The relationship between Mai and Del in Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'
I can explain Mai’s powerful influence on Del in Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'.
The relationship between Mai and Del in Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'
I can explain Mai’s powerful influence on Del in Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Pinnock describes Mai as an “enigmatic” character.
- Pinnock says Mai has a “powerful influence” on all the characters in ‘Leave Taking’.
- Arguably, Mai has the most powerful influence on Del.
- Mai argues people need to “invest in their own healing”.
- Arguably Mai helps Del “invest” in herself.
Common misconception
Mai's desire that people "invest" in themselves is just a way for her to make more money.
Whilst Mai is determined to be paid for her services, she takes her calling seriously.
Keywords
Invest - To invest in something, means to put time, money or effort into something that you think will go up in value.
Enigmatic - A synonym for mysterious or unknowable.
Second generation immigrant - People who have grown up in a country that at least one of their parents was not born in.
Pocomania - A Jamaican folk religion combining aspects of surviving African religion with aspects from Protestant religion.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking' published by Nick Hern Books.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Meets the Matthews and tries to give Del a reading
Del has moved in with Mai; Mai tells her more about obeah
Gives Enid another reading; tells Del about her son
Realises Del has the "gift" of obeah, like Mai does
Realises she is unwell; makes Del take exams in obeah
Meets Mai; is rude to her and dismissive of obeah
Moves out of the family home after an argument with Enid
Has moved in with Mai; fights with Viv
Says Enid "hates" her; learns about Mai's son
Brod tells her Enid was abused by her father
Becomes an obeah woman and gives Enid a reading