On Seeing England for the First Time is laced with sarcasm and irony
"On Seeing England for the
First Time" is an essay written by the Caribbean writer and postcolonial
theorist Jamaica Kincaid. This essay is a reflection on Kincaid's first
encounter with England, and it can indeed be seen as laced with sarcasm and
irony, with a thread of pathos running through it.
Sarcasm and Irony
The title itself: The title,
"On Seeing England for the First Time," sets the stage for the use of
irony. The title suggests a sense of wonder and awe that one might expect when
encountering a new place for the first time. However, Kincaid quickly subverts
this expectation by presenting a critical and disillusioned perspective on
England.
The opening paragraph: Kincaid begins with a description of her anticipation and excitement about visiting England, which can be seen as a form of dramatic irony. "I was a big girl, in the City of St. John's, walking the streets alone in Antigua," the author recalls. I recall the name of the saint who inspired the town, which was the biggest on the island. It was one of those communities with street names derived entirely from English words."
On Seeing England for the First Time is laced with sarcasm and irony-The reader is rapidly made aware of
the discrepancy between her expectations and reality when this anticipation is
contrasted with her disappointment.
The portrayal of England:
Throughout the essay, Kincaid uses sarcasm and irony to depict England as a
place of contradictions. She describes England as "an English garden. It
was simply like an English garden, which struck me as the most unrealistic
thing I had ever seen in my life, because English gardens exist only in one's
mind." The ironic use of "realistic" emphasizes the contrast
between the idealized image of England and the actual experience of it.
Comparison to her school lessons:
Kincaid recalls learning about England in her school lessons, which painted a
rosy picture of the country. She writes, "I knew what England was. I knew
what she looked like and what I would see there. I had seen pictures of England
and talked to people who had been there, and I read British novels, and all
these things have the power to create in the mind an outline of a life one will
want to lead and the place where one will want to lead it." This creates
irony as Kincaid's actual experience of England contradicts the idealized image
she had formed.
The English language: Kincaid also
employs irony in her discussion of the English language, which she had learned
as a colonial subject. She writes, "The English language is nobody's
special property. It is the property of the imagination: it is the property of
the language itself." This statement highlights the paradox of English as
a colonial legacy while also suggesting its universal and adaptable nature.
The role of English literature:
Kincaid discusses the influence of English literature on her upbringing,
particularly the works of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. She writes, "I
found the novels of Dickens and the novels of Jane Austen. These novels told me
that all I needed to do was die and die, and I will certainly get to
heaven." This can be seen as a sarcastic comment on the idealization of
England in literature, contrasting it with her lived experiences.
Colonial legacy: Kincaid's critique
of England's colonial legacy is filled with irony. She remarks, "And if I
were not a subject of the British Empire, I would not have found out that the
history of England was the history of violence and intrigue." This
statement is ironic because it undercuts the idea of the British Empire as a
benevolent force and exposes the harsh reality of colonization.
Tourist's gaze: Kincaid discusses
the experience of being a tourist and how it distorts one's perception of a
place. She writes, "The thing you have always suspected about yourself the
minute you become a tourist is true: A tourist is an ugly human being."
This is a self-deprecating irony, as she acknowledges the transformation of her
perspective when she becomes a tourist in England.
Thoughts Of Pathos
Sense of displacement: Throughout
the essay, Kincaid conveys a deep sense of displacement and longing for her
home in Antigua. She describes how the images of England she had seen as a
child made her feel that "to go there would be a fulfillment of some
poetic destiny," but her actual experience leaves her feeling disconnected
and far from home. This creates a sense of pathos as she grapples with a
profound sense of displacement.
Nostalgia: Kincaid expresses
nostalgia for her homeland and her family in Antigua. She recalls the vivid
colors, landscapes, and memories of her home, which contrast with the drabness
of England. This sense of nostalgia is palpable when she writes, "I felt
about England as I had felt about The Wizard of Oz: It looked a lot like a
place I knew I would grow up to be."
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Identity and cultural loss: Kincaid
explores the impact of colonization on personal and cultural identity. She
discusses how her education and exposure to British culture made her feel
estranged from her own Caribbean identity. This creates a poignant sense of
pathos as she grapples with the loss of her cultural roots.
On Seeing England for the First Time is laced with sarcasm and irony-Bittersweet memories: Kincaid's
memories of her family and the vibrant life in Antigua are juxtaposed with her
experience of England. She recalls the warmth and love of her family,
contrasting it with the impersonal and cold nature of English society. This
contrast evokes a sense of pathos as she longs for the comfort and familiarity
of her home.
Conclusion
In "On Seeing England for the
First Time," Jamaica Kincaid masterfully employs sarcasm and irony to
challenge and subvert idealized notions of England while weaving a thread of
pathos that explores themes of displacement, nostalgia, and cultural identity.
Her narrative is a powerful reflection on the complex dynamics of postcolonial
identity and the impact of colonialism on individuals and their sense of self.
Kincaid's writing invites readers to consider the gap between expectations and reality
and the enduring influence of culture and memory.
The essay is a poignant exploration
of how the encounter with the "mother country" can be both
disillusioning and emotionally charged, as it forces individuals to confront
the complexities of their own identity in the context of colonial history.
FAQ:
Who is Jamaica Kincaid, and what is her background?
Jamaica Kincaid is a Caribbean
writer and postcolonial theorist known for her essays, novels, and short
stories. She was born in Antigua in 1949 and later moved to the United States.
Her works often explore themes of colonialism, identity, and the complexities
of postcolonial relationships.
What is the central theme of "On Seeing England for the
First Time"?
The central theme of the essay is
the author's experience of encountering England for the first time and the
stark contrast between her idealized expectations, shaped by colonial education
and literature, and the reality she faced during her visit.
How does Kincaid use sarcasm and irony in the essay?
Kincaid employs sarcasm and irony
by subverting expectations, critiquing idealized images of England, and
highlighting the contradictions between her preconceived notions and her actual
experience. She often juxtaposes the expected with the real to create irony.
What is the role of pathos in the essay?
Pathos is woven throughout the
essay, as Kincaid expresses a sense of displacement, nostalgia for her home in
Antigua, and the loss of cultural identity. These elements evoke deep emotions
and a bittersweet tone in the narrative.
How does the essay address the impact of colonialism on
cultural identity?
Kincaid explores the impact of
colonialism on cultural identity by depicting how colonial education and
exposure to British culture can lead to a sense of estrangement from one's own
cultural roots. The essay reflects the complexity of postcolonial identity and the
enduring influence of colonial history.
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