Essay Questions

What is the meaning of the title of the story?

The title of the story indicates the cyclical nature of the story. The pool represents a beginning and an end. It is the place where Lawson and Ethel begin their love story, and where it definitively ends. The pool signifies Ethel’s stance in the world, she likes to isolate herself while bathing, while the native’s tradition is to bathe together, indicating that she doesn’t fully see herself as belonging to them either. The story ends when Lawson decides to use the pool to end his life, a cliché and tragic decision.

How does the story show the effect of colonialism?

In this story, the theme of colonialism is slightly more subdued than in the rest, but it is present in the show of understated racism and position that the natives hold on the island. It is shown through Lawson, who can’t overcome his racist ways even at the birth of his half-native son, and in his constant need of the approval of white men, and his contempt toward Ethel’s native family.

What does the story say about boundaries?

The story shows the importance of setting boundaries when it comes to romantic relationships. Ethel sets her boundaries right, and doesn’t let anything sway her, while Lawson completely diminishes his. His lack of boundaries create in himself a sense of loss of his identity and, finally, the loss of meaning and purpose in his life.