Introduction
In the field of literature, the message is the most significant element that forms the basis of every artistic work. In these communications, writers may use various tactics like claims to make assertions about their messages to the intended audiences. A claim entails a statement in which a writer presents an assertion as truthful and logical to substantiate an argument. It may be a single argument by itself or may take the form of multiple claims made to support a larger argument. This paper seeks to analyze an evaluative claim on how girls should carry themselves in the community as they transform into adulthood, to be outstanding in the face of society’s morals.
How Girls Should Carry Themselves in the Community
Kincaid’s story communicates desired personal traits that ladies should uphold when they become of age amid the dynamic world of moral challenges. The writer claims that the ladies should uphold neatness, have good cooking skills, ensure peaceful coexistence with others, choose good companies, and be God-fearing. Kincaid substantiates this by citing; “cook pumpkin in very hot sweet oil; soak your little clothes right after you take them off; always eat your food in such a way that it won’t turn someone else’s stomach; don’t sing benna in Sunday school; you mustn’t speak to wharf-rat boys, so to prevent yourself from looking like a slut you are so bent on becoming” (Kincaid 380). This depicts an evaluative claim as it highlights moral argument suggesting that good traits in ladies such as cleanliness, good ethics, and Christianity contributes to the ideal respect they receive from society. It is these personalities that differentiate them from sluts in the eyes of society.
Furthermore, the communication reveals some behaviors about the character, which are not in line with society’s morals. For instance, in the story, the girl’s mother is convinced that the girl is almost lost because of how she conducts herself. The girl has a conflict within herself, she claims to be the type of girl who upholds the ideal traits of a domestic lady, while on the other side, she looks more determined to become a slut. She has started drifting away from the societies morals, yet she does not want to accept that reality. This is depicted in her reactions to the mother’s teaching; “But what if the baker won’t let me feel the bread?” (Kincaid 381). This only indicates her claim to defend her current situation. It shows a lack of self-drive to shape her traits to make her an ideal and respectable woman in the face of society.
Moreover, she only looks for excuses to justify her moral decadents and does not want to accept that it is because of her fault that she would not be allowed to feel the bread. As a result, her mother decides to encourage and motivate her on the ideal traits that a lady should uphold to fit in the moral society. This sends a message to the audience to learn from the girl’s mistakes and compel them to be responsible, and strive to be instrumental in helping people to live in the right way just as the girl’s mother.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this communication implies that not everything that an individual view as right is moral in the eyes of society. At times they might be wrong and on some occasions, they may be right. Therefore, whenever this happens, immediate corrective intervention is important to make a positive impact on individuals’ lives and society at large. As a result, this story strives to persuade and inspire the audiences to care for others and intervene in their lives whenever they are going astray, thus contributing to the theme of responsibility.
Work Cited
Kincaid, Jamaica. Where the Land Meets the Body. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1994.