"Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid consists of numerous sentences that are only separated by semi-colons. The author narrates her mother's advice that she has received growing up as a young woman. Even though the mother is giving her daughter advice, the mother seems to be lecturing her, almost threatening her daughter to follow the guidelines that she has mentioned. In addition to the advice, she is given specific instructions on how she is expected to carry out day-to-day housework along with how a young woman should act.
I noticed this story was broken down into three main ideas. The first idea the young woman was receiving are the roles that are passed down through generations. Her mother states, "don't squat down to play marbles-you are not a boy, you know" (1146). Her mother in this phrase is telling her how to act out in public and to not objectify herself and be labeled as a slut.
The second idea I received from the text was that the mother is reminding the young woman how to be a woman. This lecture from her mom is a code for women to live by, it is a list of duties that woman are expected to do and to perform them a certain way. She states, "this is how you set a table for tea, this is how you set a table for dinner; this is how you set a table for dinner with an important guest" (1146). The mother is explaining to her daughter how she is expected to set the table for different dinners, and now to perform regular household chores.
The third idea are life lessons from the mother. The mother wants the young woman to abide by the rules to become a successful woman. She does not want her daughter to be an ordinary woman, but she wants her to work hard to be the best that she can be. Additionally, the mother feels that if theses rules are not followed, the daughter will not be successful in life. The mother signifies the importance of these rules by using repetition of the phrase, "this is how you".
-Patrick
"Girl" Jamaica Kincaid. Pages 1144-1146.
Hi Patrick!
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your analysis post for “Girl.” I really liked the way you started out by explaining what the story is like, I think it’s such a unique little story that this was helpful to include. I like that you broke the story down into three main points. I think you did a nice job of really elaborating how the mother is conveying these ideas by what she says in the story.
Hi Patrick! I really enjoyed reading your readings notes because you did a great job at pointing out the importance of lessons being taught in the work. I also like how you pointed out the mothers point of view and how she wanted her daughter to be a successful women by following these rules. Overall, great job and keep up the good work!
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