Annie John by Jamaica Kincaid explores the turbulent transition from childhood to adulthood of its protagonist, Annie Victoria John. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Antigua, showcasing Annie's journey from her mother's cherished child to a young woman eager to find her own way. Ultimately, the story culminates in Annie's decision to leave for England, marking a new chapter in her life.

Death and Awareness

At the tender age of ten, Annie John is blissfully unaware of the concept of death until she witnesses a young girl dying in her mother's arms. This traumatic event forces her to rethink her perception of her mother's hands, which are now associated with preparing the dead. As time passes, Annie becomes intrigued by death, secretly attending the funerals of strangers and even running off to a funeral of a humpbacked girl her age, missing her errand to fetch fish for dinner. Her mother catches her in a lie about her whereabouts and punishes her by making her eat dinner alone. Yet, later that night, Annie receives a tender, forgiving kiss from her mother.

Shifting Dynamics

Annie reminisces about her idyllic holidays spent in warm companionship with her mother. They shared intimate moments, such as bathing together and exploring the stories linked to the belongings stored in her mother's special trunk. However, as Annie begins to physically mature, her mother enforces new boundaries, like prohibiting her from wearing dresses made from her fabric, and insists on piano lessons for her daughter. Annie's defiance surfaces after she accidentally witnesses her parents in an intimate moment, a sight that radically alters her feelings toward her mother. In a silent rebellion, Annie resolves not to let her mother’s affection touch her again, although she soon relents upon returning from her first day at a new school.

Friendship with Gwen

The transition to a new school initially leaves Annie feeling isolated and insecure. However, she quickly distinguishes herself as the brightest student in her class through a poignant autobiographical essay about a day at the beach with her mother. Though the essay's ending is fictional, Annie’s classmates are moved by the story. She befriends Gweneth Joseph, forging a close companionship. Annie also experiences the onset of menstruation, and she shares this milestone with her friends, solidifying their bond. Despite these connections, she feels a growing distance from her mother, believing that she no longer loves her.

The Rebellious Red Girl

Annie's defiance continues through her secret association with the Red Girl, a rebellious peer with a penchant for playing marbles—a pastime forbidden by Annie's mother. This clandestine friendship flourishes as they play marbles and Annie indulges in petty theft, hiding her spoils. When her mother suspects her involvement with marbles, Annie lies, and her mother’s diligent search for the evidence proves fruitless. A frightening story from her mother’s childhood nearly prompts Annie to confess, but she recognizes the manipulation and retreats. Despite the Red Girl moving away, Annie fantasizes about a life of adventure and sabotage with her friend.

Confronting Authority

During a history class, Annie becomes obsessed with an image of Columbus in chains, finding parallels between this fallen "great man" and her own defiance. She writes a subversive note under the picture, which lands her in trouble with her teacher, who punishes her by making her copy a significant portion of John Milton's Paradise Lost. At home, Annie's frustration mounts when her mother tricks her into eating breadfruit disguised as rice, laughing at her expense.

Yearning for Independence

At fifteen, a profound sense of discontent envelops Annie, described metaphorically as a "thimble that weighed...