A Bend in the River

by

V. S. Naipaul

Metís is a French word that means “mixed,” but is often utilized in a derogatory manner to indicate people of mixed race or heritage. Metty takes on the name “Metty” (previously Ali) after the people in town begin calling him “metís” for this very reason.
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Metís Term Timeline in A Bend in the River

The timeline below shows where the term Metís appears in A Bend in the River. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 2 
Power, Freedom, and Identity Theme Icon
Racism and Diasporic Identity Theme Icon
Layers of the Past Theme Icon
...many of the customs of the locals. They call him Metty after the French word metís, on account of his mixed racial heritage. His engagement with the community makes him increasingly... (full context)