The Lonely Londoners

by

Sam Selvon

Ma (Tolroy’s Mother) Character Analysis

Tolroy’s mother, who comes to London from Jamaica. When she arrives, she surprises Tolroy because she has brought Tanty, Lewis, Agnes, and two children with her even though the arrangement she originally made with him was that she would be the only family member coming to London. When Tolroy protests, she merely tells him to stop acting ungrateful by disrespecting his family members.
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Ma (Tolroy’s Mother) Character Timeline in The Lonely Londoners

The timeline below shows where the character Ma (Tolroy’s Mother) appears in The Lonely Londoners. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Section 1
Immigration and Community Theme Icon
Upward Mobility Theme Icon
Suddenly, Tolroy sees his mother coming off the train. To his surprise, she’s followed by his aunt, Tanty Bessy, and... (full context)
Section 5
Romance and Sex Theme Icon
...for them in the same boarding house in which he himself lives. While Tanty and Ma get situated, Agnes and Lewis decide to live in a nearby house, and Tolroy aids... (full context)
Romance and Sex Theme Icon
Immigration and Community Theme Icon
...to beat Agnes, who sometimes flees to Tolroy’s house to take shelter with Tanty and Ma, though she always comes back the next day. “Why don’t you leave that man for... (full context)
Section 6
Immigration and Community Theme Icon
...transferred on the train or which line they took to reach her. One day, though, Ma accidentally takes the cupboard key with her to work, and so Tanty has to journey... (full context)
Section 10
Immigration and Community Theme Icon
...Tracking down Moses, Harris asks him to “keep an eye on Five.” At this point, Ma and Tanty arrive at the party along with Tolroy and Lewis, and Tanty starts embarrassing... (full context)