About the Excerpt
What does the title of the chapter symbolize?
The title “Columbus in Chains” represents the fall of the Europeans within the Caribbean.
Where was Kincaid born, and in what year?
25th May 1949
Identify three themes in the excerpt.
- Mother- Daughter Relationship
- Colonialism
- Racism
What are Post-Colonial thoughts on Christopher Columbus during the 1980’s according to the excerpt?
Teachers reaction to the defacing. The use of the word blasphemy.
What did Miss Edward catch the girls doing behind the school yard?
-singing, dancing, saying bad words.
- showing off their legs to one another.
Name one Caribbean writer that influenced Kincaid’s work.
George Trow
State the significance of the theme, “mother-daughter relationship” in the excerpt.
Highlights the tensions in relationship seen in the last few lines of the excerpt.
How is post-colonialism reflected in the educational system?
- In the education system.
- Christopher Columbus being defaced is compared to blasphemy.
Besides losing her prefect position, what punishment was given to Annie after defacing her text book?
- she was ordered to copy books 1 and 2 of Paradise lost by John Milton in one week.
Identify one other piece of literary work from Kincaid?
“Girl”
“At the bottom of the river”
“Village voice”
How does Kincaid portray the theme of gender in the excerpt?
Male and female roles are imbalance seen in the family dynamic.
How is strong feminism characterized by Kincaid within the excerpt?
- Mother’s voice heard more over the father’s voice.
- Annie’s personality
Why did Annie feel betrayed by her mother?
She gave her breadfruit and lied about it saying that it was a new type of rice.
What is Kincaid’s birth name?
Elaine Potter Richardson
What are some examples of colonialism in the text?
Book references
Classroom setting
Mention of slavery
Elements of colonial education
Identify one line from the text that indicated an early form of feminism by Annie.
“It was clear that I was the ring leader”
Which character is used as a tool by Kincaid in order to rewrite colonial history?
Ruth, a white girl, taking the role of the dunce child within the story.
Which Caribbean writer is more than likely influenced by Kincaid’s work?
Derek Walcott
What are contributions of colonial education as seen in the excerpt? Give one example.
Negative impact as contributes to lack Caribbean identity reinforcement of oppression and suppression, misinterpretation of Caribbean history. Example: Annie defacement and punishment as a consequence of her actions.
There are instances within the text where Annie’s sexuality is questioned. Can you identify two?
“ Poor Gwen! When I first heard from her that she was one of ten children, right on the spot I told her that I would love only her, since her mother already had so many other people to love.”
- showing off legs to one another.