Toni Morrisons Recitatif - Research Paper Example

Lecturer: Toni Morrison’s Recitatif Race is a factual theme in the contemporary society where a person’s pigmentation/ color arerepresentative of his/ her identity. The different pigmentations represent the differences not only in physique but also in terms of culture, roots, traditions, religions; ways of life and even languages/ dialects. Recitatif, a short story by Toni Morrison (19 pages long) was first published in 1983. It was in the “Confirmation: An Anthology of African American Women.” The term is representative of a style of musical toning; between ordinary speech and song and is used during oratories and operas. It is used in both narrative interlude and dialogic. Recitatif is composed of five sections that allude to different scenarios that are different from the lives of its two central characters; Roberta and Twyla. Twyla is the information about her own racial identity as well as that of her friend, the owner of the narrator’s voice in the story. It is a pioneering work in the field of racial writing with the races of the two characters are debatable with the reader having in the long-run to decide for him/ herself to which races the two characters belong. The theme of class separation supports the major theme as espoused in the narrative; racism (Holmes 36). Even though throughout the story, each character is developed more and more, it does not necessarily lead to a conclusion as to what race each girl is. So it is hard to distinguish the two without the description of visual features that maybe there. Actually there is no difference between them. This story is with issues such as contradictions between the different social classes and race, us able to do so through its story- like characteristics. Race is something significant to the narrator, and yet she does not give any information about her racial recognition, in addition to that of her friend and co-character, Roberta’s, thus the reader is left to determine which of the two character is black and which character is white (Morrison). Unique, though, is the author’s style, which experiments through the removal of all racial codification styles, from the narrative, about the two main characters, Twyla and Roberta; to whom racial identity is crucial. The narrative, divided into five chapters, is in essence rooted in five encounters that progressively tell the narrative; each giving different perspectives as to the characteristic nature of the contemporary international arena. The narrator, Twyla, possesses an interesting voice; song-like that she often uses as an outlet of stories about her life. Her uniqueness emanates from her straight-forwardness, which she displays through her stream of thoughts (Baraka). Her audiences are prone to phrases and sentences that, though being grammatically incorrect or lacking possession of perfect sentence structuring, she does get her views across to the audience. Twyla’s phrases, though not well thought out, do eventually give meaning to the different views that both she, Twyla and Roberta (co-character) have. Twyla speaks what is on her mind and is, therefore, able to diffuse barriers that might arise; this from the different themes that are touched upon in the narrative (Burton 17). The first chapter is based on her, Twyla’s, encounter with Roberta Fisk; this at a state home for adopted children. The name of the place is St. Bonny, named after St. Bonaventure. Twyla and Roberta, each having been taken away from their mothers, find a common ground on which is founded their friendship. Twyla’s mother was pretty but childlike, with her preferring to dance all night long. Roberta’s mother on the other side is sickly, though she also is hyper-religious at the same time exhibiting unfriendliness (Goldstein-Shirley 78). The phrase, “My mother danced all night, and Roberta’s was sick. That is why we were taken to St. Bonny’s…” begins the narrative that shows a separation of these two little girls, then, from their families; this exemplifying the theme of separation/ dislocation. Initially there is exhibited some hostility between the two girls; this due to their physical differences, but later on they are united by the circumstances they find themselves in. the reader is informed that the two are different; one is white while the other is black, but there is no more information as to which character is white or black. The readers are made to make a decision as to which race each of the character belongs to (Morrison). Soon their similarities enhance their bond; this more than the differences that set them apart. They find themselves “more alike than unalike” (Maya Angelou), with the similarities including – both are little girls; they have been separated from their parents/ guardians, they have been placed at the children’s home (St Bonny), they both undergo through some form of harassment; this from the older girls from the home’s second floor as well as the other children who are really orphans. The other children are of the opinion that they are the rightful inhabitants of the home. The two young girls also share fond experiences with the old, sandy-colored woman, Maggie, whose duties are in the kitchen. She, Maggie is also not able to speak; this enriching the experiences that they share and thus bond them closer together (Rayson 47). However, the two girls are reminded of the differences existing and thus separating them on Sunday when each of their mothers visits and attends church service with them. Mary, who is Twyla’s mother, on this occasion is inappropriately dressed while Roberta’s mother, ever more religious, dons an enormous cross. From the narrator, Twyla, we are able to understand that Roberta’s mother is big; this from her physique. Mary offers her hand for a handshake, which is refused by Roberta’s mother; this symbolizing the theme of cross-Cultural issues that is espoused between the black African Americans and the White folk; this through existing power-relations. This scenario is both embarrassing and humiliating to Twyla, who having to bear with her mother’s inappropriate dressing and behavior, is forced to see the existing tension between her mother and Roberta’s; this from the refusal of the handshake which is considered a sign of unfriendliness. The second chapter is espoused by the second encounter which is about eight years after their initial encounter at St. Bonny. The two, are now in their teens, with Twyla working as a cashier at the Howard Johnson. Roberta, on her part, is with two guys who are described as having a lot of hair; both facial and head hair. They are sitting on a booth waiting for their onward journey to the West coast (America) where the famous guitarist, Jimi Hendrix will be performing. Their encounter is short but long enough to exemplify the differences between the two girls (Baraka 69). The third encounter is paced into the future, 20 years later, after their first encounter. Both of them are married and the encounter is while shopping at a gourmet grocery store; the Food Emporium. Twyla, the narrator describes this instance in a more positive note; a complete opposite to their prior encounter that is exemplified in the above paragraph. This time round, they share memories of their pasts, getting along well the whole time. Roberta is now rich, having been married to an IBM executive while Twyla is of the lower middle class and is married to a firefighter. Here, the notions of class separation, individuality, memory, racism, time and poverty are exhibited; each pertaining to one or the other. The fourth encounter is based at a critical time, not only to both the women, but to the nation of America as a whole. The racial strife that threatens Twyla’s town; Newburgh, New York is the site of their encounter; this being due to the bus transport system that is influenced by racial segregation. Twyla, while passing by the local school sees Roberta; who is part of the picket line against forced integration. Threatened briefly by other protesters, Twyla is disappointed by Roberta’s lack of help as she, Roberta, does not come to her aid. The remark, from Roberta as they parted ways was quite unsettling to Twyla: "Maybe I am different now, Twyla. But you're not. You're the same little state kid who kicked a poor old black lady when she was down on the ground. You kicked a black lady, and you have the nerve to call me a bigot." (Morrison) From the above statement the reader can be able to distinguish, not by a surety of 100 %, the racial profiles of the two ladies. Twyla is accused of calling Roberta a bigot; a person, who expresses strong religious, political or racial views while not willing to accept other views. Twyla, the reader is informed from the above, had at one time in her past kicked Maggie, the old sandy-colored woman who worked in the children’s home. From the phrase, we are able to identify the theme of suffering, disability; as espoused by the old lady who was down on the ground and empathy; this from Roberta’s viewpoint. The aforementioned phrase leads to Twyla joining the counter-picketing group that is stationed on the opposite end from where Roberta’s group is stationed. There, she (Twyla) spends the next few days hoisting signs that directly respond to those of Roberta. To one side, the group is pro-integration; Twyla’s party, on the other hand, is anti-integration. The above attests to the presence of disunity that is common in our social structure. The narrative exemplifies the various trials that the common citizen undergoes in a given social structure; that is characterized by racial, political, cultural, religious and social stratification (Rayson). The fifth encounter in situated in a coffee shop; the day being a Christmas Eve. This is years later and the two strikes-up a conversation that is sympathetic in nature. There is a feeling of sullenness and empathy with the two sharing experiences and occasions in the past, but the conversation ends on an unresolved note (Gillespie 164). The whole narrative, though short, is quite interesting and rich in themes, ideals and experiences that touch not only the past but also the present. Themes are derived from the various incidences and experiences that the narrator shares with us, candidly but truthfully, and which are present in the contemporary arena. The different scenarios exemplify different themes that run throughout the narrative (Goldstein-Shirley 58). The theme of racial segregation and sexuality is shown from the perspectives of the two women, first as little girls who are brought up in children’s home, then as they progress through their lives. One, Roberta is privileged to enjoy a comfortable life, while the other Twyla is of the lower Middle Class; that strives to attain a better life. Both characters being women, the narrative brings out the theme of sexuality vis-a-vis that of feminism. The two personalities have many similarities but also many other differences. The social structure, that is full of such contradictions, eventually leads them to separation that is based on different ideals, themes, traditions and culture (Fultz 22). Roberta’s mother, being sick in this narrative, exemplifies the theme of Disease and Health; while Twyla’s mother who danced all night exemplifies the notion of Drug addiction, Family Relationships, and Mother-Daughter relationships. The above four characters all being feminine, in gender also bring out the themes of Sexuality, Women’s Health, Suffering, Survival, Trauma, Individuality, Love, Communication and Cross-Cultural issues (Goldstein-Shirley 168). In the St. Bonny, the two lead characters; Twyla and Roberta share a defining moment. They watch as the bigger girl assault Maggie who worked in the institution’s kitchen. She was Black, old and disabled and it is from this incident that Roberta’s accusation of Twyla emanated. She accuses Twyla of kicking a disabled, old lady who had fallen down, to which Twyla denies vehemently. She, Twyla had called Roberta a bigot making the situation tenser. From this, we are able to find different themes that range from - Mourning, Suffering, Survival, Trauma, Women’s Health, Empathy, Cross-Cultural Issues, Grief and Human Worth (Morrison). The bigger girls, who were assaulting Maggie, may have themselves been troubled; having had a bad or violent childhood and thus were just showing by example the very nature of society. Being a children’s home, it housed not only orphans but also children from abusive homes, or those of drug-addicted parents who were unable of discharging their parental duties. Different themes are derived from the above; these being – African-American Experience, Cross-Cultural issues, Disability, Pain, Scapegoating, Society and Suffering. Stigmatization is also embodied in the narrative, not just based upon the notion of Race, but also on Class stratification, Disability and Cross-Cultural issues (Goldstein-Shirley 98). In the institution, St. Bonaventure – a place that housed children who are disenfranchised, and where Maggie is the lowest person in the hierarchy, espouses different themes that are in conflict by nature but at the same time drawing unity in diversity. The phrase, “…It was one thing to be taken out of your own bed early in the morning–it was something else to be stuck in a strange place with a girl from a whole other race. And Mary, that’s my mother, she was right. Every now and then she would stop dancing long enough to tell me something important and one of the things she said was that they never washed their hair and they smelled funny. Roberta sure did. Smell funny, I mean…” (Recitatif 1), at the beginning of the narrative shows the different stereotypes that are present in our different socio-cultural setting. Such, as the above, add to the general situation that is often characterized by hostilities and social stratification. Shame, Empathy, Pain and Love are other themes that are espoused in the scene where Maggie, the old, disabled woman fell in the institutions orchard and both the lead characters; Twyla and Roberta, did nothing to help her. Maggie, being both deaf and disabled, exemplifies, through her experiences, the themes of Suffering, Survival, Time, Women’s Health, Scapegoating, Parenthood, Disability and African-American experience. She takes the name calling and her dilemmas with braveness and patience. The strength of a parent and the wisdom of old age are some of the characteristics that Maggie displays; in the end inspiring the two lead characters who were young girls then. She worked in the kitchen of the institution and therefore, was the lowest in the hierarchy; this according to the stratification exemplified in the institution. Yet she was caring, understanding and loving. Themes of Patience, Survival and Will are also found in her very characters (Holmes 79). In conclusion, the narrative is based on the lives of two racially distinct personalities whose relationship is significantly shaped by their distinctness. The narrative, while not giving information as to which character is white or black, however, delves a little into informing the reader as to who belongs to where. Through it, the reader is informed on how divisions; this within the races present in America, are dependent on how blacks and whites define themselves in opposition to each other. There is the use of both characterization and description that eventually underscores the reader’s complicity throughout the whole process. The narrative is based on the descriptions of Twyla; which are in first person and are based on her own perspectives. The events and descriptions are presented, throughout the narrative, as Twyla recollects the events. The theme of Point-of-view is pivotal mostly in terms of memories; of the two lead characters, about Maggie. The narrator, Twyla, though grammatically wrong, passes her message across; this through the openness with which different issues are discussed throughout the narrative. Works cited Baraka, Amiri (Leroi Jones) & Amina. Confirmation: An Anthology of African American Women. New York: Morrow; 1st edition , 1983. Amiri in her book analyses Recitatif in view of the women in the African American context. She includes Toni Morrison as a woman who has experienced her life in the context the African American woman and the influences it has had on her as a person. Burton, Zisca Isabel. Bloom's How to Write About Toni Morrison. London: Infobase Publishing, 2008. Print. Burton offers an insight into Harold Bloom, a Professor of Humanities at Yale University. In this book, Burton outlines Blooms suggestions on the strategies that can be used to write strong and insightful essays about Recitatif. The book is an informative piece because it not only offers a directive value but also offers insightful information about Toni Morrison and his story, Recitatif. Fultz, Lucille P. Toni Morrison: Playing With Difference. Illinois: University of Illinois Press, 2003. Lucille states that Morrison makes use of female characters to bring out and address several narrative issues that are based on the differences between people in the African American context. He goes beyond race to include class and gender among other issues. Gillespie, Carmen. Critical Companion to Toni Morrison. London: Infobase Publishing, 2008. Carmen looks at the life of Toni Morrison as a literary icon. Carmen shows the reader the experiences that Morrison had in her life including her nobel prize in 1933 and the major awards she has won over the years. It features her works, influences and the themes addressed. Goldstein-Shirley, David. ""Race/[Gender]: Toni Morrison's 'Recitatif." Journal of the Short Story in English (1996): 83-95. Goldstein-Shirley analyses the concept of race not only in the African American context but also in the way it has been brought out in literary works, such as short stories like Recitatif. It offers a detailed study of Recitatif as story addressing racial issues. Holmes, Martha Stoddard. " Toni Morrison: Recitatif." Confirmation: An Anthology of African American Women (1994). Holmes has captured Toni Morrison in the context of African American environment and experiences by analyzing Recitatif. It confirms the effect of racism on African American women and their literal works. Morrison, Toni. Recitatif. 1983. 11 April 2012 . This is the Recitatif story that features all the details covered in it including racism and its effects on African American women. Rayson, Ann. "Decoding for Race: Toni Morrison's 'Recitatif' and Being White, Teaching Blac." Changing Representations of Minorities East and West. (1996): 41-46. Rayson explores the work of Toni Morrison, Recitatif, by bringing out the differences of being a white woman and black woman. It also brings the difference in terms of minority status that is occupied by African American women in Recitatif. Read More