Annie John: Analysis of Major Characters
"Annie John: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the complex dynamics of identity and relationships through the lens of its central character, Annie John, a bright and imaginative girl growing up in Antigua. As a sensitive young black girl, Annie experiences a challenging relationship with her mother, whose strong influence complicates Annie's journey toward independence. The mother-daughter bond is marked by discipline and confusion, shaping Annie's feelings of hurt as she grapples with her mother's expectations.
Annie's father, Alexander John, is depicted as a distant figure, adding a layer of complexity to Annie's familial relationships. Her friendship with Gweneth Joseph reveals the innocence and intensity of youthful love, which shifts as Annie matures. Additionally, Ma Chess, Annie's grandmother and a powerful healer, plays a pivotal role in Annie's life when traditional medicine fails her, showcasing the importance of familial connections. The Red Girl represents another aspect of Annie's emerging sexuality and the turmoil that arises from her mother's intervention. Overall, the characters in "Annie John" are intricately woven into Annie's quest for self-discovery amidst the challenges of adolescence and cultural expectations.
Annie John: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Jamaica Kincaid
First published: 1985
Genre: Novel
Locale: Antigua, West Indies
Plot: Bildungsroman
Time: The mid-1950's to the mid-1960's
Annie Victoria John, a smart, sensitive young black girl growing up in Antigua, in the British West Indies. Annie identifies with her mother and has a hard time separating herself, but she is a bright, imaginative, high-spirited girl who has a hard time following her mother's instructions and orders. She leaves home at the age of seventeen.
Annie John, Annie's mother, who married a carpenter much older than herself. She gave birth to Annie at the age of thirty. Annie's point of view is so intently focused on how her mother deals with her that it is hard to get a precise sense of who the mother is. Her attempts to discipline Annie and force her to grow cause Annie to be hurt and confused.
Alexander John, Annie's father, a carpenter who makes coffins for the local community. He is considerably older than his wife and is presented as somewhat distant from Annie. He is important in her life but outside the close bond of Annie and her mother.
Gweneth Joseph, Annie's best friend. When Annie and Gwen meet, they immediately fall in love and make promises to love each other forever. Shortly after Annie begins menstruating, she falls out of love with Gwen. The two of them remain friends, though not close friends, until Annie leaves home.
Ma Chess, Annie's grandmother, a powerful healer. When Annie falls ill and a medical doctor is not able to find anything wrong with her, it is Ma Chess who brings Annie back to health.
The Red Girl, Annie's name for a friend on whom she develops a powerful crush, at about the time she falls out of love with Gwen. Annie's mother intervenes, however, because she discovers Annie has been lying to her. The Red Girl moves away with her parents for reasons unrelated to Annie.