Introduction
Laylor, one of the main characters in Andrea Levy's short story "Loose Change," is a female refugee from Uzbekistan who arrived in London with her brother. Throughout the story, the narrator provides a detailed description of Laylor's appearance, behavior, and personality traits, allowing readers to gain insight into her character.
Physical Appearance and Personal Care
The narrator initially describes Laylor as a girl with remarkable eyebrows, black hair, wide eyes, a round face, and a solid jawline. Additionally, the mention of her accent gives readers a sense of her background. Despite being homeless, Laylor does take some care of her appearance, as evidenced by her actions in front of the mirror in the National Portrait Gallery lavatory. However, the narrator also observes various signs of neglect in Laylor's appearance, such as dirt under her chipped fingernails and crumpled, unironed clothing. These details shed light on Laylor's disregard for societal norms and her unconcerned attitude towards her physical appearance.
Generosity and Open-Mindedness
Laylor's generous and open-minded nature is evident when she offers all of her coins to the narrator, despite their status as strangers. This selfless act demonstrates Laylor's willingness to trust and help others, even in her own time of need. Furthermore, her openness and talkative nature are apparent as she candidly shares her story with the narrator, showcasing a cheerful and even dreamy disposition amid her challenging circumstances.
Hygiene and Social Behavior
Laylor's behavior also displays instances of questionable hygiene, such as licking her finger and using a hair and crumbs in her tea to prevent wasting sugar. While these actions may seem unhygienic, they can also be interpreted as resourcefulness and frugality, which aligns with her homelessness. Additionally, her observant and questioning expression when the narrator gets up to retrieve tissues indicates a level of self-awareness and curiosity regarding the unfolding situation.
Conclusion
Upon closer examination, Laylor emerges as a selfless, generous, and open-minded character, willing to offer help and trust to others even in the face of personal hardship. Her multifaceted personality, mysterious background, and at times perplexing behavior make her a complex and compelling character, contributing depth and richness to Andrea Levy's "Loose Change" short story.
