Lizzie Bright And The Buckminster Boy Conflict Analysis

Robert Kimberly Philbrick’s Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy masterfully weaves a tale of friendship, prejudice, and the clash between progress and tradition in the early 20th century. Understanding the genesis of the conflict between the residents of Phippsburg, Maine, and the community on Malaga Island is crucial to appreciating the novel’s central themes. The crucial question is: At what point does the author truly develop this conflict? To answer that, we need to deeply examine the narrative threads woven throughout the first part of the novel, focusing on the subtle yet potent foreshadowing that builds towards the inevitable confrontation.

The Overture of Discord: Seeds Planted Before Turner's Journey

The seeds of discord between Phippsburg and Malaga Island are sown well before Turner Buckminster sets foot on the island. The author skillfully lays the groundwork for the conflict through the introduction of various societal attitudes and historical contexts. One pivotal element is the portrayal of the prevailing social prejudices within Phippsburg. The town, though seemingly picturesque, harbors a deep-seated disdain for the Malaga Island community. This bias stems from several factors, including racial prejudice, economic disparities, and a general sense of otherness directed towards the islanders. The Phippsburg residents view the Malaga Islanders as different, as outsiders who don’t quite fit into their vision of a prosperous and respectable town. This perception is often fueled by misinformation and unfounded stereotypes, portraying the islanders as lazy, uneducated, and a blight on the community.

Another crucial factor is the simmering economic tension. The town leaders of Phippsburg, driven by ambition and a desire for progress, see the potential for economic gain through tourism. They envision transforming Phippsburg into a bustling resort town, attracting wealthy visitors and bolstering the local economy. However, Malaga Island, with its perceived unsightliness and the presence of its marginalized community, becomes an obstacle to this grand vision. The island, in their eyes, is an impediment that needs to be dealt with, setting the stage for the tragic events that unfold. The early chapters subtly hint at the town’s ambitious plans and the unspoken desire to “clean up” the area, which includes removing the Malaga Island community. This desire is not explicitly stated at first but simmers beneath the surface, creating a palpable sense of unease.

Furthermore, the character of Reverend Buckminster, Turner’s father, plays a significant role in foreshadowing the conflict. His rigid adherence to societal norms and his eagerness to please the town’s influential figures highlight the prevailing attitudes within Phippsburg. The Reverend’s sermons and his interactions with the townspeople reveal a deep-seated conformity and a reluctance to challenge the status quo. This conformity creates an environment where prejudice can flourish, and the rights of the marginalized can be easily overlooked. Even before Turner’s friendship with Lizzie blossoms, the reader is made aware of the Reverend’s discomfort with anything that deviates from the accepted social order, hinting at the challenges Turner will face in his relationship with Lizzie and the Malaga Island community.

Finally, the historical context of the early 20th century provides a crucial backdrop to the unfolding conflict. This era was marked by significant social and economic changes, and the drive for progress often came at the expense of marginalized communities. The events in Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy are rooted in real historical occurrences, reflecting the forced displacement and marginalization of communities deemed undesirable in the name of progress. This historical context adds a layer of depth to the narrative, reminding the reader that the events in the novel are not isolated incidents but rather part of a larger pattern of social injustice. The subtle hints and foreshadowing in the initial chapters effectively establish the historical and social context, making it clear that the conflict is not merely a matter of personal disagreements but a reflection of broader societal issues.

The Spark Ignites: Conflict Crystallizes Before the Island Visit

While Turner’s travels to Malaga Island certainly intensify the conflict and bring it to a head, it is crucial to recognize that the conflict is already developing in the minds of the Phippsburg townspeople before he ever sets foot on the island. The seeds of prejudice, economic ambition, and social conformity, as discussed previously, have already been sown, and they begin to sprout into concrete plans and actions. The pivotal moments that solidify this developing conflict occur in town meetings and private conversations among the town leaders, which Turner inadvertently overhears or becomes privy to. These conversations reveal the growing determination to displace the Malaga Island community in order to pave the way for the lucrative tourist resort.

The town meetings serve as a crucial platform for the articulation and escalation of the conflict. It is in these meetings that the town leaders, driven by their vision of a prosperous future, begin to openly discuss the “problem” of Malaga Island. They frame the islanders as an obstacle to progress, using derogatory language and spreading misinformation to justify their plans for displacement. The meetings are not merely discussions; they are strategic sessions where the town leaders meticulously plan their course of action, devising ways to pressure the islanders into leaving. These meetings expose the calculated nature of the town’s actions, highlighting the deliberate effort to marginalize and displace the Malaga Island community. The language used in these meetings is often coded, hinting at the underlying prejudice and the dehumanization of the islanders. The town leaders present their plans under the guise of progress and economic development, masking the true nature of their actions, which is the forced removal of a community from their ancestral home.

Furthermore, the private conversations that Turner overhears provide a more intimate glimpse into the developing conflict. These conversations, often held in hushed tones and behind closed doors, reveal the true motivations and prejudices of the town leaders. They expose the extent to which the townspeople are willing to go to achieve their goals, even if it means trampling on the rights and dignity of others. These private exchanges also reveal the moral compromises that some characters are willing to make in the name of progress. Some townspeople may harbor doubts or reservations about the plans to displace the islanders, but they remain silent, unwilling to challenge the prevailing sentiment. This silence, born out of fear of social ostracism or a desire to maintain their own position within the community, contributes to the escalation of the conflict.

One pivotal scene that exemplifies the development of the conflict before Turner’s island visits is when he overhears a conversation between his father and some prominent town leaders. In this exchange, the men discuss the potential for economic gain if Malaga Island is “cleared” and developed. They speak of the islanders in disparaging terms, portraying them as a hindrance to progress and a stain on the community. This conversation shocks Turner and begins to open his eyes to the injustice being perpetrated against the Malaga Island community. It is a turning point for Turner, as he begins to question the values and beliefs he has been taught. This scene also highlights the complicity of seemingly respectable figures in the town’s plans, demonstrating how deeply ingrained the prejudice and economic ambition are within the community.

Therefore, the development of the conflict before Turner’s travels to Malaga Island is not merely a subtle undercurrent; it is a deliberate and crucial element of the narrative. The author skillfully crafts the backstory and the societal context, laying the foundation for the inevitable clash between Phippsburg and Malaga Island. The seeds of prejudice, economic ambition, and social conformity are sown long before Turner befriends Lizzie, and they sprout into concrete plans and actions within the town meetings and private conversations. It is this pre-existing tension that sets the stage for the tragic events that unfold, making the conflict all the more poignant and thought-provoking.

The Unfolding Drama: Conflict Post-Island Visit

While the conflict is clearly developing before Turner’s visits to Malaga Island, it’s undeniable that after Turner begins traveling to the island, the conflict dramatically intensifies and becomes much more overt. His burgeoning friendship with Lizzie Bright, a young girl from Malaga Island, and his growing understanding of the island community’s culture and way of life, put him directly at odds with the town’s plans. This personal connection to the islanders makes the conflict not just a matter of abstract principles but a deeply personal and emotional struggle for Turner. The contrast between the idyllic beauty and harmony of Malaga Island and the cold, calculating ambition of the Phippsburg town leaders becomes increasingly stark.

Turner’s first trip to Malaga Island marks a turning point in his understanding of the conflict. He witnesses firsthand the vibrant and close-knit community, the natural beauty of the island, and the simple yet fulfilling lives of its residents. This experience shatters the prejudiced stereotypes he has internalized from the townspeople and his own father. He sees the islanders not as a problem to be solved but as human beings with their own stories, dreams, and rights. This newfound perspective sets him on a collision course with the town’s plans and forces him to confront the injustice being perpetrated against the Malaga Island community. The stark contrast between the town’s perception of the islanders and Turner’s personal experience fuels his determination to fight for their rights.

As Turner spends more time on Malaga Island, his friendship with Lizzie deepens, further solidifying his commitment to the islanders’ cause. Lizzie becomes his confidante, his guide, and his partner in challenging the town’s plans. Their friendship transcends racial and social barriers, highlighting the shared humanity that connects them. Lizzie’s spirited nature and her deep connection to her community inspire Turner to take a stand against injustice. Their bond becomes a symbol of hope amidst the escalating conflict, demonstrating the power of empathy and understanding to bridge divides. The friendship between Turner and Lizzie also underscores the personal cost of the conflict, as their relationship becomes a target of prejudice and disapproval from the townspeople.

Moreover, the town’s reaction to Turner’s friendship with Lizzie and his increasing involvement with the Malaga Island community serves to heighten the conflict. The townspeople, particularly the influential leaders, view his actions as a betrayal of their values and a threat to their plans. They attempt to control him, to dissuade him from his friendship, and to discredit the Malaga Island community. These actions reveal the deep-seated intolerance and the determination to maintain their vision of progress at any cost. The town’s reaction also isolates Turner, forcing him to choose between his loyalty to his community and his conscience. This isolation intensifies his commitment to the Malaga Island community and strengthens his resolve to fight for justice.

Therefore, while the groundwork for the conflict is laid before Turner’s travels, it is after he visits Malaga Island that the conflict truly explodes into a full-blown crisis. His personal connection to the islanders, his friendship with Lizzie, and the town’s reaction to his involvement amplify the stakes and push the narrative towards its tragic climax. The visits to Malaga Island serve as a catalyst, transforming the simmering tension into a raging fire of injustice and resistance.

Conclusion: The Multifaceted Genesis of Conflict

In conclusion, the development of the conflict between the people of Phippsburg and those of Malaga Island in Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy is not a singular event but a gradual process that unfolds throughout the narrative. While the seeds of discord are sown before Turner travels to the island, as evidenced by the town’s prejudice, economic ambition, and social conformity, the conflict intensifies after his visits. His personal connection to the islanders, his friendship with Lizzie, and the town’s reaction to his involvement escalate the stakes and drive the narrative towards its tragic climax. Thus, the conflict is not simply “developed” at one specific point, but rather it evolves and intensifies over time, making the story a powerful exploration of prejudice, injustice, and the importance of standing up for what is right.