Student Question

How does the story "Girl" incorporate plot, setting, and symbolism?

Quick answer:

1. Plot: This is a story of a day in the life of a young girl. There are many specific things she must learn, from how to sweep and how to garden to how to live her life and how to deal with society's expectations. 2. Setting: This is clearly some kind of tropical place with very hot days and nights that are also hot. The characters talk about moonlit nights, which implies that there is some sort of moon cycle, though it's not clear what that cycle might be. The people worship gods and ancestors, but they also go to church on Sundays (which makes me think this is Latin America). One thing we know for sure: the time period isn'

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I agree it's a little disconcerting to have to find these three literary elements in what appears to be just a huge list of "dos and don'ts" written by a mother to her daughter. A closer look, however, will reveal them. 

Let's start with plot. This list is actually the story of a day, and then a life, of a young girl becoming a woman in this particular culture.  It outlines chores for the day: sweeping, laundry, cooking, shopping, entertaining, gardening, fishing... and the list goes on.  These are the everyday chores, traditions, and activities which a mother must teach and a daughter must learn.  Add to that the intricacies of maturing (white cloths and medicine to "throw a child away") and relationships (smiling and bullying and singing), and this is a lifetime worth of learning experiences. 

The setting is actually the simplest element to identify, as it is embodied in the plot.  This is obviously...

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a more simplified, non-American, tropical culture, one in which growing things and working hard are expected.  We do only have the women's perspective, but we can imagine the same kind of conversation happening as fathers teach their sons to repair roofs and provide for their families.  As you examine the specifics of this list, the setting becomes clearer.

Symbolism is a bit more difficult to identify because it's a culture with which we have little experience.  One consistent symbol includes things that are and are not appropriate in this culture.  Singing benna in the wrong places is obviously potentially dangerous to a young girl's reputation.  So is smiling in the wrong way or improperly setting the table for guests.  And if the baker knows of your sullied reputation, everyonemust know (thus making him a symbol of society). Reputation is clearly important, and it is the consequences of these kinds of symbolic actions which can make or break one's reputation.

While "Girl" may not look like a traditional short story, it does contain the key elements of plot, setting, and symbolism. And, while this may not be your culture, you can understand it in the context of getting advice from a parent on how to live a successful life--and the consequences if you choose to flaunt the rules. 

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