Transplanted Identity: Race and Acceptance in Caryl Phillips’s ‘Made in Wales’ of Three English Lives

Abstract

This essay delves into the significance of transplanting Randolph Turpin, a mixed-race character, into the Welsh setting in Caryl Phillips’s ‘Three English Lives,’ titled ‘Made in Wales.’ Turpin’s upbringing in Leamington Spa, England, seemingly entrenches him in English culture and society. However, Phillips’s narrative explores the factors leading Turpin, originally from England, to become associated with Wales. Racial dynamics and societal issues prevalent in England are scrutinised, echoing Phillips’s inquiry into unjust treatment based on differences. The essay also considers the intersectionality of race and class, arguing that Turpin, as a working-class black individual, faced compounded mistreatment. Phillips’s exploration suggests that Turpin would have encountered societal obstacles in England, reflecting on the interconnectedness of race and class dynamics. The narrative further examines a moment of acceptance and lack of prejudice within Turpin’s family, exemplified by Annette’s grandfather’s response to Turpin’s desire to marry Gwen. This instance underscores the power of empathy and unconditional love to transcend societal barriers, offering a glimmer of hope amidst discrimination and inequality. Through these analyses, the essay navigates Phillips’s exploration of identity, societal dynamics, and the pursuit of acceptance in a world rife with prejudice and bias.