Strict Advice In Jamaica Kincaid's 'Girl'

Do This Do That

Growing up you’re trying to find your place, trying to figure out what is right and what is wrong. Often times our parents would fill us in on the “dos” and “don’ts”. In “Girl,” by Jamaica Kincaid, the mother of the girl is giving strict advice. The girl listens tentatively, only interrupting her Mother twice. Her Mother’s objective is to scold her daughter, but at the same time offer some advice. The Mother has a very direct tone and is very dominant. The Mother’s advice isn’t in any specific order, she’s just rattling off whatever pops into her head. She tells her how to properly iron her Dad’s clothes, how to set the table, how to smile, how to sit, even how to make bread. The Mother is wanting what is best for her daughter