Literary Elements In 'Major Pettigrew's Last Stand'

In Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson, the author uses literary elements in order to help the reader identify the central idea. The central idea of this book is to not judge others based off their stereotypes by being more open to other cultures. Within the small village of Edgecombe St. Mary, most people can often be seen as racist and unwelcoming towards other cultures through the use of conflict, symbolism and characterization. For example, the town’s kids would disrupt Mrs. Ali’s store and would say “Pakis to go home”. This is an example of characterization because it shows the reader how ignorant and rude the kids of the town could be. In addition, it clearly represents the resistance from the younger generation towards the culture of other people. Another example is the fight that breaks out between the adults …show more content…
Mr. Rasool who is of Indian race gets very offended by this play. This is shown through the use of conflict. The conflict is on the different perspectives towards the reenactment between the two races. The English people find the reenactment of the battle as something to be remembered for as a proud victory. However, Mr. Rasool sees the whole thing as a mocking towards his people who died that day. Their viewpoints are completely opposite of eachother. This conflict represents how the supposedly more mature adults are even more inconsiderate for the feelings of other races. The last example is that even the main character himself -Major Pettigrew- had a poor perspective towards Americans. He sees them to be very rude and mannerless. As a result he doesn’t appreciate the presence of Sandy Dunn in the family. Sandy Dunn is the symbol of a stereotypical American. She is described to as being very mannerless through the way she dresses and the way she speaks towards the Major. As a