Short analysis of the "Natives of my person" by George Lamming ,

 George Lammings “Natives of my Person” is a tragic allegorical account of the journey of a slave ship toward San Christobal during the early colonial period. In this novel the author insists the reader to explore the human weaknesses of the men aboard “The Reconnaisance”.

As they are forced to confront their insecurities and subsequent physical and emotional abuse of their women, power relations and class struggles in their native land of Lime Stone. In this instance, the author nicely describes the hidden political ideologies and self destruction than the moral values in this book. 

'Neil Gaiman' : one of the famous English author says that ,  "You see evil always contains the seeds of its own destruction."

  Furthermore, as the tale unfolds we learn of all manner of moral failings on the part of these "upright men of society." In the same way we can also witness the distraction and destruction which takes place in this novel. 

In the novel, Lamming writes about two major powers in his imaginary world: the Kingdom of Lime Stone and the nation of Antarctica. He also writes of small islands known as the Islands of Black Rock which include Dolores and San Cristobal, which lie across the ocean from Guinea. 

Although, the places which are portrayed in the novel are imaginary, we could guess that Lime Stone might  represents England  while Antarctica could represent France and Spain. 

The hierarchy of shipboard  picturises the strong political practice dominating that the Commandant in the role of ship's captain and the officers - Steward, Boatswain, Surgeon and Priest at the top. Below deck is the chorus of common crewmen of which Lamming singles out a few: the Painter (Ivan), the Powder Maker (Baptiste), the Fisherman (Marcel), the Carpenter (Pierre) and the Cook (Duclos). There is also the Cabin Boy, Sasha. None of the Officers is named, they are always referred to by their post. 

During the voyage the crew attacks and captures over 100 Africans Lamming calls them as "the black cargo". The crew was jubilant because they believed they would become wealthy due to the share in the profits they would receive. The captives, however, committed mass-suicide by jumping into the sea while chained together. Afterward the Commandant ordered that the ship would, "receive no cargoes of the black flesh but proceed with its original crew for the Isles of the Black Rock." 

This order prohibiting the crew from engaging in the slave trade was a source of consternation among the officers and crew. The ship left Africa without any further atrocities being committed by the crew. Lamming made the horrors of captivity quite plain as he described the activities of the men of Lime Stone while on the Guinea coast. This part was not allegory but an historical recounting of a few of the many crimes committed at that time.

This novel matches exactly to the most famous quote: "For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

While expressing, George Lamming highlights outstanding issues which address the inherent tragedy that accompanies among the crew. This tragedy, most often, stems from the author’s dramatic use of the inevitable antagonism between characters, in their quest for better opportunities on the one hand, and their attempt to resist colonial assaults on the other hand.

Through this direct confrontation of old colonial rule, and with his inventive writing style, Lamming's Natives of My Person depicts the native's endeavours to overcome the horror imposed by settlers and also reveals the consequences of over ambination and inhumane activities.