Ox is an absurd parent.
In the story "Splashdown," the reader encounters Cukie’s father, Ox. Cukie and his father have a sardonic affiliation because both live in different spheres. Ox wants to avoid taking his duty as a father because he wants the freedom to do things he considers important. Later, Cukie tries to look for his father, but even after finding him, the relationship remains discomfited, and each takes a different path.
Expectations for a good life
The novel takes place in Kingston, Jamaica, and the United States of America. Sanya and Topper are fleeing Jamaica because the country is experiencing civil war and political conflicts. When the couple arrives in America with their children, they expect a better life. Ironically, a catastrophe called Hurricane Andrew awaits them. When the disaster strikes, the family is left homeless. A few years after the hurricane, the recession hits America, taking Sonya and Topper back to the drawing board.
The iron of the land of endless opportunities
Many immigrants believe that the United States of America is a heaven on earth. It is not surprising to discover that most people prefer to go to the United States of America as opposed to real heaven. Sanya and Topper, with their family, are among the people who believe that America is a promised soil where opportunities are infinite. Therefore, when Sanya and Topper arrive in the USA, they know that all their problems are solved. Ironically, the family is welcomed with racism and scarce opportunities for black people. Sanya and Topper struggle to get a job and find it difficult to sustain their family. The reality is that for a black person to succeed in America, he must work twice harder because preference is given to white Americans.
