Queenie Buxton is a significant protagonist in Andrea Levy's widely acclaimed novel, Small Island. She is a white British woman whose experiences and interactions are central to the narrative, particularly concerning the lives of Jamaican immigrants arriving in post-World War II England.
Queenie's Role and Background
Queenie serves as a pivotal character through whom the challenges and cultural clashes of the Windrush generation are explored. Her home becomes a microcosm of the larger societal changes occurring in Britain during this period.
- Key Character: Queenie Buxton is one of the main voices and perspectives presented in the novel, offering a unique insight into the British reception of Commonwealth immigrants.
- Ethnicity and Nationality: She is distinctly portrayed as a white British woman, providing a contrast to the predominantly Jamaican characters she interacts with.
- Occupation: Her primary role in the lives of the new arrivals is as a landlady. She rents out rooms in her home, which becomes a temporary haven for those seeking a new life in England.
Interactions with the Josephs
A key aspect of Queenie's storyline involves her relationship with Gilbert and Hortense Joseph.
- Lodgings Provider: Upon their arrival in England, Queenie provides much-needed accommodation to Gilbert and Hortense Joseph, two Jamaican immigrants. This act of renting lodgings is a crucial point of connection between the different cultural narratives within the novel.
- Bridging Cultures: Through her experiences with the Josephs and other tenants, Queenie's character explores themes of prejudice, understanding, and the complex dynamics of cohabitation between people of different backgrounds. Her journey reflects the evolving social landscape of Britain.
Quick Character Overview
For a concise understanding of Queenie Buxton's profile:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Queenie Buxton |
| Role | Main Protagonist, Landlady |
| Ethnicity | White British |
| Key Action | Rents rooms to Jamaican immigrants, notably Gilbert and Hortense Joseph |
| Novel | Small Island by Andrea Levy |
| Setting | Post-World War II England |
Queenie's character allows the novel to delve into the intricacies of race, class, and identity in a rapidly changing British society, making her a memorable and crucial figure in Small Island.
