UnderstandingPatriarchy.pdf “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid.
Essay Assignment #2
Please write a 3-5 page essay on the following topic in 12 pt. font, Times New Roman, doublespaced, 1” margins. Keep in mind, since you will be discussing works of fiction, your essay must be written in the present tense. For this essay, you are not permitted to summarize the plots of the texts. You do, however, need to refer to occurrences and quotes from the texts to support your argument. Note, block quoting is not permitted. You may use secondary sources are for this paper. Topic #1 Analyze Jamaica Kincaid’s “Girl” using the ideas about the effects of patriarchy on men and women Bell Hooks discusses in her essay “Understanding Patriarchy.” Essentially, discuss any point introduced in “Understanding Patriarchy” and how it can be seen in the short story. Your thesis should reference a particular idea that Hooks presents and how it is displayed in ”Girl”, either through the characters or events that unfold in the story. Your thesis should resemble something like: “The girl is forced to play the role that is assigned to her as a girl that Hooks discusses in her essay.” What patriarchal tropes are presented in each reading? Is the mother in “Girl” perpetuating the idea of patriarchy? Look for parallels between Hooks’ arguments in any themes, events, or character traits in the reading. “Understanding Patriarchy” by Bell Hooks: https://imaginenoborders.org/pdf/zines/
UnderstandingPatriarchy.pdf “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid: http://www.saginaw-twp.k12.mi.us/view/8490.pdf