On Roger Mais

1. Biography of Roger Mais
Roger Mais, born August 11 1905 and died June 21 1955 in Kingston, was a Jamaican journalist, novelist, poet and playwright. By 1951, Mais had won ten (10) first prizes in West Indian literary competitions. His integral role in the development of political and cultural nationalism is evidenced in his being awarded the high honor of the Order of Jamaica in 1978. He wrote several plays, reviews and short stories for the newspapers "Focus" and the "Jamaica Daily Gleaner".
In 1944, he was incarnated for six (6) months in the Spanish Town Penitentiary when he wrote the anti-British satirical tirade "Now we know" criticizing the British colonial rule. While imprisoned he wrote his first novel "The Hills were Joyful Together" in 1953. He went to London, Paris and France to fulfill himself in art. As a result, his own artwork appeared on the cover of his novels. Soon after his first novel was published, his second novel "Brother Man" was published in 1954. His final novel was published a year after "Brother Man". This was called " Black Lightning".
In 1955, Mais returned to Jamaica after falling ill with cancer and eventually died the same year at age 50.

2.How do critics feel about the novel "Brother Man"?
Most critics agree that "Brother Man" is a very interesting novel. They are all of the fact that Mais' view of Ratsafarianism, even in the times that they were seen as being a secret "cult", was one that started out singers like Bob Marley and other Rasta singers on their way of fame. Because of Mais' view also, Rastas have come to gain that respect that the characters in his novel "Brother Man" wanted and eventually got even today in Jamaica.

3. The religious aspects in regards to Rastafarianism
The religious aspect of Rastafarianism is a monotheistic movement that arose in a Christian culture in Jamaica in the 1930's. They worship Haile Selassie, a former emperor to Ethiopia. It is a highly organised religion. However some may say that it is not a "religion" but the "way of life". They eat limited types of meat, they do not eat shellfish or pork. Their approved food is called ital.
Persons are no longer skeptical about the Rastas  because it has become a norm in society.