Coming of Age as a Global Citizen

Interview of Immigrant: Museum of London

This snapshot is from an interview given to an immigrant who had migrated to London. She explained that she had to get used to living next to people that did not share her same customs or religion. I imagine that Anwar felt similarly while living in London; he acted as though he still lived in India.

A Couple from Notting Hill, 1967: Museum of London

This photo of an interracial couple illuminates the idea of mixing classes and ethnicities that Helen's father was both afraid of and irritated by. 

Tipu's' Tiger: Victoria and Albert Museum 

 This wooden creation, made for an Indian sultan, emulates many of the feelings that Indians had towards the Englishmen they encountered. I think this is how Anwar felt when people told him that his way of life and thinking, such as his thoughts on arranged marraige, should change now that he is in England.

Costumes from The Lion King: Victoria and Albert Museum 

 These are the costumes used in the theater performance of The Lion King. These costumes are over the top with embellishments, although the costumes may appear to be authentic. The costumes were made by the white set designers as their ideas and visions of Africa were birthed. In the novel, Karim is forced to wear a loin cloth and paint himself brown because he does not quite yet fit that particular costume designer's idea and vision for that production.

View of London: London Eye

The view of London from this particular spot allowed us to see many different parts of it at once. The view from this spot near the center of London gave the city the illusion of a million different possible directions to go. I imagine that Karim was filled with a similar sense of possibility upon moving into the city.