Foreign Soil

by

Maxine Beneba Clarke

Viv Character Analysis

In “The Stilt Fishermen of Kathaluwa,” Viv is Loretta’s former colleague at the center. It’s Viv who calls Loretta to tell her that Chaminda died. The story also hints that Viv played an indirect (and unintentional) role in Chaminda’s implied suicide: a note that Loretta left on Viv’s computer got misplaced and forgotten, delaying Chaminda’s release from the detention center indefinitely, which then motivated him to poison himself.
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Viv Character Timeline in Foreign Soil

The timeline below shows where the character Viv appears in Foreign Soil. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
The Stilt Fishermen of Kathaluwa
The Limitations of Hope Theme Icon
Communication and Misunderstanding Theme Icon
...marriage. After Sam finishes, Loretta reaffirms that she has to go to the center, since Viv can’t go today. Sam protests, but Loretta gets out of bed to get ready anyway.... (full context)
Place Theme Icon
The Limitations of Hope Theme Icon
Solidarity vs. Prejudice Theme Icon
...doesn’t seem to register her question. She can’t believe how young he is. Ever since Viv called her to tell her about Chaminda, Loretta has tried to forget the horror of... (full context)
The Limitations of Hope Theme Icon
Communication and Misunderstanding Theme Icon
Solidarity vs. Prejudice Theme Icon
...center, Chaminda’s case was almost closed. She left a note detailing his release memoranda on Viv’s computer, but it got lost. In retrospect, Loretta should have known; stuff like that happens... (full context)