GL
George Lamming
18quotes
Full Name and Common Aliases
George Lamming was born as George Clement Edward Lamming on December 8, 1925.
Birth and Death Dates
He passed away on June 4, 2022, at the age of 96.
Nationality and Profession(s)
George Lamming was a Barbadian novelist, playwright, and essayist. He is widely regarded as one of the most important Caribbean writers of his generation.
Early Life and Background
Lamming was born in the small fishing village of Carrington Village, St Lucy Parish, Barbados. His family's strong sense of community and storytelling tradition had a profound influence on his writing career. Lamming's early life was marked by a deep connection to his island home, which would later become a central theme in much of his work.
Major Accomplishments
Lamming's writing often explored the complexities of colonialism, identity, and the human condition. His novels frequently incorporated elements of fantasy and mythology, reflecting his interest in the cultural heritage of the Caribbean. Some of his notable works include:
In the Castle of My Skin (1953), a semi-autobiographical novel that examined the lives of young Barbadians growing up under colonial rule.
The Emigrants (1955), which told the story of five brothers who migrate to England in search of work and find themselves grappling with identity, culture shock, and social class.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his novels, Lamming was also a prolific essayist and playwright. His non-fiction works often explored themes related to colonialism, decolonization, and the role of literature in shaping societal attitudes. Some notable examples include:
The Pleasures of Exile (1960), which reflected on Lamming's own experiences as an expatriate writer.
Natives of My Person (1972), a novel that explored the complex relationships between colonizers and colonized peoples.
Impact and Legacy
George Lamming's writing has had a profound impact on Caribbean literature and continues to be widely read and studied today. His work has been translated into numerous languages, introducing his unique perspective on colonialism and identity to readers around the world. Through his writing, Lamming helped to establish the Caribbean as a major literary force, paving the way for future generations of writers from the region.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
George Lamming's quotes often highlight his nuanced understanding of the complexities of human experience and his deep empathy for those affected by colonialism. His writing continues to resonate with readers today because of its thought-provoking exploration of themes that remain relevant in contemporary society.
Quotes by George Lamming
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These colonial governors, who were not always very educated or even very educable, could convince themselves that what was merely a temporary privilege should become a permanent right. (p.97)
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Times goin' change again an' things too, and that great British Empire goin' change too, 'cause time ain't got nothin' to do with these empires. God don't like ugly, an' whenever these big great empires starts to get ugly with the thing they does the Almighty puts His hands down once an' for all. He tell them without talkin', fellows, you had your day. (p.101)
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If you ain't native to a place, you have a better chance of becoming a gentleman in it.
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When the poor man loose control of the best in himself... it ain't his fault at all, it is the fault of people who go 'round making poppits of other poor people.
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Some hours ago we had discovered a giant. Now we had discovered a man. The giant was the man, but being a man he could no longer be a giant. The man had undermined the giant.
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Was it like that with other people? Life went on flowing happily or stupidly like a sea, while here in one spot something tremendous was happening.
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If you tell have of them that work in those places that they have somethin' to do with Africa they'd piss straight in your face." But why you goin' to tell a man that for," said Mr. Foster, "Why tell a man he's somebody brother when he ain't?""'Tis true," said Bob's father, "no man like to know he black." (p.102)
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Tis only right he say that every man should own his own piece o' land at some time or other. 'Tis the ambition of every man to do that same said thing, an' he say it ain't only poor, simple people like you an' me, but 'tis the way the big folks think too.
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Language was a kind of passport. You could go where you like if you had a clean record. p.155
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