In Hungry Ghosts by Kevin Jared Hosein, the setting of 1940s Trinidad serves as an important setting for understanding how social class, economic status, and religious affiliation shape each character’s life and interactions. This turbulent era, marked by stark economic disparity and deep-rooted social divisions, heavily influences characters’ lives and limits their options.
Through the character of Hans, a poor Hindu man, we see the burdens imposed by his social and economic status, as well as his religious background. Hans’s experiences reveal the prejudice he faces: when he goes to Salloum’s bazaar with his son and nephew, the store clerk humiliates him, treating him as if he’s a thief simply because Hans lives in the barracks. The clerk’s behavior stems from the stereotype that people from the barracks are criminals and untrustworthy. While Hans is respected within his own community as an upstanding man, society views him as “trash” due to his poverty and religion. He attempts to improve his circumstances by trying to buy a home for his family, but his efforts are thwarted by homeowners who are biased against his social and religious background. His efforts to control his destiny are severely limited by social prejudices against him.
In contrast, Marlee manages to elevate her social and economic position, though by less traditional means. She comes from humble beginnings as the granddaughter of a fisherman, yet she uses her beauty to rise in society, first by working in a brothel and later by marrying a wealthy man. This marriage grants her financial security and distance from her past, giving her a new, almost “royal” status. Marlee’s elevated position allows her to command respect in public; her refined dress and image create a barrier between her and the lower class, symbolizing the power that financial success creates. Unlike Hans, Marlee gains acceptance and influence in society due to her husband’s wealth and status, which she skillfully uses to secure her place. She is shielded from social stigmas because of her affluence and influence.
In both examples, we see how social and economic standing in Trinidad in the 1940s shape the character’s ability to freely make decisions to better their lives and be perceived in society.
Hi Sovereign first I wanted to say that I liked your post. While reading your post I had a thought, is there something comparable to living in the barracks in New York. I was thinking maybe the projects but I don’t think the stigma is as severe. Also if Hans is limited due to his financial situation than Marlee is free due to hers. It’s interesting that in modern times freedom is based on a person’s financial situation.
Hey Sovereign,
I enjoyed reading your post. One is the social and economic disparities that were indoctrinated in all of humanity. We see a reassuring factor of division in many societies. This is a crucial issue that still exists in our society today. The barracks are where all indigenous Natives were pushed to desert land. I can see the injustice here in the United States, near the Utah deserts where Natives were forced to live.
Hi Sovereign, I like the various images you chose to compile for your blog post. I think they are very intentional and align with what you talk about throughout your post, especially the picture of what seems to be Trinidad “back in the day” and the skinny men, alluding to poverty. Moreover, the comparison and contrast between Hans’s and Marlee’s situation effectively shows how different social classes are treated in this 1940s Trinidadian society. It is interesting that Hans tries to go the honest route and make something of himself but is still ostracized and barred from upward social mobility, while Marlee is able to gain her high social status through indecent means. This in itself shows how corrupt and distorted this society was.
Hi Sovereign, I really like how you highlighted the stark contrast between Hans and Marlee’s experiences, tying their fates to the social and economic conditions of 1940s Trinidad. The way you connect Hans’s struggle with societal prejudice and Marlee’s ascent through unconventional shows a deep understanding of how class and status shape their lives.