Themes (Leave Taking)

This section explores the key themes in Leave Taking by Winsome Pinnock. Leave Taking is a play by Winsome Pinnock, first performed in the late 1980’s. It explores the experiences of a Caribbean immigrant family in Britain, particularly focusing on the generational and cultural tensions between a mother, Enid, and her two British-born daughters, Del and Viv. The play examines themes such as identity, belonging, cultural displacement, and the impact of migration on family dynamics.

Cultural Identity and Displacement

The theme of cultural identity is central to Leave Taking. Enid, who emigrated from Jamaica to Britain, struggles to maintain her Caribbean roots while raising her daughters in a foreign country. Her daughters, Del and Viv, feel disconnected from their Jamaican heritage, identifying more with British culture. This generational clash highlights the struggle for identity, as the daughters do not fully belong to either culture.

The play portrays cultural displacement through Enid’s attempts to navigate her new life in Britain while preserving her past. She feels torn between her longing for home and her desire to build a better life for her children in Britain. Her daughters’ alienation from their mother’s culture further emphasises this sense of displacement.

Generational Conflict

The conflict between generations is a key theme, explored through the strained relationships between Enid and her daughters. Enid, as a first-generation immigrant, has different values and expectations from her British-born children. She desires for them to succeed academically and integrate into British society while also honouring their Jamaican heritage.

Del and Viv, however, resent their mother’s strictness and feel that she does not understand the challenges they face as young Black women in Britain. This tension reflects the difficulty of balancing cultural expectations with the realities of life in a new country.

Belonging and Alienation

Belonging is a major theme as the characters search for a sense of home. Enid’s attempts to provide her daughters with a better future in Britain come at the cost of her feeling displaced and longing for Jamaica, a place she still considers "home." Despite her efforts, she struggles to feel truly accepted in Britain.

Del and Viv, born in Britain, grapple with their alienation from both Jamaican and British cultures. Their British surroundings make them feel disconnected from their mother’s heritage, while they also experience racism and exclusion in British society. This leaves them feeling rootless, unsure of where they truly belong.

The Impact of Migration

The play examines the emotional and psychological impact of migration, particularly on Enid. As an immigrant, she faces the challenge of starting over in a new country, without the support of her extended family. This isolation weighs heavily on her, as she must cope with the difficulties of raising two daughters in a society that often marginalises her.

Enid’s decision to consult the spiritual healer, Mai, also highlights the psychological strain of migration. Mai’s presence in the play suggests the role of spirituality and traditional practices in helping individuals cope with the trauma of displacement. However, it also raises questions about whether such practices can offer true solace in a foreign land.

Racism and Prejudice

Racism and prejudice are underlying forces that shape the experiences of the characters. Enid and her daughters face discrimination in British society, which affects their sense of belonging and self-worth. Del, in particular, is affected by racism in her school, leading to her rebellion and frustration with both the British system and her mother’s expectations.

The daughters' sense of exclusion is compounded by the societal pressures of conforming to British norms while being viewed as outsiders. This external discrimination fuels the tension within the family, as the daughters struggle with their identities in a country that does not fully accept them.

Motherhood and Sacrifice

Enid’s role as a mother is shaped by her desire to provide a better life for her children, even at the cost of her own happiness. The theme of motherhood is explored through her sacrifices, as she works tirelessly to give her daughters opportunities that she did not have.

However, her daughters view her sacrifices as oppressive, creating a disconnect between Enid’s intentions and her daughters’ perceptions. This reflects the complexities of immigrant motherhood, where personal sacrifice does not always result in family unity or appreciation.

Spirituality and Healing

Spirituality plays an important role in Leave Taking, particularly through the character of Mai, the healer who represents traditional Caribbean beliefs. Enid turns to Mai for guidance, hoping that spiritual healing will help her daughters, especially Del, who is struggling with her sense of identity and place.

The theme of spiritual healing reflects the characters’ need for connection and understanding, both with their past and their present. Mai’s influence suggests the importance of cultural roots and traditions in helping the characters cope with the difficulties of migration and displacement. However, the play also raises questions about whether spiritual remedies can truly heal the wounds caused by migration and generational conflict.

Conclusion

In Leave Taking, Winsome Pinnock explores the challenges faced by a Caribbean immigrant family in Britain, delving into themes of cultural identity, generational conflict, belonging, and the impact of migration. Through the experiences of Enid, Del, and Viv, the play highlights the complexities of balancing cultural heritage with the pressures of assimilation, and the emotional toll of living between two worlds. The play ultimately questions what it means to belong and how individuals find their place in a world that often excludes them.