Themes and message

Compromise

The theme of compromise is explored throughout the story “Beggarland” by Alan Sillitoe. Jane, the protagonist, is a writer; with an approaching deadline on her book, she needs someone to entertain her two small children, Ben and Angela. Urgently needing an au pair after the previous one left suddenly, Jane feels she has no other choice than to hire Greta, whom she had previously turned down. It is unclear why Jane did not hire Greta in the first place, even though her reference was acceptable (l. 2). In any case, it is clear that Jane feels she is making a compromise by hiring Greta: “Beggars can’t be choosers, she said to Tim” (l. 10).

The theme of compromise is also explored in connection to motherhood. Although Jane is happy that Ben and Angela are getting along with Greta, and that she can do her work in peace, Jane also feels guilty (l. 108). The reason is not explicitly stated, but Jane probably feels that she should spend more time with them, or she might feel guilty for taking pleasure in being away from them. Nonetheless, because she also wants to work, she must compromise and let her children spend time with Greta, who is a stranger.

The need to work in peace also leads Jane to compromise on a moral issue. When her son Ben asks her to let him and his sister play “Cardboard City”, in which they pretend to be beggars, Jane disapproves of the idea (l. 89). She also trie...