... a general knowledg of the definition of motion, and of the distinction of natural and violent, even and accelerate, and the like, sufficing.

Of particular interest here is not only the role of African songs in the “finding my voice” narrative but also the reference to “accessing my tribal person” and entering “a kind of trancy state”, formulations that clearly point, once again, to the transformative potential of performance and the liminal state to which it allows access.

Frank's sullen dependency was driving his father nuts.

There ought to be a law, said Auntie Beatrice, people like that living up against decent people, something should be done. […] Auntie Beatrice willed Divine Judgement, or an epidemic, or simple eviction, upon the boy and his mother. […]