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In the short story “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid, the author delves into the complex relationship between a strict mother and her young daughter. Through a series of sentences, Kincaid sets the tone of the story as uptight, oppressive, and informative. The mother's concerns about her daughter's behavior are evident as she imparts advice on how to navigate the world as a young woman. While some may interpret the story as the daughter simply parroting her mother's instructions, a deeper analysis reveals the mother's underlying intentions to guide her daughter towards a more refined and respectable path.
One key aspect of the story is the dialogue between the mother and daughter, which serves as a vehicle for the mother's teachings.
The italicized response from the daughter, “but I don’t sing benna on Sundays” (line 7), highlights her attempts to defend herself against her mother's admonishments.
This back-and-forth dynamic underscores the generational gap and differing perspectives on what constitutes appropriate behavior.
Throughout the story, the mother imparts various lessons on etiquette and behavior, from how to smile at someone you don't like to setting a table for dinner.
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These instructions mirror the real-life experiences of many young women who are taught similar lessons by their mothers.
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The passing down of these teachings from one generation to the next is a common theme in the upbringing of young girls.
Reflecting on my own upbringing, I can attest to the importance of parental guidance in shaping one's character. Like the daughter in the story, I too was taught the value of discipline and proper behavior by my mother.
Her lessons on responsibility and independence have stayed with me into adulthood, serving as a foundation for my own development.
Jamaica Kincaid drew inspiration from her own childhood experiences in crafting the story of “Girl.” Growing up, Kincaid shared a close bond with her mother until the arrival of her three brothers, which strained their relationship.
Kincaid's mother's increased intensity and demands on her daughter to conform to societal expectations of femininity are reflected in the story. The themes of control and judgment permeate Kincaid's narrative, drawing parallels to her own upbringing.
In conclusion, “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid serves as a poignant reflection on the author's early life and the dynamics of mother-daughter relationships. Through the lens of a strict mother's instructions, Kincaid explores the nuances of gender roles, societal expectations, and the passage of wisdom from one generation to the next. The story resonates with readers who have experienced similar parental guidance and underscores the universal themes of growth, identity, and the pursuit of becoming a respectable individual.
Navigating Mother-Daughter Relationships in "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid. (2016, Aug 08). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/girl-by-jamaica-kincaid-2-essay
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