A Leg of Mutton
A Leg of Mutton
Antigua became independent from England in 1981, but before that, every aspect of Jamaica Kincaid’s life was affected by England. The way she ate, what she studied, what she wore, how her family acted all were influenced by the historical incident during this time period… she absolutely hated it. To display her negative feelings of defeat and betrayal she used rhetorical strategy in her essay, such as intense figurative language, sarcastic syntax, and development of persona of her own parents. For example, Kincaid refers to the shape of England as a leg of mutton which is nasty, old, smelly lamb (showing her dislike towards England) Although she compares it to a jewel, she concludes that only Englanders deserve to wear it, as if Antiguans are not worthy. She feels as though her own people do not belong in this culture, “They [Englanders] wore it well and they wore it everywhere.” Repetitively, Kincaid says “Made in England” so much, that it is as if every object she encounters comes from this country. The reader can sense that seeing this enrages her with frustration. Throughout the essay, “On Seeing England for the First Time,” Kincaid uses sarcastic syntax. Referring to the jewel again, Kinkaid writes, “England was a very special jewel ALRIGHT only special people wear it.” The use of sarcasm reveals a feeling of hatred. This tone continues throughout the entire essay although she never directly tells her negativity of England, her syntax shows it perfectly. Kinkaid adds, “I did not know much – CERTAINLY not a blessing.” The subtle addition of words like “certainly” and “alright” express her attitude of defeat. She feels like her home of Antigua has been conquered and taken over by England, and dreads the feeling of not having independence, not just for her country but also for herself. One last important rhetorical strategy Kincaid uses is the development of persona of her own parents. Her own family, the people closest to her
Antigua became independent from England in 1981, but before that, every aspect of Jamaica Kincaid’s life was affected by England. The way she ate, what she studied, what she wore, how her family acted all were influenced by the historical incident during this time period… she absolutely hated it. To display her negative feelings of defeat and betrayal she used rhetorical strategy in her essay, such as intense figurative language, sarcastic syntax, and development of persona of her own parents. For example, Kincaid refers to the shape of England as a leg of mutton which is nasty, old, smelly lamb (showing her dislike towards England) Although she compares it to a jewel, she concludes that only Englanders deserve to wear it, as if Antiguans are not worthy. She feels as though her own people do not belong in this culture, “They [Englanders] wore it well and they wore it everywhere.” Repetitively, Kincaid says “Made in England” so much, that it is as if every object she encounters comes from this country. The reader can sense that seeing this enrages her with frustration. Throughout the essay, “On Seeing England for the First Time,” Kincaid uses sarcastic syntax. Referring to the jewel again, Kinkaid writes, “England was a very special jewel ALRIGHT only special people wear it.” The use of sarcasm reveals a feeling of hatred. This tone continues throughout the entire essay although she never directly tells her negativity of England, her syntax shows it perfectly. Kinkaid adds, “I did not know much – CERTAINLY not a blessing.” The subtle addition of words like “certainly” and “alright” express her attitude of defeat. She feels like her home of Antigua has been conquered and taken over by England, and dreads the feeling of not having independence, not just for her country but also for herself. One last important rhetorical strategy Kincaid uses is the development of persona of her own parents. Her own family, the people closest to her