Analysis of Jamaica Kincaid's 'Girl'

Summary of "Girl"

• The poem is a straightforward, simple instruction manual for a young girl, outlining expected behaviors and roles in a patriarchal society.
• Presented as a series of imperative statements.
• The tone is direct and almost aggressive, with instructions presented as commands, not encouragement or advice.
• Jamaica Kincaid uses the voice of a mother figure to convey societal expectations on girls in her culture.
• Harsh and terse language delivers a pointed, implicit criticism of gender roles and societal expectations imposed on girls.
• Repetition emphasizes the relentless nature of these expectations.
• The poem's central theme is how societal constraints shape a young girl's identity and future.
• It's a critical commentary on cultural and gender norms.

Defining the Speaker

• The speaker is a mother figure, although the exact relationship isn't defined.
• The speaker embodies and enforces societal norms, transmitting cultural expectations.
• The speaker doesn't portray compassion or concern.

Key Instructions and their Implications

• Instructions are presented as "do's" and "don'ts" for managing a young girl/woman's life.
• Instructions focus on physical attributes, appearance, and activities, including hair, interactions with men, and societal expectations for relationships.
• A clear emphasis on the female body's role in conforming to societal expectations.
• The poem highlights how female identity is shaped by external forces like cultural expectations and the desires of men.

Tone and Style

• The harsh, direct, and commanding tone suggests frustration, anger, and a possible resignation to the constraints on the girl's freedom.
• The stark, clear style uses simple language, making instructions easy to understand and avoiding ambiguity or suggestion.
• The language reflects a social system that reinforces traditional roles and responsibilities.
• The simplicity of instructions masks their underlying burden and pressure.

Intended Audience

• The primary audience is the young girl herself.
• The poem represents societal expectations on women in general.
• Parents or adults in authority receive an implicit message about valued traits and expected behaviors for girls and women.