Essay Questions

What is the central theme in the novel 'Sag Harbor'?

The novel is set in Sag Harbor, in which the main protagonist is Benji, who faces racial discrimination because of his color. Racial prejudice emerges as the central theme of this novel. Benji's family lives in Sag Harbor, which is predominantly white. Benji is taken to a Manhattan private school in New York. Benji is the only black learner in his class, which comes with a myriad of challenges. Benji is ridiculed because of his color. Consequently, Benji faces a severe identity crisis because he does not understand why his environment is cruel. Similarly, Benji's father keeps on lamenting and cursing the whites because of their mistreatment. According to Benji's father, the whites think that they are superior to any other race in existence.

What is ironic about the Dominican's proprietor of the ice cream?

According to the Ice Cream Proprietor, his role is to support the black employees and ensure that they have access to equal opportunities. However, Benji and his brother realize that this proprietor is treating his black employees unethically and pompously. For instance, black workers are segregated, overworked, and paid poorly. The ice cream proprietor represents many whites who pretend to be morally upright, but they are racists behind the scenes.

Does the author emblematically use the character, Benji?

Benji is a young black boy who is privileged to live among the whites with access to luxuries such as good schools, healthcare, and transport systems, amongst other useful things. However, Benji does not enjoy these facilities because of its black color. At school, Benji is prejudiced, and he is made uncomfortable. Therefore, the author uses the protagonist, Benji, to represent racial discrimination against blacks in the modern United States of America.