Jamaica Kincaid’s “Girl” portrays several issues that can be seen in today’s society. The story
consists of advice given by a mother to her daughter, scolding her at the same time. The mother
tells her daughter how she will have to maintain a home of her own one day and lead a fulfilling
life, while simultaneously calling her a “slut” and criticizing her promiscuity. She scolds her
daughter for incredibly simple, everyday things she observes such as the way she walks. This
heavily relates to aspects of today’s society when it comes to female sexuality. The mother sees
her daughter’s sexuality as dangerous, and as a gateway to a promiscuous life, the life that she
fears.
The mother’s constant emphasis on this theme shows how much she wants her daughter to
consists of advice given by a mother to her daughter, scolding her at the same time. The mother
tells her daughter how she will have to maintain a home of her own one day and lead a fulfilling
life, while simultaneously calling her a “slut” and criticizing her promiscuity. She scolds her
daughter for incredibly simple, everyday things she observes such as the way she walks. This
heavily relates to aspects of today’s society when it comes to female sexuality. The mother sees
her daughter’s sexuality as dangerous, and as a gateway to a promiscuous life, the life that she
fears.
The mother’s constant emphasis on this theme shows how much she wants her daughter to
realize that she needs to act in a certain way that will make her community respect her as
opposed to shaming her. Today, there is a certain stigma associated with sexuality, particularly
among adolescent females like the daughter in “Girl”. The belief that domestic knowledge can
give someone a good reputation in their community has been very prevalent today.
opposed to shaming her. Today, there is a certain stigma associated with sexuality, particularly
among adolescent females like the daughter in “Girl”. The belief that domestic knowledge can
give someone a good reputation in their community has been very prevalent today.
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