell her about the incident with the dog, he cannot; each...
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Margery reflects on the days before she and John came to Africa, when they are happy...
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...Africa, a manifesto of British colonialism. Thompson’s enthusiasm becomes a common bond between himself and Margery; she is enthralled by his vigor and brilliance. “His moral passion gave life a meaning.”...
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Chapter 11
At a farewell party for John and Margery Thompson, their fellow British workers are reflecting on how fond they are of John due...
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