Essay Questions

How does Paule Marshall use the generational and cultural clash between Da-duh and her granddaughter to examine themes of change, loss, and identity?

The story is structured around the interactions between the two characters, with each representing different worlds and values. Da-duh embodies the traditional Caribbean lifestyle deeply connected to the land while the granddaughter represents modernity, urbanization, and technological progress. Da-duh’s pride in her land symbolizes a defensive stance against the encroachment of modernity. Her pride is rooted in the natural world—from the tall royal palm to the sugarcane fields. These elements of the landscape represent her identity and heritage. As the granddaughter describes the technological wonders of New York, Da-duh’s world is challenged. Her skepticism and fear of this new world reflect the experience of cultural displacement and generational shifts. The tension between the two worlds reaches a climax when the granddaughter mentions the Empire State Building. This revelation seems to break Da-duh's spirit, which foreshadows her decline and death. Her death is symbolic of cultural loss and the inevitable change that comes with time. The granddaughter, on the other hand, is left to grapple with the meaning of her heritage and identity.

What is the role of the setting in the story in reflecting the internal and external conflicts experienced by the characters?

The rural landscape of Barbados contrasts with the industrial and urban environment of New York City through the granddaughter’s descriptions. Barbados, as depicted by Marshall, is almost a character in itself. The island’s natural beauty and the richness of its land are elements that Da-duh clings to, defining herself through her connection to the land. This setting reflects her internal conflict as she tries to assert the superiority of her world against the foreign concept of New York. Consequently, the granddaughter's descriptions of New York — snow, skyscrapers, subways — act as a counterpoint to the natural environment of Barbados. It underlines Da-duh's internal struggle to reconcile her pride in her homeland with the awe-inspiring descriptions of a world she does not know. Her gradual withdrawal from the landscape she once dominated reflects her growing sense of powerlessness, as the modern world intrudes upon her consciousness. Thus, the settings are active elements that drive the narrative's emotional and thematic development.

How do these literary devices contribute to the development of the characters?

The imagery of the fields is a potent representation of Da-duh's connection to the land and her cultural heritage. For instance, the sugarcane echoes the colonial history of the Caribbean and the economic and social changes that continue to influence the region. The royal palm tree is another critical symbol. It is presented as a natural monument of pride and resilience. However, when the granddaughter mentions that buildings in New York are "hundreds of times this tall," the tree's symbolism shifts. Imagery related to Da-duh's body also carries significant weight. Her physical decline after learning about the Empire State Building represents the psychological impact of the granddaughter's revelations. The description of Da-duh’s face as a "Benin mask" reflects her rigid stance, even as she feels the inevitable erosion of her world. Together, symbolism and imagery are central to understanding the characters' inner lives and their struggles. Through these devices, Marshall creates a narrative that is specific to the characters' experiences and universally relatable in its exploration of cultural identity and the passage of time.