Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid.

The “Girl” was written by an American writer of Indian origin Jamaica Kincaid. This particular tale is included in the collection of stories titled At the Bottom of the River (1983).

The whole story consists of the utterances of the mother who teaches her daughter how to live. And this is precisely the message of this text. The problem of upbringing remains at all times. A parent tries to convey all stored experience to the children and everybody chooses his own way how to do it.

In my opinion, the way, which the mother of this story chose, was a little harsh and despotic. The author represented the text as a monologue of the mother. Only two phrases were uttered by the main character’s daughter. These sentences were even italicised to draw the reader’s attention (but I don’t sing benna on Sundays at all and never in Sunday school. … but what if the baker won’t let me feel the bread?) These sentences were started with the word but. It means the daughter did not agree with her mother and there were only two cases when the daughter dared to say.

The text is penetrated throughout stylistic devices. As far as the lexicon is concerned Jamaica Kincaid uses simple, easy-to-understand words in general. Although, some specific words are used such as okra, dasheen, doukona which emphasize the Indian origin of the author. It allows the reader to understand where the story takes place. Moreover, the mother teaches her daughter to put clothes on the stone heap and put them on the clothes line to dry that it is impossible to imagine in the busy life of megapolis. It proves the fact that the story takes place in the countryside. One more point about the lexicon is that there are some words with negative connotation, with derogatory meaning (slut, wharf rat, to spit up), which cut the reader’s ear because the mother’s monologue carries informative and didactic function.

One of the most eye striking devices is the use of parallel constructions. (Wash the white clothes on Monday; wash the color clothes on Tuesday. This is how you iron your father’s khaki shirt so that it doesn’t have a crease; this is how you iron your father’s khaki pants so that it doesn’t have a crease. This is how to make a good medicine for a cold; this is how to make a good medicine to throw away a child before it even becomes a child.) All these repetitions confirm that the mother wants to teach her daughter for all occasions as if she is preparing her for a marriage.

The numerous repetitions of the phrase this is how prove the didactical aim of the mother’s speech.

In terms of statistics, there are 7 negative sentences, 21 affirmative and 31 “this is how” sentences in the text.

Some parallel constructions are used in gradation to strengthen the effect of the stated. (F.ex. this is how you smile to someone you don’t like too much; this is how you smile to someone you don’t like at all. This is how you sweep a corner; this is how you sweep a whole house; this is how you sweep a yard.).

The whole text is represented as a chain of utterances. All these utterances are connected in one sentence by way of semicolon. The author uses asyndeton to emphasize the continuity of the mother’s thoughts. As if what she tells not demands any explanations and objections.

The caring mother wants to convey all her experience to her daughter. (This is how you grow okra – far from the house, because okra tree harbors red ants). But at the same time she restricts her freedom wishing to teach good manners. (You mustn’t speak to wharf rat boys). The author uses numerous imperatives to show the imperious character of the mother (don’t walk; always eat; wash; be sure).

The tone of mother’s presentation is sometimes irrelevant. (On Sundays try to walk like a lady and not like the slut you are so bent on becoming. Don’t eat fruits on the street – flies will follow you. This is how to split up in the air if you feel like it, and this is how to move quick so that it doesn’t fall on you.) It exemplifies the mother’s attitude to her daughter. It seems as if the mother doesn’t respect her child, humiliates her and does not give her any opportunity to make the mistakes. The mother restricts the circle of contacts and interests of her daughter depriving her the normal careless childhood. (You mustn’t speak to wharf-rat boys. Don’t squat down to play marbles. Don’t sing benna in Sunday school.). Jamaica Kincaid uses the irony, which nearly borders with sarcasm, to emphasize the disrespectful mother’s attitude. (Always eat your food in such a way that it won’t turn someone else’s stomach.).

On the one hand, the mother gives the practical advice which is useful for any housewife in the future (Cook pumpkin fritters in very hot sweet oil. This is how to hem a dress. This is how to set a table. This is how to make a good medicine for a cold.). But on the other hand, she gives hints about such immaterial things as love. (This is how to smile to someone you like completely. This is how to behave in the presence of men who don’t know you very well. This is how to love a man.). In my opinion, to smile and to behave differently in the presence of men mean to conceal the personality, to be artificial and hypocritical.

Perhaps, the text portrays the typical approach of upbringing in India where kinships are more close and dependent. Parents are authorities whom do not dare to disobey.

It is highly difficult to divide the text into the parts as it is represented as a monologue of the mother. There are only two sentences of the daughter’s direct speech.

The text combines both ironical and imperious, didactical tone of presentation. But the last one prevails.

Analysis.

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