Annie John

The novel, Annie John, by Jamaica Kincaid depicted a mother daughter relationship that is not atypical for most mothers and daughters. The relationship between Annie and her mother, though, was unique in that most girls grow to relate more to their mothers, and often after rebelious period grow more fond of their mothers. This was not the case with Annie John. She was constantly emotionally distant from her mother. Throughout the novel it appeared that she wanted to get closer with her mother and reconnect, but something inside her was much stronger that forced her to pull away. For example, at the end of the novel Kincaid writes, "Big tears streamed down her face, and it must have been that - for I could not bear to see my mother cry - which started me crying too" (147). She loved her mother and was so distant from her at the same time; so much so that when they embraced it brought her out of this emotional state and back to her resentful feelings. Annie seemed to replace the lack of affection she recieved from her mother and put into an obsession with the girls her in class. This affection she felt for them replaced any emotionally attachment that she felt toward her mother. These relationships filled the void that Annie probably felt growing up; however, they filled the void only temporarily. Annie was looking for something more than what these girls had to offer. Her childhood "love" gradually became an annoyance that Annie could hardly stand. This relationship suffered the same way her relationship with her mother suffered. These troublesome relationships affected Annie's evolving personality and identity. Annie became very independent, but longed for the affection and acceptance of elders that she encountered. It seemed that she was subconsciously attempting to prove her mother wrong if she could gain the affection and acceptance from other older women (i.e. her teachers and other people that had authority over her). In this way her mother would have no reason to disprove of Annie and her actions. I believe that Annie misunderstood several things about her mother. When Annie reflects on her dreams of her mother killing her and she killing her mother. She applies this to her own life and instances and tries to determine if it is either she or her mother who "wins". I do not believe that Annie's mother was ever out to intentionally upset Annie. She was doing things that she believed would protect and benefit her in the long wrong, and Annie did not understand these things. Overall the relationship between Annie and her mother is very troublesome that accounts for the relationships that Annie has with others. These relationships, including the one with her mother, cause Annie internal conflict that shapes her identity.

The House on Mango Street

The book, The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros was difficult for me to relate to. Esperanza describes the various people in her community. It is evident by her writing that she is constantly striving for and wanting more than what is offered to her. Esperanza's descriptions are evidence of her resentment and frustration with her family and friends. Despite her feelings, she does seem to feel at ease with the people and the community around her. It was interesting to read where Esperanza talks about people who come into their neighborhood by mistake. She states, "Those who don't know any better come into our neighborhood scared. They think we are dangerous....All brown all around, we are safe. But watch us drive into a neighborhood of another color and our knees go shakity-shake..." (33-34). So even though Esperanza strives to be someone other than who she is, she is scared of the people who have the lifestyle she desires. She evidently sees herself as different and inferior to people who are a different color than she is.

The chapter "Linoleum Roses" is a chapter about how Sally marries into an unpleasant lifestyle. Esperanza has always looked up to Sally becasue she was pretty and therefore, Esperanza believed she had more experiences. It is evident in this chapter that Esperanza knows that the lifestyle Sally has choosen is not right because she was too young and was not ready to get married; however, Esperanza is willing to justify Sally actions becuase she is so desperate for a lifestyle other than her own. It appears that it is not just the house that Esperanza desires, it is a stereotypical lifestyle of the suburban community. Esperanza attempts to justify Sally's marriage because she can escape her current situation and have her husband and house, "her pillowcases and her plates" (124). She points out that Sally is afraid of her husband, but goes on to lighten the situation by describing the things inside the home she can look at. The idea of a house is such an important concept for Esperanza; if she only had a home everything would be perfect. This belief was so strong for Esperanza that she did not concern herself with her friend's unhappy lifestyle.