Lecture Notes: Analysis of 'Checkmate' by Kevin Hosein

Introduction

• Lecturer: Emis Jabani, Teacher of English and Literature
• Topic: Analysis of the short story 'Checkmate' from the anthology 'A Silent Song and Other Short Stories'
• Author Background: Kevin Hosein
  • Born in Trinidad in 1963
  • Newspaper columnist, humanist, journalist for over 25 years

Plot Analysis

Episodic Breakdown

1. Episode 1: At the Bank

   • Setting: Local bank in Trinidad
   • Characters: Sukia (corporate secretary)
   • Events:
     • Sukia, who has been promoted from lawyer to corporate secretary and accountant, goes to deposit several checks
     • Receiving kickbacks paid by checks from Rand's company
     • Rand distrusts electronic payments due to cybercrime fears
     • Sukia often holds onto checks before depositing them
     • She deposits the checks in different accounts (local in Trinidad, international in Cayman Islands)
     • Incident at the bank where a check worth 5 million is identified as US dollars, surprising Sukia
     • Sukia afraid to deal with the manager to avoid scrutiny of her large accumulated savings

2. Episode 2: At Sukia's Apartment

   • Setting: Sukia's luxurious apartment
   • Events:
     • Description of Sukia's wealth and lifestyle
     • Deliberates about whether to question Rand about the check
     • Checks her records and finds all calculations are correct
     • Realizes the signatures on the checks are inconsistent; the signatures do not match Rand's

3. Episode 3: In Randol's Office

   • Setting: Randol's office (CEO of inherited company)
   • Events:
     • Confrontation with Rand
     • Rand admits check was both reward and hush money
     • Rand explains fraud by undervaluing shares
     • Rand had forged signatures using Sukia's pen to incriminate her
     • Sukia's tearful realization of betrayal
     • Rand attempts to exploit Sukia sexually
     • Sukia records the conversation as evidence
     • Sukia turns the tables on Rand by threatening to expose him with the recording

Title Analysis

Relevance of the Title 'Checkmate'

• Symbolism:
  • Game of Chess: Represents strategic maneuvering, with Sukia ultimately winning against Rand
  • Financial Checks: Story revolves around financial checks used by Rand to pay employees and the check forgery

Conclusion

• Sukia gains the upper hand, symbolizing a checkmate in chess and a financial downfall for Rand

Next Episode Preview

• Upcoming discussion on emerging issues in the story
• Examination of an essay from the story 'Checkmate'

Until next time, bye-bye!