political criticism on the english patient

From the war-torn wastelands of Europe to the exotic Cairo, The English Patient, is a reader's delight. This novel set in the twilight stages of the Second World War was created by Michael Ondaatje. Amongst Caravaggio, Hanna, Almasy and other minor characters, Kip is the only coloured character in the cast. Almasy, is the sick patient while Hana nurses him. Caravaggio is a thief who used to work for the Allies while Kip forages through …

…A preponderance of his qualities become obvious in circumstances where white characters are affected in a potent manner. In many a situation, Kip emerges the victor, be it at diffusing bombs, captivating women, or in emotional battles, while white characters are left feeling remorseful (in Almasy's case) or longing for him (in Hana's case). This is clearly the manifestation of Ondaatje's strength of convictions in his origins, and in a very astute yet powerful manner.