A Grain of Wheat

by

Ngugi wa Thiong’o

Dr. Lynd Character Analysis

Dr. Lynd is a British researcher and an old spinster who loves bull-mastiffs and hates black people after they break into her house and murder her first dog. Lt. Koina briefly works for her as a young man before robbing her and butchering her dog, and she recognizes him again while he is in Githima, investigating Karanja.
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Dr. Lynd Character Timeline in A Grain of Wheat

The timeline below shows where the character Dr. Lynd appears in A Grain of Wheat. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 4
Colonialism Theme Icon
Gender and Power Theme Icon
From his window, Thompson watches Dr. Lynd cross the compound, followed by her bull-mastiff. She enters a building, but her dog lingers,... (full context)
Colonialism Theme Icon
Taking Dr. Lynd aside, Thompson finds himself unable to admit his failure to act. Instead, Dr. Lynd tearfully... (full context)
Chapter 11
Colonialism Theme Icon
Guilt and Redemption Theme Icon
...his dedication and persistence in his work, even though his own government had mistreated him. Dr. Lynd confides to John that she has seen her vengeful houseboy again, but John does not... (full context)
Chapter 14
Colonialism Theme Icon
...own past. After being fired from several jobs for demanding better treatment, Koina worked for Dr. Lynd as her houseboy. She treated him well enough and he got along well with her... (full context)