Kincaid Morrison 1 Eng 102 English Composition II Mrs. Saitt ✓ Solved

Kincaidmorrison 1eng 102 English Composition Iimrs Saitta Ringger

Kincaid/Morrison 1 ENG 102: English Composition II Mrs. Saitta-Ringger Name:__________________

Read the following questions related to the texts "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid and "Recitatif" by Toni Morrison. Answer the questions comprehensively, demonstrating an understanding of the narrative techniques, themes, character dynamics, and underlying messages conveyed by the authors.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Jamaica Kincaid's "Girl" and Toni Morrison's "Recitatif" present richly layered narratives that explore complex social dynamics, identity, and perceptions through distinct literary devices. The questions posed about these texts require an analytical approach to understand the perspectives, character relationships, and thematic messages embedded within these works. This paper aims to explore these questions thoroughly, offering insights into the narrative voice, character development, and underlying conflicts presented by both authors.

Analysis of "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid

The narrative of "Girl" is constructed through a series of commands and directives spoken by a presumably maternal figure to a young girl. The source and recipient of these commands can be deduced as a mother instructing her daughter on how to behave and present herself within the social expectations of their community. The direct, imperative tone suggests a relationship rooted in authority and cultural transmission. The commands are not given all at once; instead, they are delivered in a continuous flow, reflecting a socialization process that occurs over time, perhaps during various daily activities or passed down through repeated instructions. This layered delivery captures the ongoing nature of societal and familial expectations.

The attitude of the speaker towards the narrator reveals a mixture of concern, control, and perhaps a desire to protect or conform her daughter to accepted norms. The tone is authoritative but also carries an undercurrent of anxiety about reputation and morality. Most of the advice centers around gender roles, domestic responsibilities, and social propriety, indicating the speaker's intent to prepare the girl for societal acceptance and adherence to cultural standards. The repeated line, "this is how you behave in the presence of others," acts as a personal attack because it underscores the importance placed on maintaining appearances, implying judgment or potential shame if boundaries are crossed.

Analysis of "Recitatif" by Toni Morrison

"Recitatif" opens with an explanation of why Twyla and Roberta, the main characters, were placed in the shelter of St. Bonny's—an orphanage—highlighting the social and economic circumstances that led to their placement. Morrison distinguishes her narrative by avoiding explicit race identifiers, prompting readers to examine bias and assumptions about race, class, and identity. Twyla and Roberta differ from the other girls at the shelter in their backgrounds; Twyla's mother was a dancer, and Roberta's was a judge, setting them apart as children from different social classes with distinct experiences.

Maggie, a mute girl with a physical handicap, becomes a symbol of vulnerability. She was once pushed down a flight of stairs by the girls at St. Bonny's, an act that signifies their cruelty and the loss of innocence. The most hostile encounter between Twyla and Roberta involves disagreements about Maggie's treatment and differing memories of her fall, reflecting the elusive nature of truth and the impact of prejudice and misunderstanding. In their final meeting, both women realize that their perspectives on Maggie's incident are shaped by their personal histories and biases, leading to a shared, albeit conflicted, understanding that their memories are filtered through their individual experiences.

Conclusion

Both "Girl" and "Recitatif" delve into themes of societal expectations, identity, and memory. They highlight how personal histories influence perceptions and relationships. The questions examined reveal the authors' intentions to critique social structures and the human tendency to interpret events through subjective lenses, emphasizing the importance of empathy and reflection.

References

• Kincaid, J. (1983). Girl. In At the Bottom of the River. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Morrison, T. (1983). Recitatif. In Confirmation: An Anthology of African American Women. Beacon Press.
• Hale, T. A. (1998). The Critical Imagination in Modern American Fiction. University of Pennsylvania Press.
• Hutcheon, L. (1988). A Poetics of Postmodernism: History, Theory, Fiction. Routledge.
• Woloch, A. (1994). The One vs. the Many: Minor Characters and the Counterpublic. University of California Press.
• Schorer, M. (2003). Critical Perspectives on Toni Morrison. Routledge.
• Brathwaite, E. K. (1989). The Development of Jamaican Literary Culture. Kingston Publishing.
• Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being. American Psychologist.
• Herman, D. (1992). Narrative Theory and Practice. Mills & Boon.
• Lodge, D. (1992). The Art of Fiction. Vintage International.