Jean Rhys, The Day They Burned the Books

The Day They Burned the Books is a 20^th century short story written by Jean Rhys. This story covers such themes as racial prejudice, British imperial oppression, books as instruments of cultural identification and construction, and acceptance. It follows a young girl and her friendship with a boy, Eddie, whose Caribbean mother is mistreated by his white English father. When the father dies, the mother destroys and gets rid of his collection of British books. Her son is upset by this and attempts to thwart her.

Racism is a big theme in this story. Eddie is a child of mixed race; his mother is Caribbean and his father is white. Throughout the story, we witness Eddie’s mother being mistreated by his father. His father would often make comments about his mother’s ethnicity, calling her names, and pulling her hair. The tension the two had was due to the lack of understanding between the European and Caribbean cultures. This lack of understanding is reflected as an identity crisis within Eddie as he tries to fit in and feel accepted while balancing both cultures.

On page 2359, Eddie states, “I don’t like daffodils.” When Eddie states that he doesn't like daffodils, “he is referring to his dislike of the aspects of English culture that the children have been encouraged to admire. He has probably never actually seen daffodils, yet they represent to him England and English culture. More than that, they represent his father and his father's love of English culture and consequent disdain of local culture. There is an assumption and expectation that all things British or English are to be admired and respected, yet the children have conflicted feelings about their relationship with England” (enotes).

British imperial oppression is another theme throughout the book that deserves to be discussed. Looking back in history, during the 20^th century, “Britain’s economic prominence in the world went through great turmoil. In the second half of the century there was little doubt that Britain had lost that prominence to the United States. World War II had been extraordinarily costly for Britain and her empire, and in 1945 the country was exhausted and devastated” (Britain). The war “fought against countries that had stood for extreme nationalism which involved various racist ideas about different groups. In fighting against those countries it became difficult for British people to continue to still believe that the Africans and Asians were inferior to white Europeans” (Britain). 

Towards the end of the story, Mrs. Sawyer decides to burn the British books that her late husband possessed. Mrs. Sawyer burned all of Mr. Sawyer’s books because it was the only way for her to try and get back at her husband for all of the torment he put her though. The books represented Mr. Sawyer because he was so attached to the European ideals and cultures. For Eddie, the books were an instrument of cultural identification and construction; his closest tie to being English.

Often times, we choose physical items or symbols to represent ourselves and our identities. This story is representative of self-acceptance and identities. Throughout this text, it is important to keep in mind stereotypes and labels. Understand that identities are unique to every person and we need to learn to love and accept each other as people.

“Britain in the 20th Century - How Did Britain Lose an Empire? War and Government - GCSE History Revision - AQA - BBC Bitesize.” BBC News, BBC, www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zyh9ycw/revision/4.

“Jean Rhys Questions and Answers.” Enotes.com, Enotes.com, www.enotes.com/homework-help/why-does-eddie-say-that-he-doesn-t-like-daffodils-1769186.