Omeros Books 3-4

In book 2, Walcott introduces a simile in which the conquering party feels like the pope and reveals how the people of the Antilles will become slaves by taking jobs on cruise ships (106-107). Later this concept of re-enslavement becomes more prominent. Walcott depicts several different native groups that over time lose their freedom. He focuses much of his energy upon the Native American tribes like the Cherokee and the Sioux. The Trail of Tears and the many times that the United States government signed false treaties with Native Americans is elaborated upon. In post-colonial studies, America proves difficult to classify. It plays the role of both the conquered and the conquerors. In Omeros, the conquered and their adaptation/acceptance of this role emerges as a motif. The Carribbean lifestyle that Hector, Achille, and Helen have had to adopt seems to parallel the Native Americans. The culture that these island nations once had is forever gone. Achille cannot even remember his name—he states that he has “forgotten”—and its meaning is forgotten as is everything: how could he or any other remember the history and culture of his nation? But Walcott does celebrate the survival of the conquered. These groups were able to grow into a culture which can integrate fragments of history and continue to thrive despite the harsh conditions.