Amelia Bedelia, the best-selling American children’s book published in 1963 by Peggy Parish, tells the story of a young girl who works as a maid for Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers. Humorously, Amelia misinterprets all of Mrs. Rodger’s instructions. For example, Amelia takes scissors and cuts up their hand towels when Mrs. Rodger’s list instructed her to, “Change the towels in the green bathroom” (Parish, 16). Upon their return, Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers excuse Amelia’s misunderstandings because she baked them a delicious pie. Many argue that a simple, foolish children’s book like Amelia Bedelia does not add value to a college classroom’s syllabus because it is not a remarkable piece of literature. While college students may not gain vocabulary from reading
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As defined by Barry in Beginning Theory, “its [structuralism’s] essence is the belief that things cannot be understood in isolation-they have to be seen in the context of the larger structures they are apart of…”(Barry, 39). Barry expresses that the meaning of words are relational; language operates in chains of difference. Also, the availability of words shape what we notice or do, therefore, the availability of words shape realities and social …show more content…
It is crucial to understand the historical connotations of language in order to recognize the significance and essence of daily communication, including misinterpretations. After analyzing Amelia Bedelia, it is evident the book reflects deeply rooted racial tensions and speaks to the whiteness that is a defining quality of American Literature. The value that Amelia Bedelia offers to a college classroom reveals how deeply American ideals are imprinted in pop culture and the young age these values are introduced to American youth. These intrinsic societal values and ideals are disintegrated into everyday actions, thoughts, and behaviors and thus are often overlooked. However, these mundane actions define what is ‘American’. Thus, in order to understand American culture, it is necessary to critique and be skeptical of the intentions and societal guidelines that foster whatever is the ‘American’ perspective. To generalize, perspectives are shaped by systemic histories, meaning that social and racial value dissolve into identities and direct thoughts and
As defined by Barry in Beginning Theory, “its [structuralism’s] essence is the belief that things cannot be understood in isolation-they have to be seen in the context of the larger structures they are apart of…”(Barry, 39). Barry expresses that the meaning of words are relational; language operates in chains of difference. Also, the availability of words shape what we notice or do, therefore, the availability of words shape realities and social …show more content…
It is crucial to understand the historical connotations of language in order to recognize the significance and essence of daily communication, including misinterpretations. After analyzing Amelia Bedelia, it is evident the book reflects deeply rooted racial tensions and speaks to the whiteness that is a defining quality of American Literature. The value that Amelia Bedelia offers to a college classroom reveals how deeply American ideals are imprinted in pop culture and the young age these values are introduced to American youth. These intrinsic societal values and ideals are disintegrated into everyday actions, thoughts, and behaviors and thus are often overlooked. However, these mundane actions define what is ‘American’. Thus, in order to understand American culture, it is necessary to critique and be skeptical of the intentions and societal guidelines that foster whatever is the ‘American’ perspective. To generalize, perspectives are shaped by systemic histories, meaning that social and racial value dissolve into identities and direct thoughts and