Seeking a Protector

Pigeon English synonyms, Pigeon English pronunciation, Pigeon English translation, English dictionary definition of Pigeon English. An extraordinary and grotesque dialect, employed in the commercial cities of China, as the medium of communication between foreign merchants and the. Pigeon English Stephen Kelman. Enjoy this free preview Unlock all 25 pages of this Study Guide by subscribing today. Chapter Summaries & Analyses.

Pigeon English Phrases

Although Harrison is a boy, and in his culture he is given certain expectations of resourcefulness, independence, and strength, he is only seven-years-old. In a world which takes so much and offers so little, he is often unable to effectively care for and protect himself. As a child, he cannot be expected to look after himself to the extent that he is being asked. The school and the neighborhood are fairly hostile, especially to this boy whom everyone can see is not supervised.

Consequently, Harrison, probably unconsciously, is on the hunt for a protector. He makes allies, a natural response to the pressure to join the gang. He looks up to Lydia, Dean, Poppy, and even Killa at various points to proverbially rescue him from a difficult situation in which the world around him seems continually to be trying to exploit him. Unfortunately Harrison looks in the wrong places. Without a reliable adult role model to look out for him, he becomes the next anonymous victim in the gutter.

Detachment and Escape

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Although Harrison is not directly threatened, he recognizes that the world around him is unsafe. After finding his friend's body, he is changed. He lives with that constant memory of the blood which didn't dry. As a result of this traumatic encounter, Harrison starts dreaming of escape. He finds the pigeon and latches onto the bird, caring for it, as a symbol of freedom. While the pigeon benefits from Harrison's food and shelter, it doesn't need to or often dare to enter the home again. He is essentially free. Harrison starts investing emotionally in the pigeon as a way of vicariously enjoying his freedom, while simultaneously retreating inward into himself in order to detach from the stressors around him.

Exploitation of the Young

Pigeon English Definition

The setting of this British town is quite a dangerous place, especially for the children. As readers learn almost from the outset, a boy from Harrison's school was murdered and left for dead in the street recently. Harrison learns firsthand how vulnerable he is when he becomes subject to an identical fate. Additionally he is exploited romantically by the older girl -- Miquita. She teaches Harrison to kiss, but she doesn't stop and continues to seek out sexual attention from him under threat. This compromises Harrison's ability to engage with his crush, Poppy, in a healthy way. Repeatedly taught by encounters with the kids around him, Harrison learns that he is someone people want to use. Because of his youth and inexperience he is especially ill equipped to defend against these people.