Bernard’s father, who is mute and mentally ill following his traumatic experience as a soldier in World War I. Bernard’s tenderness toward his father is one of his few good qualities; however, it’s Arthur and Queenie who have the closest relationship. While Bernard is away at war, Arthur grows vegetables for Queenie and plays board games with her in the evening. He’s even understanding when she has an affair. Arthur is killed by a white police officer during a riot that erupts after Gilbert refuses to sit in the back of a movie house; his death shows how harmful racism is not only to the people it targets, but to the fabric of society in general.
Arthur Bligh Quotes in Small Island
The Small Island quotes below are all either spoken by Arthur Bligh or refer to Arthur Bligh. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Chapter 17: Gilbert
Quotes
Arthur Bligh had become another casualty of war—but come, tell me, someone…which war?
Related Characters:
Related Themes:
Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
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Arthur Bligh Quotes in Small Island
The Small Island quotes below are all either spoken by Arthur Bligh or refer to Arthur Bligh. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Chapter 17: Gilbert
Quotes
Arthur Bligh had become another casualty of war—but come, tell me, someone…which war?
Related Characters:
Related Themes:
Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
