Define three words from each reading that you were unfamiliar with
I wasn’t unfamiliar with any words
- Which did you decide to read first, and why? How do you think this changed your perspective going into the next reading? Would you have done it differently?
The one I decided to read first was “The Genius of Toni Morrison’s Only Short Story” The reason I decided to read this first was because it seemed more interesting. This could have changed my perspective going into the next reading by already having an understanding of the last story. No, I wouldn’t have done it differently.
- What are some of the major themes at play in this short story? Support this with aspects of Twyla and Roberta’s relationship. One of the central themes of “Recitatif” is race and identity. Twyla and Roberta come from different racial backgrounds, and this fact is significant in shaping their relationship and experiences. However, Morrison intentionally leaves the specifics of each girl’s racial background ambiguous, challenging readers to think about race and identity in more nuanced ways. The ambiguity also suggests that race, while important, should not be the only factor that defines a person or a relationship.
- What was so effective about the move Morrison makes to leave the reader in the dark in regard to the race of each character? Toni Morrison’s decision to leave the reader in the dark about the racial backgrounds of the characters in “Recitatif” is a powerful narrative strategy that adds depth and complexity to the story. By not revealing the race of each character, Morrison forces the reader to confront their own assumptions and prejudices about race. Readers are likely to make assumptions about Twyla and Roberta based on their actions, speech, and background, which reveals more about the reader’s own biases than the characters themselves.
- What do you think the pros and cons are of going into a short story without any other background knowledge or doing a bit of research before?
You approach the story with a clean slate, which can lead to a more authentic and unbiased reading experience. You are likely to form your own interpretation of the story without being influenced by external opinions or analyses. Cons You might miss some important cultural, historical, or social context that could deepen your understanding of the story. Without any background knowledge, you might misinterpret certain elements of the story.
- What were your takeaways from Morrison’s “prejudicial structure” that Zadie included in her piece? Is there anything that stood out? Was there anything you felt was missing?
- How does the meaning of the title “Recitatif” relate to the story?
“Recitatif” is a term from opera, referring to a style of delivery that is between singing and speaking. In operas, a recitative often serves to advance the plot, telling a story between the main musical pieces. Just like a recitative in opera, which is a form of storytelling, the narrative in “Recitatif” is a recollection of past events from Twyla’s memory.
- What was your favorite line/paragraph in the story, and why?
She is not a person you can trust.
things for: she is only an object of ridicule.
It shows that people only view her as a joke. I find that interesting.
- Would you read Morrison again?
No