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  • Essay / A review by Jamaica Kincaid on Seeing England for the First Time

    In the essay, On Seeing England for the First Time, Jamaica Kincaid exudes a tone of conquered, yet resistant to the power of the English. Kincaid draws the reader in by writing about a different range of issues and we get to see her journey of realization and reflection on the power she finds herself under. Kincaid describes to the reader his attitude towards England by showing the effects that colonialism had on his country and his family. Kincaid draws out the effects of English power by using metaphors and symbols to show his dissatisfaction with England. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay. Kincaid uses metaphors and allusions to attack the effect of England's colonialism not only on the people of his island, but also on anyone who was subjected to any type of violence. colonialism. Growing up in Antigua, Kincaid says only native-born Britons are some sort of “special gem”. Such jewelry was worn by the English as a badge of honor, "in the jungles, in the deserts, in the plains, on all the oceans... in places where they were not welcome." However, no gem for the “brainwashed” people who have been colonized by these people. His teacher then acts as if Britain is Jerusalem, because it is a "place you will go to when you die but only if you have been good." Referring to the Crusades, Kincaid once again asserts that all "real" Englishmen already have the "privilege" of dying there and that the colonists must earn the right to be English. When it comes to style in the essay, Kincaid uses his angry style. a tone to mock and minimize the immense domination of the British. Her hatred manifests itself when she compares England to a “prison” or, curiously, to “a leg of mutton”. Kincaid begins the first paragraph by introducing the tone she uses throughout the essay. Kincaid also uses many long, heartfelt sentences that match the hatred and disgust she feels toward England. Kincaid not only describes to us her dissatisfaction with England, but also makes the reader feel the same hatred that she feels. His use of sarcasm, such as describing England as "a special jewel...that only special people can wear..." shows his neglect of the "jewel" that is England and takes away from the "glamor" and "respect" that England gives itself. In Kincaid's world, England is by far a "jewel" and she references little things that support her point of view in order to draw the reader into her world of hatred towards this country in power that has her changed in ways she never wanted. mind: This is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In a way, I can see where Kincaid is coming from. Being a descendant of immigrants to the United States is not something that is taken lightly here. I am looked down upon for the color of my skin, for the language I speak to my family, for the way I live, for where I live. I completely understand the reference to Kincaid's "jewel" because at one point, that's how I felt. I imagined that the United States was a place that was equal to everyone and completely loving and accepting everyone as they were. God, I was wrong. Now I know this country isn't entirely like that. There is some good. I have a better chance of succeeding here than in Mexico. I have the opportunity to become equal; but I will never really be..