A Walk To The Jetty
A Walk To The Jetty
"A Walk to the Jetty" is a short story written by Jamaica Kincaid, originally published in her
collection "At the Bottom of the River" in 1983. The story is semi-autobiographical and explores
themes of identity, cultural displacement, and the complexities of familial relationships.
The narrative is told from the perspective of a young Caribbean girl named Annie John, who
recounts the experience of her cousin visiting from America to invite her to join their family in
the United States. The cousin, who has assimilated into American culture, represents a stark
contrast to Annie's more traditional upbringing on the island.
The story centers around Annie's internal conflict as she grapples with the idea of leaving behind
her home, family, and everything familiar to start a new life in a foreign land. The walk to the
jetty, where Annie is supposed to meet her cousin, becomes a metaphor for the journey towards
adulthood and independence.
Throughout the story, there is a sense of tension between the desire for personal growth and the
fear of losing one's cultural roots. Annie's ambivalence towards leaving her island home reflects
the broader theme of cultural identity and the complexities of navigating between different
worlds.
In essence, "A Walk to the Jetty" is a poignant exploration of the emotional and psychological
challenges faced by a young girl on the brink of adulthood, torn between loyalty to her family
and the allure of new opportunities in a foreign land.
The story "A Walk to the Jetty" by Jamaica Kincaid follows Annie John, a young girl growing
up in the Caribbean. Annie's cousin from America visits and invites her to join their family in the
United States. This invitation forces Annie to confront the prospect of leaving behind her home,
family, and cultural identity for a new life abroad. As Annie walks to the jetty to meet her
cousin, she reflects on her upbringing, her relationships, and the internal conflict between staying
loyal to her roots or embracing new opportunities. The story captures Annie's emotional journey
as she navigates the complexities of identity, belonging, and the transition to adulthood.
********Good luck********