On Seeing England For The First Time Analysis

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In Jamaica Kincaid’s , On Seeing England for the First Time, she presents the audience with the implied idea that imperialism and colonization disrupt a land’s established culture, and has no benefit for the colonized land 2. Kincaid’s work is directed towards colonizers, specifically the English. She would like them to know the permanent marks England has left on her, because of colonization. Additionally, she aims to open their eyes to the difficulties of being colonized. 3. Kincaid uses a spiteful tone throughout her piece, especially when she recalls seeing “Made in England written on everything, and to her, “those three words were felt as a burden” (3). In this quote, Kincaid views the words “Made in England” as an obligation or encumbrance. This comparison shows the hostility she holds towards England because she would not harbor these feelings of hate if England had benefitted her. In order to help express her idea that colonization suppresses the native culture, she uses this example from her childhood to show that she did not grow up with the culture of Antigua, but England’s instead. This culture and way of life forced onto her and Antigua was a result …show more content…

Kincaid recalls “seeing England for the first time”, but in fact “there were many times of seeing England for the first time” (5). This statement demonstrates irony because one cannot see something for the first time, multiple times. The use of irony helps the audience realize that Kincaid encountered many new things from England throughout her life. Although she never saw England for the first time multiple times, she was exposed to new elements of England’s culture that gave the illusion of seeing England for the first time. The choice to employ irony to get the reader to stop and think about all of the elements of England in Kincaid’s life. Also, how colonies become suddenly flooded with new things from the colonizer. As well as how, colonization not only takes away one’s culture but introduces

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