Roger Mais’s Blackout: A Study Guide
Prepared By Dr. Cecilia Osyanju
Roger Mais was a notable Jamaican poet,
novelist, and journalist who played a
fundamental role in Jamaica's political and
cultural development. He received the Order of
Jamaica honour and influenced younger
writers like John Hearne. Many of his
manuscripts are housed in the University of the
West Indies library. In the 1930s, he began
writing verse, short stories, and plays and was
actively involved in Jamaican politics and
nationalism, particularly with the PNP.
One of his short stories, "Blackout," describes a
young American woman's encounter with a
black man on the streets of a partially blackedout city during wartime. The story touches on
themes of racial and cultural differences,
adventure, and intrigue in the tropical West
Indies.
Roger Mais's short story "Blackout," highlights
the encounter between a young American
woman and a black man in a detailed and
emotionally charged way. The first part of the
passage described below captures the tension
and complexity of the encounter, highlighting
the unspoken social and racial dynamics at
play in the story. It raises questions about
assumptions, expectations, and the impact of
small gestures in a larger societal context.
Here are some key points from the first part of the story:
The man politely asks the woman for a light for his cigarette, even though she had just lit hers
from the stub of a previous cigarette.
The woman hesitates for a moment, realizing she doesn't have any matches. She is torn between
the practicality of sharing her lit cigarette and the intimacy it implies.
The man's gaze remains fixed on the woman's face, and there's a mix of pride, challenge, and
quiet amusement in his expression.
Ultimately, the woman extends her lit cigarette toward him, offering him a light.
The man leans in to light his cigarette from the one she's holding, coming quite close to her in
the process.
After he thanks her and is about to leave, he notices that she casually flicked away her nearly
whole cigarette, which she had been enjoying moments before.
The man's reaction is not anger but a cold, contemplative look, which makes the woman feel
uncomfortable and unnerved.
The woman is taken aback by the man's apparent contempt and insolence, given the previous
polite interaction.
The second phase of the short story depicts a dialogue that reveals the racial and cultural
differences between the characters and explores the complexities of their interaction. The
man challenges the woman's preconceptions, emphasizing the unique social dynamics of the
Caribbean compared to the United States. This conversation serves as a vehicle for the story
to delve into deeper themes of race, gender, and equality.
The woman breaks the tension by prompting the man, asking him what he's waiting for.
The man expresses regret for "wasting" her cigarette, and the woman tries to downplay it,
feeling somewhat foolish.
He asks if she has more cigarettes, and she replies that she does.
The woman internally grapples with the discomfort of standing at a street corner talking
to a black man, feeling that it's indecent. She wishes he would move on.
He responds to her unspoken thoughts by mentioning that the street is public.
The woman considers snubbing him but decides to engage further. She asks what would
happen if she were a man.
The man implies that as "man to man," he might confront her differently, hinting at the
racial tension and potential consequences in America.
The woman thinks about the racial violence in America, particularly lynching.
The man emphasizes that this is a different country and implies a more harmonious
coexistence between men and women here.
The conversation turns to the idea of equality and whether all men are created equal. The
man suggests that it's not about being equal but about being a man or a woman.
The woman expresses confusion about his perspective.
In the final part of the excerpt from Roger Mais's "Blackout," the interaction between the
American woman and the black man concludes:
The man suggests that the woman will learn about the country and its dynamics if she
stays there long enough.
The woman throws a quick glance in his direction, possibly feeling a mix of curiosity and
uncertainty.
The man reassures her, saying that she's not his type of woman, implying that she has
nothing to fear from him on that front.
The woman reacts with an "Oh!" in response to his statement.
The man notices the approaching bus, acknowledges it, and thanks her for the light.
Surprisingly, he doesn't move away as the bus arrives, standing confidently and aloof,
challenging and disturbing her in some unspoken way.
As the bus departs, the woman feels the man's quiet scrutiny, sensing a dispassionate
appraisal between man and woman that transcends societal barriers.
She resists the urge to look back at him, possibly due to concerns about the perceptions of
the people on the bus.
The story ends with a twist as the man swiftly retrieves the half-smoked cigarette she had
discarded in the gutter.
This conclusion leaves readers with a sense of ambiguity and leaves the woman and the
readers to ponder the encounter's implications. The story masterfully explores themes of race,
gender, and societal expectations within a brief and intense interaction on a darkened street
corner
Significance of the name ‘Blackout’ "Blackout" in Roger Mais's short story lies in its dual
meaning, both literal and metaphorical
1. Literal Blackout
The story is set during a partial blackout in the city due to wartime policies to conserve
electricity. This literal blackout creates the dark and mysterious atmosphere in which the
encounter between the American woman and the black man unfolds. It adds a layer of tension
and uncertainty to the narrative
2. Metaphorical Blackout
The metaphorical "blackout" in the story serves as a powerful symbol for the racial and societal
divisions and tensions that shape the characters' interactions. It represents the barriers, fears,
and prejudices they must confront and ultimately challenges the status quo, leading to a
deeper exploration of racial dynamics and societal norms.
This figurative blackout serves as a symbol for the prejudices, stereotypes, and barriers that
exist between the American woman and the black man. Here's a closer look at the significance
of this metaphorical blackout:
Racial Divide: The story is set in a time and place where racial divisions are deeply ingrained
in society. The encounter between a white American woman and a black man on a dark
street corner highlights the racial divide and the societal norms that dictate their
interaction. The metaphorical blackout represents the racial barrier that separates them,
making their interaction unconventional and challenging.
Societal Expectations: The characters are aware of the societal expectations and norms
that govern their behavior. The woman initially hesitates to offer the man a light for his
cigarette because of these expectations. The metaphorical blackout symbolizes the
societal pressure that inhibits their actions and decisions.
Prejudice and Fear: The woman's internal thoughts reveal her initial unease about the
encounter, rooted in racial prejudice and fear. She considers the potential consequences in
America, such as lynching, highlighting the deep-seated racial anxieties that exist. The
metaphorical blackout embodies these fears and prejudices.
Challenge to Stereotypes: As the conversation between the characters progresses, the
metaphorical blackout begins to lift. They challenge each other's assumptions and
perceptions. The man emphasizes that in his country, there are only men and women, not
the racial divisions found elsewhere. This challenges the woman's preconceived notions,
and the metaphorical blackout symbolizes the gradual dissolution of these stereotypes.
Intrigue and Reflection: The metaphorical blackout also signifies the intrigue and reflection
that the encounter sparks in both characters. It leads them to question their own beliefs
and societal norms. The woman becomes intrigued by the man's perspective, prompting
her to consider different ideas about race and equality.
Historical Context of Jamaica
The historical context of Jamaica is crucial to understanding Roger Mais's short story "Blackout."
Jamaica's history is marked by a complex interplay of colonialism, slavery, racial tension, and
struggles for independence, all of which have deeply influenced the social and cultural dynamics
in the country. Here's how this historical context ties to the story:
Colonial Legacy: Jamaica was a British colony for nearly 300 years, from 1655 to 1962. The legacy
of British colonialism left lasting imprints on the island's social, economic, and political
structures. The racial hierarchy established during this period, with white colonizers at the top,
followed by mixed-race individuals, and then black Jamaicans who were often enslaved, created
deep racial divisions.
Post-Emancipation Struggles: In the years following emancipation, there were numerous
struggles for land rights, labor rights, and political representation. The story is set against the
backdrop of the 1938 workers' rebellion, which was a significant event in Jamaica's history. This
rebellion was a response to poor working conditions, low wages, and a lack of political
representation.
Racial and Social Tensions: Racial tensions, particularly between black and white Jamaicans,
were palpable during this period. The encounter between the American woman and the black
man in the story reflects the racial dynamics of the time. The woman's initial unease and the
man's challenges to her perceptions highlight the racial divisions and societal norms that
shaped interactions.
Cultural Identity:Jamaica's history also influenced its unique cultural identity, which includes a
rich blend of African, European, and Caribbean elements. This cultural diversity is reflected in
the characters' backgrounds and experiences in the story.
Slavery and Emancipation: Slavery was a brutal institution in Jamaica, and it significantly
shaped the racial dynamics of the island. Slavery was formally abolished in 1838, leading to the
emancipation of enslaved black Jamaicans. However, this transition from slavery to freedom was
marked by continued racial discrimination and economic disparities.
Slavery is a deeply troubling and significant chapter in human history, and it has left a lasting
impact on the societies where it was practiced. Here's a closer look at slavery, its historical
context, and its consequences. Slavery has existed in various forms and in different societies
throughout history. It predates the transatlantic slave trade but took on new dimensions during
the Age of Exploration and European colonial expansion. The transatlantic slave trade, which
began in the 15th century, forcibly transported millions of Africans to the Americas as slaves.
The transatlantic slave trade was characterized by the capture, transport, and enslavement of
Africans in European colonies in the Americas. Slaves were typically captured by African
intermediaries and then sold to European slave traders. They endured horrific conditions during
the Middle Passage, the voyage across the Atlantic, and were subjected to brutal labor and
treatment in the Americas. It is worth mentioning that slavery was driven by economic interests,
as it provided a cheap and abundant labor force for European colonizers in the New World.
Enslaved Africans were forced to work on plantations, in mines, and in various other industries,
contributing to the economic prosperity of colonial powers
Slavery in the Americas was deeply intertwined with racism. A racial hierarchy was established,
with white Europeans at the top, followed by mixed-race individuals, and enslaved black Africans
at the bottom. This hierarchy contributed to the perpetuation of racial discrimination and
inequality long after slavery's formal abolition. Opposition to slavery began to grow in the late
18th century, fueled by Enlightenment ideals of human rights and equality. Abolition movements
gained momentum in Europe and the Americas, leading to the gradual abolition of slavery in
various countries. The British Parliament, for example, passed the Abolition of the Slave Trade
Act in 1807, and slavery itself was abolished in British territories in 1833.
Slavery had a profound impact on the African diaspora. Enslaved Africans and their descendants
brought with them their languages, cultures, and traditions, contributing to the rich cultural
diversity of the Americas. Today, the African diaspora continues to influence art, music, cuisine,
and other aspects of culture. Slavery left a legacy of racial inequality and discrimination that
persists to this day. The descendants of enslaved Africans have faced centuries of systemic
racism, economic disparities, and social injustices. Efforts to address these issues, such as the
civil rights movement in the United States, continue to shape contemporary society. Slavery is a
dark and painful chapter in human history, marked by immense suffering and enduring
consequences. It is a topic that continues to be studied, discussed, and remembered as societies
grapple with the legacy of this institution and work toward greater social justice and equality.
Unpacking the symbolism in Blackout
The man's act of picking up the discarded cigarette can indeed signify scarcity or economic
hardship. This action adds another layer of symbolism to the story:
Scarcity and Economic Struggles: The man's retrieval of the half-smoked cigarette from
the gutter suggests that he may not have the means to afford his own cigarettes. It
implies economic scarcity or hardship, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals
who may be economically disadvantaged.
Resourcefulness in Adversity: The act also underscores the man's resourcefulness and
ability to make the most of limited resources. Despite his economic challenges, he doesn't
let a potentially valuable resource go to waste. This resourcefulness is a testament to his
resilience in the face of adversity.
Shared Experience of Scarcity: The act of picking up the discarded cigarette creates a
shared experience between the man and the woman. It implies that they both understand,
on some level, what it means to make do with less. This shared experience can serve as a
bridge between them, transcending their initial differences.
Critique of Socioeconomic Disparities: Symbolically, the act can be seen as a critique of
socioeconomic disparities. It highlights the inequality that exists in society, where some
individuals have access to resources and privileges while others struggle to meet basic
needs. In this context, the discarded cigarette represents a small but tangible example of
this inequality.
Transformation and Empathy: The act of picking up the cigarette can also be seen as a
catalyst for transformation and empathy. It may prompt the woman to consider the
economic challenges faced by the man and foster a greater understanding of his
perspective.
Incorporating the idea of scarcity into the symbolism of the discarded cigarette enriches
the story's themes by highlighting socioeconomic disparities and the potential for
empathy and connection between individuals from different backgrounds.
The Bus: The arrival and departure of the bus symbolize a transition or turning point in the
story. As the bus departs, the characters are separated physically, marking the end of their
interaction. The bus also represents the return to normalcy and societal norms that exist
beyond this brief encounter.
The shadow: In "Blackout," the shadow symbolizes racial divisions, initial fear, and curiosity. As
the story progresses, it represents the potential for transformation and understanding,
showing how people from different backgrounds can connect and challenge stereotypes.
Suggested references
McManus, Dermot. "Blackout by Roger Mais." The Sitting Bee. The Sitting Bee, 9 Jun. 2018.
Web. Retrieved from http://sittingbee.com/blackout-roger-mais/
Kendra Educare. (2021, February 4). Blackout by Roger Mais (Summary & Theme) [Video].
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ny8nkGGAQb0