Girl by Kincaid Analysis Example

In “Girl” by Kincaid, a strict mother constantly explains what and what not to do to her daughter. Throughout the story, the relationship between the characters unfold, and a realization comes to fruition: the mother is trying to make her daughter fit into societal norms. Although the girl tries to talk back once or twice, it is obvious that the mother has an immense amount of control over her daughter. The way she demands everything of her daughter promotes a rude and cruel tone. There are some wild things that the mother tells her to do, even going all the way to tell her “... how [to] sweep a corner … how [to] sweep a whole house [and] how [to] sweep a yard” (Kincaid).

The vast tasks that the mother wants her daughter to do are ridiculous. Telling her to sweep an area almost impossible to achieve reveals the brutality of the mother. She is ruthless, even telling her daughter how not to be a slut. The quote above represents a task insufferable and unacceptable, and the girl barely talks back, showing the division of power between mother and daughter in the house. 

Like the daughter, I have been through times where there has been a big divide between me and someone else. I have been told to do an extensive amount of rigorous things, and situations like the one in this short story are very similar to experiences in music ensembles I participate in.

As I walked into the band room, I immediately recognized the familiar sounds of trombones, trumpets, saxophones, and much more graceful instruments. As I took my saxophone out of the case, I heard the voice of my music teacher, making sure everyone was prepared for class. I felt a slight churning in my stomach, my heart rate steadily increasing. I walked over to my seat, looking up at the eerie glance my teacher was giving. Our ensemble sat down, ready to play a piece that allowed us to test our limits. Before we began, he reminded us to adjust our embouchure, sit up straight, and do more that felt unnecessary. As we began to play, his face distorted, and immediately he stopped us. Staring directly at me, he asked what went wrong with the very first note.

“We articulated incorrectly,” I said hesitantly, my stomach feeling twisted.

“That is correct; that note is super important,” he said, nodding in my direction. I let out a sigh of relief as he lifted his hands and started counting, indicating our time to play. He didn't stop us, so we continued, and I saw a smile grace over his face, something that felt rare and uncomfortable. After he silenced us, he immediately glanced down at the saxophones and started scribbling on his notebook with rigor while all other groups got the thumbs-up from the teacher. After this intense moment, he gave a nod of approval and dismissed us. Even though it would be rough at points, a wide smile graced my face every time I played music. Those days of tough lecturing have inspired me to continue to indulge myself in music.

The mother represents a perfect example of power distributed unequally within a household. The girl has been changed in some way by the strict policies of her mother. For me, music ensembles have changed the way I have approach doing things, and I will forever remember it and continue to do it. It has helped me develop as a person, musician, and has allowed me to overcome intense challenges, similar to the developments of the daughter in the story. The mother has most definitely changed her daughter, as music has with me.