09/06/12
Discussion of A
Small Place, Part 2 and CIS chapter 1
American
Exceptionalism
- God gave America, a great nation, to us.
- There’s one way of doing something and that’s the best way to do it.
- World policy since WWII- The way America is doing things that are great so they take up the responsibility of protecting and helping other nations.
- American Exceptionalism says America has “better” character than other nations.
Overview of Answers
to Prompt Questions
- A small place uses specific and literal uses of words. Kincaid constructs and deconstructs words like “tourist” and “library.” Library as a representation of Antigua being damaged. It is a tool of manipulation for England’s self interests.
- Irony is the use the words to convey a meaning that is opposite to the literal meaning.
- Solidarity is a community of responsibilities or interests.
Discussion
- How do we view tourists?
We feel annoyed when we see them.
Tourists act differently from the people who live in the location.
- Do you think Kincaid is angry in theory or is she really angry about Americans and Europeans coming to Antigua?
Kincaid singles out US and England because they play a big role in
the history of the role. She is mad at what these two countries have
done not necessarily the tourists.
She uses us to engage us in her story so that we can sympathize.
Kincaid seems angry. She seems to use “you” in an accusatory way.
Tourist is used as a scapegoat for what has happened to Antigua.
List of scholarly
articles on A Small Place is available on the course website.
Questions to consider: Is somebody angry just to be mean? Or are they
angry just to express themselves?
Professor Barnhart:
Kincaid’s goal is
not to offend. She stirs up emotions to get readers to pay attention.
She wants to heighten people’s awareness. Her goal is to vent out
her emotions.
Reminders
Read Bleak House
up to chapter 9
Structure group will
be in charge of administration.
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