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Thematic Analysis of the short Story “Exterior Paint”

The short story Exterior Paint was written by Kit de Waal, a British-Irish author. The story is part of the anthology „The City of Birmingham: A City in Short Fiction“, published in 2018. The story addresses the complex themes of racism, status, and burning love, set against the backdrop of Britain in the 1960s. The plot revolves around a love affair between a Black man from the Caribbean, Alfonse Maynard, and a white woman, Lillian, and the difficulties they have to face both socially and personally because of their cultural and racial differences. It is a moving love story that also, and above all, serves as a commentary on the blatant racial prejudices during this time, the pressure to conform, and love that would transcend it all.

Racism and Social inequality

Racism stands as one of the most central themes in "Exterior Paint." The time in which this novel is set is rightly remembered for the huge racial tension all over the UK; Black and Asian immigrants were continually viewed as outsiders. This is clearly evident in the social dynamics of Marshall Street where the relationship between Alfonse and Lillian becomes a microcosm of a larger racial issue evident in the community. Alfonse loves Lillian, a white woman; this becomes not simply a private affair between the two but rather an act of defiance to counter the prevailing racial views of their time.

The story takes place against a backdrop on which slogans like "You don’t want a nigger for a neighbor” (line 210) are scrawled to demonstrate how permeating the racial hatred was. Alfonse, knowing the dangers, feels the societal rejection heavily upon him, acutely aware that being in a relationship with a white woman could have violent consequences.This awareness of the possibility of violence was directly linked to the racial attacks happening in America and served as a reminder of the constant threat faced by people of color throughout history. This fear was not just imagined; it was grounded in the harsh realities of racial violence, both in Britain and other parts of the world.

On the other hand, Alfonse and Lillian love each other in an involuntary secrecy, which hints at the greater social pressures toward interracial couples during the 1960s. Racial prejudice is not just individualistic but also echoes through social institutions and in public opinion creating an environment where love is restricted by color. The story illustrates the way racism is institutionalized and can even be publicly supported; take, for instance, Lillian's mother, who is actively involved in campaigns to push for 'all-white neighborhoods.' This adds not only to the personal conflict between Alfonse and Lillian but also shows this perverse thought pattern that rakes at society for a setting wherein racial segregation could be championed.

Unconditional Love and Sacrifice

In addition, one very important theme that is explored in however subjective an exterior paint can be: unconditioned love which shows in the relationship between Alfonse and Lillian. Their love is projected with a naivety of total purity and innocence, putting it above racial barriers and social obligation. Still, their rather affectionate relationship goes through great tension due to the inherent prejudices in society and the mother's disapproval of Lillian. One of the most important moments on Lillian's part is when she expresses her thought that she should tell her mother that she and Alfonse are in love with each other, but Alfonse says very candidly that she must be careful because of what might happen. He offers such caution because his love is powerful enough but yet conscious of the danger of their surroundings.

Lillian's steadfast love for Alfonse manifests itself in her readiness to leave home and family for him. By leaving her mother's house in order to live with Alfonse, she has very much committed an act of rebellion against the racist beliefs of her family while also asserting her independence. The way Lillian's mother insults her, calling her a "slut" and telling her that she is "cheap" for loving a Black man, reveals the deeply entrenched racist sentiments of that time. Still, Lillian stays true to her love for Alfonse, which shows the strength of their bond. Their love survives treacherous tests imposed by society and individual fears because it is based on mutual respect and love rather than on social approval or custom.

Alfonse's love for Lillian is both tender and sacrificial. Inner conflict besets him, stemming from a dual desire to be with her and a fear of social ostracism following their association. At various points, he considers the dangers he would face: violence, imprisonment, and societal repudiation. Yet in spite of such thoughts, it is the love for Lillian which fuels him on to act with courage and determination, one defining moment comprising his confrontation of Lillian's mother attesting that he would provide both for her and their love.

That theme of unconditional love is demonstrated by the sacrifices the characters make for each other. Alfonse shows his love for Lillian through his willingness to confront her mother, in spite of the danger to himself. His love is so great that he is willing to risk new row between their families and in embattled societies that dictate what is or is not acceptable in relationships. Lillian, on the other hand, makes sacrifices for Alfonse by leaving the comforts of her family behind, highlighting the depth of her love.

Social status and class divides

As well as discussing racism and love, Exterior Paint also deals with the issue of social stratification and the dilemmas that people experience as a result of class divisions. Alfonse, a Caribbean immigrant, is constantly conscious of his position on the social hierarchy. Besides being Black, he is viewed as an outsider by so many of the local residents, some of whom consider him less than human. The story emphasizes the intersection of race and social class in shaping people's experiences around the 1960s.

Alfonse's decision to leave his homeland in search of better opportunities in Britain is that of one who contemplates a better life, but he finds himself trapped in a complex web of class and racial divisions. Hardworking and hopeful, he still faces discrimination and prejudice everywhere. Such treatment is best represented by the white residents of Marshall Street, who look upon him with suspicion

The Book of Birmingham: A City in Short Fiction

Author	Kit de Waal
Language	English
Publication date	September 21, 2018

and dislike.

Lillian also feels the heavy pressure of her social class. To be sure, she is white but cannot escape the pressures of class and social conformity in some form or another. Her family's expectations have a heavy weight on her, especially in regards to her relationship with Alfonse. Her mother opposes the relationship not only for racial reasons but also because Alfonse is not worthy for a daughter of her stature.

This conflict between the lovers and their families evokes the social tensions of the time, in which inequality between classes and races was entrenched in their social structure. Alfonse and Lillian's aggressive departure away from such political structures alludes to the ability of love to transcend actual boundaries-while at the same time emphasizing the importance of resisting such limitations.

Conclusion: The lasting effect of social change

Exterior Paint is a powerful exploration of the complexities of racism, love, and social status. The overlap between the lives of Alfonse and Lillian in the story mirrors the machinations of racial prejudice with deep social divisions that life brought out for the people coming from varying racial and social backgrounds, showing the strength and courage required to love across racial divides in a world that condemns such love. The work demonstrates love and sacrifice, being able to, in effect, surmount harsh societal barriers.

Ultimately, Exterior Paint stands out as an emotional reminder of how race, social status, and love interface within people's lives. Through Alfonse's and Lillian's relationship, we not only receive insight into the personal struggles of two people in love but also a wider commentary on the seemingly unrelenting challenges of racism and social inequality. All through this doorway, the characters are ushered into their own love story regarding the milieu they live in, forcing confronting the oppressive realities around them, and ultimately outweighing all this social weight with their very love, which, in fact, shows true love can endure under immense social pressures.

References

https://www.judge-priestley.co.uk/site/news/articles/the-roots-of-racism-1950s-and-1960s-in-the-UK

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/exterior-paint-a-short-story-by-kit-de-waal-1.3179430

https://commapress.co.uk/books/the-book-of-birmingham