A critical analysis of a literary work should primarily focus on examining how effectively the author conveys a given message. Based on your question, it sounds like your topic will generally be to examine how effectively Kincaid examines the expectations of womanhood through the mother's voice in "Girl." If you want to compare that advice to girls who are raised in a more modern society, that would be a different type of paper. I would suggest working to include some of those ideas in your conclusion to bring it to meaningful closure. If we stick to a critical analysis, your thesis might look something like this:
By using a repetitive structure, emotional diction, and a personal voice, the diverse expectations of women are effectively conveyed in "Girl."
Those three main points could then become your body paragraphs. Here are a few notes for each:
- Repetitive structure: Notice...
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- that many of the sentences begin in the same way. This highlights the monotony in the lives of women as they complete the same tasks day after day. Also notice that the entire list of instructions reads like a single sentence, lacking periods or other end marks to divide thoughts. This makes the list feel rushed; after all, there are many things which this young girl needs to learn in order to become a "respectable" woman.
- Emotional diction: Words like "slut" are intended to be shocking. The mother believes that her daughter's best chance at finding a comfortable life depends on upholding a respectable reputation. Therefore, she includes emotionally-charged words to make sure her daughter understands the importance of being deemed a "lady."
- Personal voice: The advice is given from the mother's first-person perspective. She has experienced living as a young girl in this societal context and understands what is at stake. Also notice that the girl's voice is heard (in italics) only twice. This establishes the mother as an authority on womanhood and demonstrates the quiet respect the "girl" has for her mother's position.
In your conclusion, you might connect these points of advice to our more modern society. Are these still the conversations which mothers have with their daughters? Does our society place a great emphasis on being a "lady" and maintaining a good reputation? If not, is there any danger in that? Finally, is it realistic (in either context—the story or modern society) to place so many expectations on women?