Questions for Discussion

  1. What is ironic about the essay’s title, “On Seeing England for the First Time”?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 13 - On Seeing England for the First Time - Questions for Discussion: What is ironic about the essay’s title, “On Seeing England for the First Time”?
  2. In paragraph 4, Jamaica Kincaid says, “I had long ago been conquered.” What does she mean?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 13 - On Seeing England for the First Time - Questions for Discussion: In paragraph 4, Jamaica Kincaid says, “I had long ago been conquered.” What does she mean?
  3. How does Kincaid regard the British influence under which she was raised? Refer to specific passages.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 13 - On Seeing England for the First Time - Questions for Discussion: How does Kincaid regard the British influence under which she was raised? Refer to specific passages.
  4. How do Kincaid’s childhood memories of school compare with your own?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 13 - On Seeing England for the First Time - Questions for Discussion: How do Kincaid’s childhood memories of school compare with your own?
  5. In paragraph 10, Kincaid writes, “The space between the idea of something and its reality is always wide and deep and dark.” What does she mean?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 13 - On Seeing England for the First Time - Questions for Discussion: In paragraph 10, Kincaid writes, “The space between the idea of something and its reality is always wide and deep and dark.” What does she mean?
  6. At the end of paragraph 12, Kincaid says, in reference to power, “No one ever has [resisted it].” Do you think this is true? Explain.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 13 - On Seeing England for the First Time - Questions for Discussion: At the end of paragraph 12, Kincaid says, in reference to power, “No one ever has [resisted it].” Do you think this is true? Explain.
  7. What is the effect of the shirt-shopping example Kincaid provides (para. 14)? What does it contribute to your understanding of Kincaid’s attitude toward England?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 13 - On Seeing England for the First Time - Questions for Discussion: What is the effect of the shirt-shopping example Kincaid provides (para. 14)? What does it contribute to your understanding of Kincaid’s attitude toward England?
  8. Where in the essay does Kincaid’s epiphany occur? Support your claim with evidence from the text.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 13 - On Seeing England for the First Time - Questions for Discussion: Where in the essay does Kincaid’s epiphany occur? Support your claim with evidence from the text.
  9. Having read the essay, how do you regard Kincaid?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 13 - On Seeing England for the First Time - Questions for Discussion: Having read the essay, how do you regard Kincaid?