"Frieda lowered her head, too pleased to answer. I reached for it. He snapped his thumb and forefinger, and the penny disappeared. Our shock was laced with delight. We searched all over him, poking our fingers into his socks, looking up the inside of the back of his coat. If happiness is anticipation with certainty, we were happy. (page 16)
This passage is beautiful to me for many reasons. One is that it details none other than pure child excitement. Frieda and Claudia are probably the happiest that they have ever been, and they can forget all the other bad things going on in their life right in the moment. Every child deserves to get the chance to play and run and be a kid. Due to their situation Frieda and Claudia were forced to act 'adult' and 'proper.' A second reason that this piece speaks to me is that I enjoy the use of a simple basic magic trick to mesmerize the kids. It is interesting because one will often see something similar to this trick on TV being used to entertain kids of any race-typically white- but here we see it being used to entertain the two black girls. This is a nice cross-over of racial standards, and one that is probably over looked at a quick glance. Later in the passage Claudia says, "We loved him..." (16) in regards to Mr. Henry. It is strange for two little girls who have such a distant relationship with their parents to feel so close to a random stranger who walks through the door. It shows how isolated the girls really are, that they think they love a man whom they just met because he simply talks to them and amuses them. While this may seem like a negative thing, in my eyes it is a hauntingly beautiful comment on just how bad the girls situation really is. It is extremely scary thing but it is disguised in such a positive and happy story that it seems strange.
I really like the textual evidence you decided to use. I do agree that the way the girls view Mr. Henry portrays just how difficult their lifestyle is. He brings them happiness, and they can't help but love him.
ReplyDeleteI was also surprised at how friendly and cheerful they were to a complete stranger, but your analysis really explained the reasoning behind this.
ReplyDeleteThe passage you picked is also one of my favorites! You did a great job explaining the bliss Mr. Henry brought the children.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you explained how isolated the girls are and how that effects many of their actions.
ReplyDeleteThis also shows the girls' immaturity, I think; they find delight in an adult figure that is only associated with fun. Mr. Henry doesn't have to work hard to provide and care for them all the time, so the girls won't see him like a mean parent.
ReplyDeleteI like your analysis on this passage! I feel that the girls quickly respect Mr. Henry since it is easier to admire likable strangers.
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