Lesson 3: Lesson 3 Writing Activity for “Tétiyette and the Devil”
Kista Turner, English 1102
Lesson
3 Writing Activity for “Tétiyette and
the Devil”
Date: 01/23/2019
The editor of
“Green Cane & Juicy Flotsam” noted that this short tale was originally
voiced by a 17 year old Guadeloupian girl. However, the short story was then
translated by Lizabeth Paravisini-Gebert, a professor in the department of
Hispanic studies who sits on the Randolph Distinguished Professor Chair and
happens to be the Director of the Environmental Studies Program at Vassar
College.
While, we all know
that translations can always include personal perception therefore this version
is what I consider a spin-off of the original storyteller. The same storyteller
that holds herself as “anonymous” (p.1) as noted in the narrative. This tale was told and used as a moment of light hearted conversation
amongst those grieving their loved ones. These sorts of tales were common
during the mourning observances and often shared by the men in the community. In this case, most would doubt
that this girl was asked to share her own tale due to the culture being one to
often close the mouths of their
female population. It touched me to know that my personal life experiences being in the
African-American culture are similar to that in the Caribbean in several ways. Additionally, it yields a
bond that this version of fellowship all stems from a prominent African
background in which we all share.
Funerals in my culture are short in the number
of days but can be drawn out in hours spent. The time spent sitting around
telling ole’ wise tales is similar during these events. This would include an
underlying reference of life experiences to avoid aka wisdom from the elders.
Women in my world are similar to Tétiyette’s mom wherein we both protect
and guide our young but there then comes a point where you have to let them
decide their the direction of their own destiny. Considering when, her mother responds with utter rejection of her personally having to decide
who will take her daughter’s hand in marriage by saying “it is her
choice”.
If
you need guidance on that, there are several books written. Here is one that you could consider reading:
On to the context of “Green
Cane & Juicy Flotsam”, it shares with me the
importance of yielding your heart to only those that prove themselves to be genuine,
loving and forthright to you. I am confident that in due time, these things are
revealed as we have heard many times before “good things come to those who
wait”. Many support the belief, that a guarded heart
would have prevented this young girl from falling for the devil even after
being warned by family (that can be
wrong). However, one-both male and female, should never choose to negate the wisdom and protection of a
parent’s love and that good ole’ God given mother’s intuition.
This
also reveals the importance of hearing the cry of those in need,
especially family members who sincerely love you. “Papa, Mama, little sis’ voice
has changed; she sounds very different from before.” (little brother (not named) p.4)
The
father rested at a point of disregard to hearing or responding to his daughter’s cry for help as did her
mother soon after. Yet, her brother heard the parent’s voice pounding on him to
do the same. Nevertheless, he felt prompted to remain resilient in the idea of
saving his sister. For him, he could no longer ignore the situation. He then moved
to her rescue similar to what I know my spiritual father does for me.
Regardless of the situation, warning or not-he saves us. I see him in
everything J
This young girl was pure, gullible, naïve & eager to fall in
love with a wealthy man who would sweep her off her feet. There is mention in the tale that the family breed this type of anticipation for girls vs. the American independence that we seek after for young women. Many girls at that
age-any age, are no different from what we see every day where women who fall for the
wrong guy. “We often do things that we know we should NOT do and continue on
for years in the same pattern as Tétiyette did. There then comes
a time when we are saved or we are gobbled up (consumed by the situation) and
there is nothing left not even a baby toe.
Great post. You make some good observations about human behavior and connecting the plot to larger issues.
ReplyDeleteI will show you how to wrap the text around the images so you don't have the big white spaces.