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Loose Change by Andrea Levy - Summary and Analysis of Laylor

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Loose Change by Andrea Levy - Summary and Analysis of Laylor
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Naomi

@naomi.rn

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Loose Change by Andrea Levy is a short story that explores themes of cultural differences, generosity, and human connection through the interaction between two women in London. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of the narrator, who encounters Laylor, a young refugee from Uzbekistan, in the National Portrait Gallery.

  • The story contrasts the narrator's initial judgments with Laylor's unexpected kindness and openness.
  • Laylor's character development reveals a complex individual balancing optimism with underlying vulnerability.
  • The narrative highlights issues of displacement, social norms, and the challenges faced by refugees.
  • Through their brief encounter, the story examines preconceptions and the potential for human connection across cultural divides.

27.10.2021

1597

Characterization - Laylor
One of the two main characters of Andrea Levy's short story ,,Loose Change" named Laylor,
is a female refugee from

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Page 1: Characterization of Laylor

The first page of Andrea Levy's "Loose Change" introduces us to Laylor, one of the main characters, through the narrator's perspective. Laylor is described as a young female refugee from Uzbekistan, estimated to be around 18 years old, who has recently arrived in London with her younger brother.

The narrator's initial impression of Laylor is formed in the National Portrait Gallery's lavatory. Laylor's physical appearance is vividly described, highlighting her wide black eyes, black hair, round face, solid jawline, and notably, her "spectacular eyebrows" that meet above her nose.

Highlight: The narrator's description of Laylor evolves from admiring her "spectacular eyebrows" to later referring to them as "pantomime," illustrating the shift in perception as more details about Laylor's situation come to light.

As the interaction progresses, the narrator notices more details about Laylor's appearance and hygiene, such as dirt under her chipped nails, an unironed blouse, and a cut on her cheek. These observations hint at Laylor's difficult circumstances as a refugee.

Example: The contrast between Laylor's initial appearance and her actual condition is exemplified by the narrator's observation of her "muddy boots" and "mildewy" smell, juxtaposed with her earlier efforts to fix her hair in the mirror.

Laylor's character is further revealed through her actions and interactions. Despite her own precarious situation, having fled Uzbekistan just three days prior and sleeping on the streets of London, Laylor displays remarkable generosity. She offers the narrator loose change without hesitation or questioning, demonstrating a selfless and trusting nature.

Quote: "Even though she just fled from Uzbekistan three days ago and sleeps on the square of London, she still does not hesitate to be trusting and selfless."

The text also highlights Laylor's communicative and optimistic demeanor. She openly shares personal details about her situation with the narrator, even when the narrator doesn't actively engage in the conversation. This behavior suggests Laylor's desire for connection and her resilience in the face of adversity.

Vocabulary: Precarious - uncertain or unstable; not securely held or in position; dependent on chance; risky.

Laylor's intellectual curiosity and emotional engagement are evident in her passionate discussions about art pieces in the gallery. Her ability to express both admiration and criticism for different artworks reveals a nuanced personality capable of forming and articulating opinions.

Characterization - Laylor
One of the two main characters of Andrea Levy's short story ,,Loose Change" named Laylor,
is a female refugee from

Öffnen

Page 2: Deeper Insights into Laylor's Character

The second page of the "Loose Change" analysis delves deeper into Laylor's character, revealing layers of complexity beneath her initially cheerful exterior. This section of the text explores the contrast between Laylor's outward behavior and her inner emotional state.

While Laylor has been portrayed as optimistic and unbothered, the narrative reveals moments of vulnerability that suggest a more nuanced character. Her emotional breakdown when discussing her last days with her family in her hometown exposes the depth of her feelings and the trauma she has experienced.

Quote: "After talking about her situation rather indifferently, emotions of sadness and despair are revealed when she cries telling the narrator about her last days with her family in her hometown."

The text also examines Laylor's behavior in the context of social norms and cultural differences. Her actions, such as speaking loudly in the museum, putting spilled sugar back in her tea, and wiping her nose with her sleeve, are noted as potentially inappropriate in the British context. However, these behaviors are attributed to cultural differences and her youth, rather than intentional rudeness.

Definition: Round character - A literary term referring to a complex, fully developed character in a story who has multiple layers to their personality and undergoes change or growth.

Laylor's character is ultimately described as a round character, showing emotional development throughout the story. Her initial presentation as cheerful and passionate is balanced by later revelations of worry and vulnerability, creating a more complete and realistic portrayal.

Highlight: The contrast between Laylor's outward behavior and inner emotional state adds depth to her character and challenges the narrator's (and reader's) initial perceptions.

The analysis concludes by noting that Laylor remains somewhat enigmatic and unpredictable due to the subjective nature of the narrator's perspective. This narrative choice by Andrea Levy adds an element of uncertainty to the characterization, inviting readers to question their own judgments and assumptions.

Example: The progression of Laylor's emotional disclosure throughout the story serves as an example of how initial impressions can be misleading, and how brief encounters can reveal complex human experiences.

This Loose Change (Andrea Levy analysis) demonstrates how the author skillfully crafts a character that challenges stereotypes and explores themes of cultural displacement, human connection, and the complexities of refugee experiences in a new environment.

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Loose Change by Andrea Levy - Summary and Analysis of Laylor

user profile picture

Naomi

@naomi.rn

·

42 Follower

Follow

Loose Change by Andrea Levy is a short story that explores themes of cultural differences, generosity, and human connection through the interaction between two women in London. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of the narrator, who encounters Laylor, a young refugee from Uzbekistan, in the National Portrait Gallery.

  • The story contrasts the narrator's initial judgments with Laylor's unexpected kindness and openness.
  • Laylor's character development reveals a complex individual balancing optimism with underlying vulnerability.
  • The narrative highlights issues of displacement, social norms, and the challenges faced by refugees.
  • Through their brief encounter, the story examines preconceptions and the potential for human connection across cultural divides.

27.10.2021

1597

 

12/13

 

Englisch

34

Characterization - Laylor
One of the two main characters of Andrea Levy's short story ,,Loose Change" named Laylor,
is a female refugee from

Page 1: Characterization of Laylor

The first page of Andrea Levy's "Loose Change" introduces us to Laylor, one of the main characters, through the narrator's perspective. Laylor is described as a young female refugee from Uzbekistan, estimated to be around 18 years old, who has recently arrived in London with her younger brother.

The narrator's initial impression of Laylor is formed in the National Portrait Gallery's lavatory. Laylor's physical appearance is vividly described, highlighting her wide black eyes, black hair, round face, solid jawline, and notably, her "spectacular eyebrows" that meet above her nose.

Highlight: The narrator's description of Laylor evolves from admiring her "spectacular eyebrows" to later referring to them as "pantomime," illustrating the shift in perception as more details about Laylor's situation come to light.

As the interaction progresses, the narrator notices more details about Laylor's appearance and hygiene, such as dirt under her chipped nails, an unironed blouse, and a cut on her cheek. These observations hint at Laylor's difficult circumstances as a refugee.

Example: The contrast between Laylor's initial appearance and her actual condition is exemplified by the narrator's observation of her "muddy boots" and "mildewy" smell, juxtaposed with her earlier efforts to fix her hair in the mirror.

Laylor's character is further revealed through her actions and interactions. Despite her own precarious situation, having fled Uzbekistan just three days prior and sleeping on the streets of London, Laylor displays remarkable generosity. She offers the narrator loose change without hesitation or questioning, demonstrating a selfless and trusting nature.

Quote: "Even though she just fled from Uzbekistan three days ago and sleeps on the square of London, she still does not hesitate to be trusting and selfless."

The text also highlights Laylor's communicative and optimistic demeanor. She openly shares personal details about her situation with the narrator, even when the narrator doesn't actively engage in the conversation. This behavior suggests Laylor's desire for connection and her resilience in the face of adversity.

Vocabulary: Precarious - uncertain or unstable; not securely held or in position; dependent on chance; risky.

Laylor's intellectual curiosity and emotional engagement are evident in her passionate discussions about art pieces in the gallery. Her ability to express both admiration and criticism for different artworks reveals a nuanced personality capable of forming and articulating opinions.

Characterization - Laylor
One of the two main characters of Andrea Levy's short story ,,Loose Change" named Laylor,
is a female refugee from

Page 2: Deeper Insights into Laylor's Character

The second page of the "Loose Change" analysis delves deeper into Laylor's character, revealing layers of complexity beneath her initially cheerful exterior. This section of the text explores the contrast between Laylor's outward behavior and her inner emotional state.

While Laylor has been portrayed as optimistic and unbothered, the narrative reveals moments of vulnerability that suggest a more nuanced character. Her emotional breakdown when discussing her last days with her family in her hometown exposes the depth of her feelings and the trauma she has experienced.

Quote: "After talking about her situation rather indifferently, emotions of sadness and despair are revealed when she cries telling the narrator about her last days with her family in her hometown."

The text also examines Laylor's behavior in the context of social norms and cultural differences. Her actions, such as speaking loudly in the museum, putting spilled sugar back in her tea, and wiping her nose with her sleeve, are noted as potentially inappropriate in the British context. However, these behaviors are attributed to cultural differences and her youth, rather than intentional rudeness.

Definition: Round character - A literary term referring to a complex, fully developed character in a story who has multiple layers to their personality and undergoes change or growth.

Laylor's character is ultimately described as a round character, showing emotional development throughout the story. Her initial presentation as cheerful and passionate is balanced by later revelations of worry and vulnerability, creating a more complete and realistic portrayal.

Highlight: The contrast between Laylor's outward behavior and inner emotional state adds depth to her character and challenges the narrator's (and reader's) initial perceptions.

The analysis concludes by noting that Laylor remains somewhat enigmatic and unpredictable due to the subjective nature of the narrator's perspective. This narrative choice by Andrea Levy adds an element of uncertainty to the characterization, inviting readers to question their own judgments and assumptions.

Example: The progression of Laylor's emotional disclosure throughout the story serves as an example of how initial impressions can be misleading, and how brief encounters can reveal complex human experiences.

This Loose Change (Andrea Levy analysis) demonstrates how the author skillfully crafts a character that challenges stereotypes and explores themes of cultural displacement, human connection, and the complexities of refugee experiences in a new environment.

Nichts passendes dabei? Erkunde andere Fachbereiche.

Knowunity ist die #1 unter den Bildungs-Apps in fünf europäischen Ländern

Knowunity wurde bei Apple als "Featured Story" ausgezeichnet und hat die App-Store-Charts in der Kategorie Bildung in Deutschland, Italien, Polen, der Schweiz und dem Vereinigten Königreich regelmäßig angeführt. Werde noch heute Mitglied bei Knowunity und hilf Millionen von Schüler:innen auf der ganzen Welt.

Ranked #1 Education App

Laden im

Google Play

Laden im

App Store

Knowunity ist die #1 unter den Bildungs-Apps in fünf europäischen Ländern

4.9+

Durchschnittliche App-Bewertung

13 M

Schüler:innen lieben Knowunity

#1

In Bildungs-App-Charts in 12 Ländern

950 K+

Schüler:innen haben Lernzettel hochgeladen

Immer noch nicht überzeugt? Schau dir an, was andere Schüler:innen sagen...

iOS User

Ich liebe diese App so sehr, ich benutze sie auch täglich. Ich empfehle Knowunity jedem!! Ich bin damit von einer 4 auf eine 1 gekommen :D

Philipp, iOS User

Die App ist sehr einfach und gut gestaltet. Bis jetzt habe ich immer alles gefunden, was ich gesucht habe :D

Lena, iOS Userin

Ich liebe diese App ❤️, ich benutze sie eigentlich immer, wenn ich lerne.