Girl - Jamaica Kincaid
An authoritative figure is instructing a seemingly young girl on the proper ways to act. The speaker seems somewhat resentful of the girl because she does not appear to be a proper women. The reading emphasizes that women are expected to get all of the chores and cooking done. Women, especially younger girls, are subordinate in the civilization. The girl is reminded several times in the reading to not become the "slut" that she is becoming. All of the boyish games are looked down upon for a girl to participate in. The speaker once again appears resentful when the girl wonders if the bake won't let her feel the bread, as if the question is ridiculous.
The identities of the characters are revealed throughout the reading. The tone and the directness of the speaker enforce the authority in the tone. The girl's questions and statements throughout the reading reiterate her young age and childish actions.
The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven - Sherman Alexie
The flashbacks in this reading made the text more interesting. The discussion of the speaker's ex-girlfriend made him appear more distraught due to the fact that she was "haunting" him. The narrator seems unhappy and desperate in many different instances. He is always searching for his home. Even after he goes back home to the Indian Reservation, he is not entirely happy and complete. He is still looking for a job and does not appear settled in his own home.
It is interesting how much pleasure the speaker gets from teasing the graveyard shift clerk. It seems that only when he can make someone else feel uncomfortable does he feel comfortable. The speaker does comply with the clerk's silent request to ask for another item, liket he Cherry Slushie. This brings a reality to the narrative character and assures the reader that he is inately human.
His nightmares reflect on the speaker's unhappiness with the turmoil surrounding his own life. Being Indian, he must face racial issues daily. The dreams about the war between the white men and the Indians reflect his discontent with the situation.
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1 comment:
I like how you analyzed why the man in "The Lone Ranger and Taunto Fistfight in Heaven" acted the way he did toward the store worker. It is interesting how he seems to take pleasure in watching other people be uncomfortable. This shows that he is usually uncomfortable himself, and maybe he likes to make other people feel the way he does. I liked though, that you said he revealed his good side by buying the drink.
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