Father's Arrival: Impact and Symbolism
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Questions and Answers

Considering the narrator's perspective, what is the most profound impact of her father's arrival on her sense of self and constructed reality?

  • The disruption of her elaborate fantasies about her parents, leading to a complete deconstruction of her perceived identity and understanding of family. (correct)
  • The exposure to 'proper English' and a cynical worldview, prompting a re-evaluation of her community's values and her place within it.
  • The immediate shift in family dynamics as her father's presence alters the established relationships between Momma, Uncle Willie, and Bailey.
  • The realization that her father's physical appearance and mannerisms are markedly different from her expectations, causing disillusionment but ultimately fostering a deeper appreciation for reality.

The narrator's initial perception of her father is predominantly shaped by objective observations, free from the influence of pre-existing emotional biases and idealized expectations.

False (B)

Analyze the symbolic significance of the De Soto automobile in the context of the father's arrival. What deeper meaning does it convey beyond a mere mode of transportation?

The De Soto symbolizes a transient connection to a world beyond Stamps, showcasing the father's ability to navigate different social strata; it embodies his superficial attempt to impress while maintaining an inherent detachment from the community's values.

The father's speech pattern, characterized by the liberal use of 'ers' and 'errers,' coupled with his twisted-mouth smiles and tilted head, suggests a deeper psychological state of ______, hinting at a fundamental disconnect between his words and his true beliefs.

<p>disingenuity</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each character's reaction to the father's arrival with the underlying emotional or psychological state it most accurately reflects:

<p>Momma = Overwhelmed maternal affection and relief Uncle Willie = Stuttering, indicative of shock and repressed emotion Bailey = Excitement mixed with a pragmatic awareness of social dynamics Narrator = Existential disillusionment and a shattered sense of self</p> Signup and view all the answers

Within the socio-historical context of the narrative, what is the most incisive interpretation of the protagonist's desire to possess long, blond hair and light-blue eyes?

<p>An aspirational embrace of European beauty standards symptomatic of internalized racism and the pervasive influence of dominant cultural aesthetics on self-perception. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the textual evidence, the protagonist's reference to a 'cruel fairy stepmother' should be interpreted as a literal belief in supernatural intervention, rather than a metaphorical expression of her feelings of alienation and displacement.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Critically analyze the symbolic significance of the 'green persimmon' or 'lemon' imagery in relation to the protagonist's experience of public humiliation and loss of bodily control.

<p>The 'green persimmon/lemon' symbolizes both the physical sensation of urinary incontinence and the emotional 'sourness' of the protagonist's humiliation. It encapsulates the disruptive intrusion and sensory overload of the experience, marking a moment of profound violation and loss of innocence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The protagonist's statement, 'my daddy must of been a ______' reveals a painful encounter with racial prejudice.

<p>Chinaman</p> Signup and view all the answers

Associate each excerpt with the dominant theme it exemplifies:

<p>&quot;Wouldn’t they be surprised when one day I woke out of my black ugly dream, and my real hair, which was long and blond...&quot; = Internalized Racism &quot;...after all the things they said about ‘my daddy must of been a Chinaman’...&quot; = Racial Prejudice &quot;I stumbled and started to say something, or maybe to scream, but a green persimmon, or it could have been a lemon, caught me between the legs and squeezed.&quot; = Public Humiliation &quot;I’d get a whipping for it, to be sure, and the nasty children would have something new to tease me about.&quot; = Anticipation of Retribution</p> Signup and view all the answers

Through a postcolonial lens, how does the protagonist's aversion to 'pigs' tails and snouts' most acutely function as a form of resistance?

<p>It embodies a rejection of forced assimilation and an assertion of personal autonomy in the face of cultural expectations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Assuming a psychoanalytic perspective, what is the most compelling interpretation of the protagonist's experience of involuntary urination in the church, regarding the id, ego, and superego?

<p>The urination represents the <em>id's</em> unrestrained impulse, overwhelmed by the <em>superego's</em> oppressive moral judgment, while the <em>ego</em> fails to mediate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Concerning the minister's weekly announcement, what cognitive process best explains Sister Henderson's delayed response before singing?

<p>A genuine, recurring instance of cognitive surprise and self-doubt, wherein she momentarily questions whether the summons is genuinely directed at her. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Momma's adherence to specific protocols in interactions or communications about white individuals reflects a strategic methodology rooted in her worldview of inherent racial inequalities and their potential ramifications.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Elaborate on the sociopolitical ramifications inherent in the judge's inadvertent use of the title 'Mrs.' when addressing Momma.

<p>The judge's blunder precipitates a temporary subversion of the prevailing racial hierarchy, inadvertently bestowing an honorific typically reserved for white women onto a Black woman, thereby subtly challenging the established social order and sparking divergent reactions within both racial communities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Momma's act of sheltering the fugitive underscores the concept of 'sanctuary,' which in this context extends beyond mere physical refuge to encompass a form of ______ resistance against systemic injustice.

<p>existential</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each action with its subtle implication within the context of the narrative:

<p>Sister Henderson's delayed response = Potential internal conflict between humility and recognition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best encapsulates the multi-layered significance of the term 'They' as employed by Momma?

<p>A semantic device imbuing white individuals with an aura of detached, almost mythical power, simultaneously acknowledging and obscuring their role in perpetuating systemic oppression. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Momma's self-identification as a 'realist' is a tacit rejection of the label 'coward,' and an affirmation of her strength borne from pragmatic engagement with societal realities.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Critically analyze the symbolic contrast between Momma’s public persona and her clandestine act of harboring the fugitive, and its implications on the perception of power and resistance within the community.

<p>Momma's public adherence to societal norms served as a facade, enabling her hidden acts of defiance to hold greater weight within the community. This duality enhanced her perceived power, transforming her resistance into a potent symbol of agency while protecting her from direct reprisal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The narrative implies a cyclical perpetuation of learned behaviors, wherein Momma seeks to impart upon Bailey and the narrator those 'safe paths' predicated by her forebears, revealing an enduring effort to mitigate inherited ______ in a constricting society.

<p>vulnerabilities</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each character with the action reflecting an act or symbol of defiance:

<p>Sister Henderson = Expressing her self through her hymns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given the narrator's assessment of cold 'catheads' and Reverend Thomas's extended blessings, which of the following best encapsulates the complex interplay between sensory experience, deferred gratification, and spiritual practice within the described environment?

<p>The degradation of the food acts as a metaphor for the perceived disconnect between abstract religious rhetoric and the tangible, immediate needs of the narrator and their family. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The narrator's preference for Deuteronomy stems primarily from a sophisticated theological understanding of its nuanced interpretations within various hermeneutical traditions.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Elaborate on the symbolic significance of the shift in seating arrangement within the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, detailing how physical space reflects stages of spiritual development and communal integration.

<p>The shift from the children's section to the intermediate area signifies a progression in spiritual maturity and communal integration. As children grow, their physical placement reflects their evolving roles and responsibilities within the church community, marking a transition toward greater participation and engagement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 'Mothers of the Church,' positioned cater-cornered from the children's section, likely represent a figure of both ______ and ______ within the church hierarchy, embodying the weight of tradition and moral authority.

<p>authority, guardianship</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each element from the passage with its corresponding symbolic interpretation:

<p>Cold catheads = Disappointment and the stagnation of ritual Deuteronomy = Perceived clarity and order in a complex world Mourners' Bench = Visible constraint and imposed piety Reverend Thomas' prayers = Tedious religious ceremony that deadens the spiritual appetite</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the narrator's description of the ham grease turning white on the tomatoes contribute to the broader thematic concerns within the excerpt?

<p>It serves as a visceral manifestation of time's passage and the decay of sensory pleasure due to prolonged religious observance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bailey's assertion that Momma places them on the mourners' bench solely to exert control minimizes the potential for genuine spiritual introspection within the children.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Analyze the effect of Reverend Thomas's 'non-talking but still noisy relish' in consuming the cold food after the extended blessing on the overall tone and message of the passage.

<p>Reverend Thomas's noisy consumption contrasts starkly with his prolonged and seemingly detached prayer, suggesting hypocrisy or indifference to the community's discomfort. It reinforces the narrator's critique of empty ritualism and underscores a sense of alienation from authentic spiritual experience.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The description of the eggs withdrawing from the platter's edge and bunching in the center evokes a sense of ______, mirroring the narrator's own feeling of being ______ by the protracted prayer.

<p>vulnerability, neglected</p> Signup and view all the answers

Connect each sensory detail with its corresponding emotional or psychological resonance for the narrator:

<p>Gooey catheads = Disgust and disappointment Droning sermon = Boredom and alienation White ham grease = Loss of anticipation and freshness Narrow benches = Physical discomfort and impatience</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given the narrator's intense craving for pineapples and the limited access to them, which of the following scenarios would MOST LIKELY lead to the narrator surreptitiously consuming a can of pineapples?

<p>A sudden, unexpected surplus of pineapples due to a misdelivery, coupled with heightened emotional distress after a severe reprimand, and the temporary absence of Bailey and Momma. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'the covenant God made with children, Negroes and the crippled' implies a theological belief in inherent vulnerability and divinely ordained protection extended to specific, marginalized groups.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Elaborate on the symbolic significance of the Store's transformation from an 'unopened present' in the morning to a 'tired' entity by afternoon, and how this mirrors the narrator's changing perceptions and emotional landscape throughout the day.

<p>The Store's transformation from an 'unopened present' to a 'tired' entity symbolizes the shift from potential and anticipation to the weariness of daily toil and human interaction. This mirrors the narrator's initial sense of wonder and possibility in the solitary mornings, which gradually gives way to a more subdued and reflective state as the day progresses and the Store becomes a locus of activity and negotiation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 'juice of oil and fishing boats' from the sardine cans, allowed by Bailey to 'ooze down and around the sides,' not only represents a physical mess but also a symbolic ______ of the ordinary and the exotic, reflecting the complex layers of their lived experience.

<p>confluence</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following sensory details from the passage with their corresponding emotional or symbolic connotations:

<p>Syrupy golden pineapple rings = Yearning and restricted indulgence Soot-encrusted iron skillets = Tradition and laborious preparations Thick soup of softened lard = Fatigue and the passage of time Crispy crackers = Simple contentment and familial bonding</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the author's description of Uncle Willie's behavior during the evening meal MOST contribute to the overarching themes of the narrative?

<p>It provides a stark contrast between his daytime struggles and nighttime tranquility, emphasizing the restorative power of familial peace and challenging societal perceptions of disability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The narrator's description of the Store as appearing 'like an unopened present from a stranger' primarily serves to foreshadow a betrayal or disappointment experienced later in the narrative.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Analyze the narrative implications of the narrator's admission that she 'must have weighed the possibility of the scent exposing me' regarding stealing pineapples. What does this reveal about her character, her relationship with Momma, and the social dynamics of the Store?

<p>The narrator's internal calculation suggests a strong moral compass, tempered by the intense desire for pineapples. It suggests a relationship with Momma characterized by both affection and a fear of disappointing or disobeying her. The social dynamics of the Store are underscored by the ever-present awareness of scrutiny and accountability, even in the face of temptation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following interpretations BEST captures the nuanced significance of Momma using pineapple juice to make 'almost-black fruit cakes' and lining 'heavy soot-encrusted iron skillets with the pineapple rings for rich upside-down cakes'?

<p>It symbolizes a deliberate act of culinary alchemy, transforming mundane ingredients into extraordinary delicacies, and embodying a metaphor for resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Embarrassment

Feeling of shame or humiliation, often caused by awareness of flaws or failures.

Body Image Issues

Internalized negative feelings about one's own physical appearance, sometimes fueled by external comments.

Cultural Alienation

Experiencing discomfort in a social or cultural setting due to differences in background or identity.

Escapism

Using imagination or fantasy to escape from an unpleasant or painful reality.

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Feeling Scrutinized

A feeling of being singled out or targeted, often leading to increased anxiety and self-consciousness.

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Verbal Taunting

Teasing or mocking someone based on their physical appearance or perceived differences.

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Physical Humiliation

Experiencing physical discomfort and loss of control due to a bodily function.

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Silver-wrapped Kisses

The narrator's favorite treat, except for her brother and canned pineapples.

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Canned Pineapples

A food the narrator craved, only eaten at Christmas.

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Pineapple Uses

Momma used pineapple to make dark fruit cakes and upside-down cakes at Christmas.

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The Store

The narrator's favorite place until age thirteen.

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Store's Direction

The store faces this direction which allows for soft lighting, especially in the mornings.

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Store's Afternoon Feel

The Store feels this way in the afternoon, after a busy day.

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Promise of Magic Mornings

A promise returns, spreading over the family in waves.

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Evening Supper

Crackers, onions and sardines.

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Uncle Willie's Evenings

Uncle Willie doesn't show any signs of his affliction.

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Anticipation of Reunion

Expecting a parent to arrive and 'rescue' them from their current situation.

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Shattered Fantasies

Disappointment resulting from a large difference between reality and one's idealized expectations.

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First Impression: Father

The narrator's initial impression of their father upon his arrival, focusing on his large physical presence and striking appearance.

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Formal Speech Pattern

Using extremely proper English, as opposed to the local dialect.

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Cynical Demeanor

Father's skeptical attitude towards both his own words and the words of others.

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Catheads

Biscuits served during Reverend Thomas's visits, best enjoyed hot with butter.

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Blessing the Table

The act of asking for divine favor before a meal.

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Reverend Thomas

The speaker who visited on Sundays, known for lengthy sermons.

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Mothers of the Church

Women with a position of respect and influence within the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

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Children's Section

The section in the children's area of the church, where the children sit.

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Mourners’ Bench

The first row in the church, where the narrator and Bailey were made to sit during Reverend Thomas's sermons.

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Overseeing Grandchildren

Momma's motivation for choosing a place to sit.

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Book of Deuteronomy

A book from the Old Testament, which contains a collection of laws and teachings.

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Hell and Brimstone

A concept of harsh punishment for those who disobey the rules.

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The Devil's Fire

A place of eternal torment, mentioned in religious texts.

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Unchanging Performance

A regular, predictable action or series of actions.

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Didn't Cotton To

To disapprove or dislike an idea.

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Sobriquet

A descriptive name or epithet.

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Realist

Being practical and facing facts.

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Gaffe

Mistake or blunder.

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Subpoenaed

Officially summoned to court.

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Chifforobe

A tall cabinet, often used for storing clothes.

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Assaulting white womanhood

Illegally attacking a woman

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Apprehended

To capture or arrest someone.

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Standing up to 'them'

Brave, strong-willed or determined.

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Study Notes

  • The narrator is a young girl who feels out of place and unattractive at church due to her darker skin and "kinky" hair, believing she is actually white and was transformed by a jealous stepmother.
  • She imagines waking up with long blond hair and light-blue eyes, feeling like an outsider because she doesn't speak with a Southern accent or enjoy typical Southern foods.
  • During an Easter Day service, she has an accident where she urinates on herself after tripping, and the other children laugh at her.
  • After the incident she runs home crying knowing she will be whipped but can not contain herself.

Childhood Obsessions

  • The narrator greatly loves Kisses and canned pineapples
  • Her love and dreams about pineapples are intense, but they only had it during Christmas
  • She vividly recalls the anticipation and limited access to canned pineapples, which are used in Christmas cakes.
  • She fantasizes about being able to buy a whole carton of pineapples for herself one day and eats with great care to preserve the memory of the flavors and perfune on her fingers.
  • She never steals a can of pineapples, possibly out of fear of being caught by her scent.
  • The Store holds a special place in the narrator's heart; she loves it and considers it to be a special unopened gift.
  • The store faces north, letting the light eases over the shelves of mackerel, salmon, tobacco, and thread and lard.
  • In the afternoons the store feels tired from the work half done, but in the evenings the promise of magic returns.

Family Life and Food

  • Suppers at the store consist of crispy crackers, sliced onions, and sardines.
  • Uncle Willie's stutter disappears in the evenings at suppertime surrounded by family.
  • Eating catheads is best when the butter is applied before they get cold.
  • Reverend Thomas' long-winded blessings before meals are a regular occurrence when dining with the family.
  • The narrator loses her appetite during the endless blessings while the food gets cold.

Church and Social Issues

  • The children’s section is in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is on the right.
  • The "Mothers of the Church" are considered ominous women.
  • Children are moved to the next pews when they get bigger.
  • The Reverend's sermons are taken from Deuteronomy.
  • The narrator likes Deuteronomy and adheres to it strictly.
  • Sister Henderson always acts surprised when she is called upon to sing a hymn, but does so with sincerity every week.

Momma's Principles and Racism

  • Momma taught the children safe life paths and instilled the idea that they couldn't talk to white people.
  • Momma advised against criticizing "them", referring to white people, unless using the sobriquet "They."
  • Momma would not consider herself cowardly but realistic.
  • Momma was the only Negro woman in Stamps referred to as "Mrs."
  • During a story when a black man sought refuge from the law she hid him in her store.
  • When Momma showed up the judge called her Mrs.Henderson and all the white people laughed and thought it was funny.
  • The black community was proud of them, the thought it proved the worth and majesty of the grandmother.

Father's Return

  • Bailey suggests maybe mother is getting ready to come and get us when she sends gifts.
  • The father comes to Stamps without warning.
  • The narrator and Bailey had elaborate fantasies of their parents, but the illusion shattered when their father arrived.
  • The father's car is a De Soto and he had to prepare the car before his entrance.
  • The narrator says that he was large and his shoulders very broad.
  • The father speaks very proper English.
  • He gives off the air of a cynical man.
  • She later learned her father was a door man at the Breakers Hotel in Santa Monica.

Internal Conflict

  • She begins to question if he is her real father.
  • She is always afraid when he watches her.
  • When she eats at the dinner table one day, he laughs at her for her poor posture and is proud of his sense of humor.
  • He filled the Store with his peers, who had mixed feelings on him.
  • He says he has to go back to California.
  • She doesn't know if she loves him.
  • They were going to take the children with him.
  • She thinks about going with her father at the pond where they are able to fish.

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