Literary Analysis: An Analysis Of Girl By Jamaica Kincaid

Girl by Jamaica Kincaid “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid is a short piece about an older, or an elder speaking to a young girl about all of the do’s, dont’s and the ways of life. She starts off simply by talking about what is/are commonly known as women jobs, such as the cooking, cleaning, and caregiving. Then she proceeds into the idea of not being too provocative on Sundays and acting like a lady. The elder states that she should never talk to bad boys who you know full well treat women badly, “not even to give directions” (Kincaid). We all know that many times men only have one thing on their brain, and women have to approach men very carefully in conversation to make sure there is nothing confusing about the talk. She then goes on and talks about …show more content…
For example, how to iron a shirt and a pair of pants to ensure that there are no creases in them. She shows her how to sew a button, and how to make a button hole for the button. She even goes through, which may very well be my favorite part, how to smile at people. The idea of how to smile at someone you don’t like very much, don’t like at all, and someone you like completely. She teaches the young girl how to act in the presence of men she has just met to ensure that they do not mistake her for a woman of another kind who is a bit more on the unladylike side. In the end she tells the young girl the bread is always fresh by squeezing it lightly. After everything the only question the young girl has is “what if the baker won’t let me feel the bread” (Kincaid)? To which the elder woman replies with the fact that if she follows all the rules and guidelines just given to her then how could a baker not let a woman of her kind go near the bread. Growing up as girls, life can be pretty and it is nice to have an adult woman figure to give you some tips. Although this may all sound a bit intense and overwhelming, I feel that as this young girl grows up and turns into an amazing woman, she will be thankful for …show more content…
There is not a lot of room left for outside ideas or opinions. It is precise and there is no questioning what the piece is trying to convey. Next, we have the concept of moment. In the moment of the piece there is only true idea that is being portrayed. The older woman is stating the do’s and don’ts of a woman’s life and in that moment there is no question about what is expected of women as they grow up and blossom into young ladies. Expectations are surely high, but to be quite honest if women did not have themselves together and the world was completely surrounded by the ideals of men and women were not there to help, I truly think it would be an absolute