My Brother

Exoticism, Extirpation, Ambivalence, and Identity: Flora in Kincaid’s “My Brother” Jamaica Kincaid’s “My Brother” is a mini-epic about disjointed family, loss of identity and absolution, all of which are represented quite distinctly in the story through setting—more specifically, by the plant life in the story. Symbolism, I feel, should not be part of a universal lexicon; artistically superior symbols are only tied to specific works (while less talented authors use symbols from the extensive canon of universal symbols, which is a very un-intriguing and tiresome enterprise). No, the symbolism of great fiction is represented no further than beyond the pages of a particular story, and beyond the trite and hackneyed universal symbols, each story should possess its own set of effective symbols, for it is in subtlety and ingenuity that fiction best executes its artistry. Then there is the consideration of intent. Are all construed symbols in a story consciously placed there by an author? I think not. Beyond the conscious decisions of authors regarding symbols, I believe also in symbolism and meaning conveyed on a subconscious level. Without this extra set for consideration, fiction languishes in unoriginality and superficiality, while, with this extra dimension of symbolic expression, the genius author is exhibited and perpetuated. All of this is explained to show that this story possesses a very effective set of conscious and unconscious symbols that work together to uniquely convey its very strong and clear themes. Kincaid, from what I understand, is an avid gardener, which would explain the prevalence of flora as symbol in her story “My Brother.” Consideration of this motif is introduced with the inciting event of the story. When the fateful phone call comes, her comfort is found in a book entitled The Education of a Gardener. This is no accidental placement. It occurs at the jumping off point of the story, and it initiates a key theme and introduces