Recitatif

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer maintains that Toni Morrison's only published short story, 'Recitatif', requires more from the reader than just sitting back enjoying the ride. Morrison has said in more than one interview that literature should be about participatory involvement, in which the reader steps into the pages and either becomes part of the story or at least observes up close the dynamics of the characters. The thesis of this paper is that Morrison's skill in use of language is brilliant, and her reputation precedes her in that regard, but no matter who had written this story, it is entertaining and enlightening on a social, psychological, and moral level. The writer concludes that there is something to be learned by each reader - that this story is as much or more about cross-cultural interactions and token friendships than racial issues per se.

From the Paper:

"Meanwhile, Morrison's ability to use themes and irony is skillful and offers the reader that additional dimension of narrative; probably, as David Goldstein-Shirley writes, she does it to keep readers off balance. She may do it to confuse the reader too, or even mislead the reader. Or it is possible that Morrison just didn't like to write totally straight-forward copy, and in the short story genre, which doesn't afford nearly as much space as a novel of course, she felt obliged to turn up the heat when it comes to irony and themes of children growing up but not really changing or maturing."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Goldstein-Shirley, David. (1997). Recitatif. Short Story, 5(1), 77-86.
• Morrison, Toni. (2006). Recitatif. Retrieved Nov. 30, 2007, from http://www.facultyfiles.deanza.edu/gems/quigleyjill/recitatifessay.doc.
• Wikipedia. (2007). Recitatif. Retrieved Nov. 30, 2007, from http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Reditatif.

More papers on Recitatif:

• Analytical Essay # 145041 : "Race Relations in "Recitatif"
• Book Review # 131740 : "Characterization, Setting, and Themes in "Recitatif"
• Analytical Essay # 119847 : "Absurdity of Racial Stereotypes"

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