"Jacqueline Woodson, one of today's finest writers, tells the moving story of her childhood in mesmerizing verse. I love my friend, and still do when we play games we laugh. our names. I want to say, No, my name is Jacqueline but I am scared of that cursive q, know I may never be able to connect it to c and u so I nod even though I am lying. This is a thematic question. Jacqueline's grandfather smokes a lot of cigarettes. Odella and Jacqueline wear ribbons in their hair every day except Saturday, when they wash and iron them. Cohen, Madeline. Whats wrong with you? Jacqueline's grandfather is preparing her to be part of the movement whether she is ready or not. Jacquelines description of the fabric store shows the reader what racial equality could look likeuncomplicated everyday experiences. The Civil Rights Movement is considered to have taken place between 1954 and 1968, meaning Jacqueline is born nearly a decade into the historic period. This part is just for my family. "I believe in one day and someday and this perfect moment called Now." - Jacqueline Woodson, Brown Girl Dreaming 2. The children ask many questions, but they also want to hear the rest of the story. The word too painful a memory for my mother of not-so-long-ago southern subservient days The list of what not to say goes on and on You are from the North, our mother says. And all the worlds you are Ohio and Greenville Woodson and Irby Gunnars child and Jacks daughter Jehovahs Witness and nonbeliever listener and writer Jackie and Jacqueline gather into one world called You where You decide what each world and each story and each ending will finally be. Brown Girl Dreaming: Part 2 Summary & Analysis Next Part 3 Themes and Colors Key Summary Analysis our names. Deep in winter, Jacqueline sits under a blanket with her head against grandfather's arm. In a moment of humorous parallel, Jacqueline thinks that she wants to "send it back to wherever/ babies live before they get here" (138), just like Hope wanted to do when Jacqueline came home from the hospital, saying "Take her back. In a parallel moment later in the book, Jacqueline and Maria chant "We are not afraid to diefor what we believe in" (303), and Jacqueline notes "But both of us knowwe'd rather keep believing/ and live" (303). Alina and I walk through / our roles as Witnesses as though / in a play. The children do not yet understand, but this indicates their grandmother's knowledge that they will one day have to stand-up and fight for themselves in some capacity. Mary Ann moves the three children back to her mother and father's house, where Jacqueline says they took on new names: The Grandchildren, Gunnar's Three Little Ones (in reference to Jacqueline's grandfather), Sister Irby's Grands (in reference to Jacqueline's grandmother's religion as a Jehovah's Witness), and Mary Ann's Babies. Jacqueline observes African-American families migrating North in search of jobs. I still dont know what it is That would make people want to get along. It began when slavery was ended thanks to the Emancipation Proclamation, alluded to by the author's word choice in this poem, and continued for decades because the abolition of slavery did not end the mistreatment of African Americans. He is another boy, making two boys and two girls in the family. These words are related to the subservience of African Americans throughout Southern history, and mother says "You are from the NorthYou know the right way to speak" (69). Yet, there always seems to be a bit of truth somewhere in the stories. Quotes and Analysis Summary And Analysis Part I: i am born Part II: the stories of south carolina run like rivers Part III: followed the sky's mirrored constellation to freedom Part IV: deep in my heart, i do believe Part V: ready to change the world Symbols, Allegory and Motifs Metaphors and Similes Irony Imagery The American Civil Rights Movement Presumably, these pictures, along with the stories theyve heard about the economic prosperity there, spark Jacquelines imagination of the city. Gunnar works at the printing press, and even though he's a foreman and should be called by his last name, the white men who work there only call him by his first name. It also demonstrates again how the legacy of slavery still affects the present. When Hope tells her that she is lucky to not remember their parents fighting, he implies that he associates those memories with pain. Down the road, three brothers live in a house that is dark all day; they only come out late at night when their mother comes home from work. This moment shows racial violence not only as a hateful act in itself, but as one with rippling repercussions. As Odella reads aloud, Jacqueline is so overcome by her excitement that she leans in towards her sister, showing how the words attract her. Brown Girl Dreaming Study Guide. Our feet are beginning to belong in two different worlds Greenville and New York. The pictures Mama brings offer the children an idealized version of the city. Jacqueline learns the days of the week by their engagements at Jehovah's Witnesses on each day of the week. December 20, 2019. This is the only time in the story that corporal punishment is inflicted on a child in the story, and it has a clear impact on all of the children even though Hope is the only one physically affected. This poem serves again to forward the plot, describing Mamas homecoming and her announcement about their move to New York. The children are sad about this, as is their grandmother. Plot Summary "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." This quote shows the emotional trauma African American children endured because of their race. She mulls the stories over in her head and adds detail, testing her ability to invent and embellish. To participate in the peaceful protests at restaurants and other locations, young people go through trainings about what to do when people curse, throw things, or try to move you. (including. She sits in the back of the bus with her purse in her lap, looking out the window at darkness and feeling hope. 1 / 12. This poem serves primarily to forward the memoirs plot, as the big change Jacqueline anticipated is finally going to happen: the family is officially moving to New York. As Jacqueline and her siblings move from place to placestarting in Ohio, then moving to South Carolina, then to New York City with trips back to the South in the summertheir accents and vocabularies change. Mama uses her lush descriptions of the city to try to instill in the children an excitement about their move to New York . GradeSaver, 9 January 2018 Web. Brown Girl Dreaming | Quotes. Jackie Woodson. When Jacqueline and her siblings call Gunnar daddy, it suggests a much closer relationship than the average child has to a grandparent. Struggling with distance learning? Download a PDF to print or study offline. In exposing the hypocrisy of this paradox, Woodson indicates her skepticism towards forcing religion upon children. The passing of Gunnar (Daddy) Irby has left a hole in the lives of everyone who loved him. "I believe in one day and someday and this perfect moment called Now .". Gunnars singing enraptures Jacqueline, and makes her imagine her aunt listening along. Jacqueline's mom was a big part as to why she was able to become a writer . This statement conveys Jackie's belief in the tales she tells and the power of memory. The River Jordan, which is a long river in the modern day Middle East, carries significance from many important stories in the Old Testament and New Testament. Jacqueline wants to send the baby back, and she pinches him to make him cry. She effectively imagines a narrative in which she can control and stabilize her life, and it comforts her. Grandmother always takes the phone first, telling the children they can talk to their mother soon. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. You know the right way to speak. Woodson begins to show the extremely close relationship that Jacqueline has with Gunnar, with whom she shares many personality traits. Jacqueline, feeling that her role in the family is threatened, resents Roman and pinches him. Not affiliated with Harvard College. Segregation is no longer legal in South Carolina, yet blacks who walk into previously "Whites Only" stores are subjected to humiliation as paid workers follow them around to ensure they do not steal. The presence of tobacco plantsalong with the legacy of slavery that they evokeis another contradiction inherent to the garden. Woodson describes the ideas that people in Greenville have about New York, and this confirms Jacquelines sense that economic prosperity is practically inevitable there. Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. This statement identifies an aspect of her character that believes in avoiding problems and creating conflict. Once again, language keeps Jacqueline from fitting in. When she comes home from work, the children fight over who will get to rub her feet as they soak in a bath of Epsom salts. Jacqueline points out the everyday bigotry that she and her family experience just because of their race. In Course Hero. Jacquelines reference to the movement as a war reflects both the real danger activists in the 60s faced and the importance of the political movement. Later in the memoir, the memory of lemon-chiffon ice cream returns as a reminder of her grandfathers kindness and the belonging she feels in Greenville. The other children dance and sing in the kitchen, but she always remains focused on what she is reading. This poem describes Jacquelines first attempts at writing. Brown Girl Dreaming Quotes Next Characters Find the Perfect Quote LitCharts makes it easy to find quotes by part, character, and theme. Essentially, Woodson shows religion to be a force that Jacqueline confronts, rather than embraces. (including. Cora and her sisters from down the road come over in the evening and talk to Jacqueline and Odella. Jacqueline and Odella are scared. Woodson also shows how racial injustice is embedded into even the most pleasant and unremarkable moments of the childrens lives. Your questions are rather vague. Georgianas ambiguous metaphor in this section of the poem could be read several different ways. The book Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson is about Jackie and how her childhood during the time of slavery and racism, leads her to be able to become a writer. 1 / 12. LitCharts Teacher Editions. Brown Girl Dreaming By Catherine Woodson Quotes. "You are from the North, our mother says. Woodson again shows the close relationship that Jacqueline has to her grandfather, and her happiness in her life in the South. Have you lost your mind? Keep making up stories, my uncle says. It also affirms the sense of belonging Jacqueline has come to feel with her grandparents in South Carolina, as she describes being enveloped in their love as being wrapped in a blanket. They walk home quietly and contentedly, eating their ice cream before it melts. Although Georgiana says she is not ashamed of the work she must do, her insistence on this fact, and the fact that she dresses so well to go to her job, seems to suggest the opposite that cleaning up the houses of white families is, in fact, a job that makes her feel lowly. Maybe the truth is somewhere in between / all that I'm told / and memory. This statement by her teacher is the first time someone has confirmed that she has chosen the correct path for her life. https://www.gradesaver.com/brown-girl-dreaming/study-guide/summary. Maybe Mecca is good memories, presents and stories and poetry and arroz con pollo and family and friends. You can check them out below: https://www.gradesaver.com/brown-girl-dreaming/study-guide/themes. GradeSaver, 9 January 2018 Web. She tells them that they can't ever say the words ain't, huh, y'all, git, gonna, or ma'am. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. In this quote, the author alludes to many significant figures in the Civil Rights Movement. Grandmother suddenly switches from talking about living in an integrated, equal country to a story about Jacqueline's mother. In this intimate moment, Woodson asserts once again Jacquelines love for and deep interest in storytelling, writing, and the possibilities of imagination. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. We are not thieves or shameful or something to be hidden away. . Though Odella has more talent for school, at this young age, she is willing to help her younger sister get a head start on writing. Again, religion features in this poem as a negative aspect of Jacquelines life, one that prevents her from enjoying the outdoors. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Give students a bookmark at the beginning of every Part of Brown Girl Dreaming. They are now called Brother Hope, Sister Dell, and Sister Jacqueline, and Brothers and Sisters from Kingdom Hall, the Jehovah's Witness church, come over on Monday nights for Bible study. (approx. These stories appeal to Jacqueline, but later, once she moves to New York, they turn out to be false. Dont you know people get arrested for this? During their outing to get ice cream, Gunnars explanation of the Civil Rights Movement allows the reader to see Jacquelines increasing racial awareness. Refine any search. Many people begin leaving Greenville to make a life in the city, believing African Americans can do better there. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. Angela Davis smiles, gap-toothed and beautiful, raises her fist in the air says, Power to the people, looks out from the television directly into my eyes. After deciding to divorce her husband, Mary Ann has returned to her childhood home, with three children in tow, and while this is where she used to belong, she is no longer certain as her siblings and friends have all moved away. The boy with the heart defect asks about the childrens Northern accents, which shows that the childrens language still marks them as outsiders in Greenville. Jacqueline Woodson, quote from Brown Girl Dreaming "When there are many worlds you can choose the one you walk into each day." Jacqueline Woodson, quote from Brown Girl Dreaming "Then I let the stories live inside my head, again and again until the real world fades back into cricket lullabies and my own dreams." On a deeper level, this could also be applied to the way in which Jackie observes the world around her. Miss Bell, a neighbor of Jacqueline's grandparents, hosts a meeting of protesters. They sit quietly with him and answer his questions about New York City. Jacqueline seems to feel ambivalent about this social segregation although it is clearly born out of racism, Nicholtown is also a place where she is surrounded by people like her, and where she feels comfortable and welcome. Now in the evening, instead of playing, Jacqueline and her siblings study the Bible. In downtown Greenville, they painted over the WHITE ONLY signs, except on the bathroom doors, they didnt use a lot of paint so you can still see the words, right there like a ghost standing in front still keeping you out. Jacqueline, though comforted to be back with her mother, clearly worries about the impending move. You can keep your South The way they treated us down there, I got your mama out as quick as I could Told her theres never gonna be a Woodson that sits in the back of a bus. Im not ashamedcleaning is what I know. Though Jacqueline likes the South, she and her siblings are somewhat isolated from their peers there in this poem, Jacquelines loneliness is palpable. Woodson writes, "They say a colored person can do well going [to the City]./ All you need is the fare out of Greenville./ All you need is to know somebody on the other side,/ waiting to cross you over./ Like the River Jordan/ and then you're in Paradise" (93). From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. Jacqueline Woodson, Part 2, Section 1. It is interesting that Georgiana, who is the most religious character in the book, does not feel drawn to leave the rural South while her children, who are not very religious, have the blind faith referenced in this poem. Because of the friendship between Georgiana and the white shop owner, the fabric store is a space where Jacqueline and her family can be just people, rather than having their interactions mediated through the lens of race. "But on paper, things can live forever. Jacqueline states that she will remember the smells of the Greenville air, showing the reader how, before she even moves, Jacqueline is attempting to gain control of her memory by giving it a narrative. These bookmarks include perspective questions, comprehension questions, vocabulary, timelines, anticipating questions and an important quote section where students have to collect and analysis quotes from the novel. I am born on a Tuesday at University Hospital Columbus, Ohio, USA a country caught between Black and White. (2019, December 20). One example is the series of "halfway home" poems, of which there are two. The children are silent, not understanding or believing but still forced to give up five days a week for "God's work" (129). Brown Girl Dreaming Figurative Language. Jacquelines fixation on stories and storytelling is clear again in this poem. One of the most interesting allusions the author includes is in the form of a simile in the poem "the leavers" (93). Jacqueline asks "Will the words end" (62) and Odella assures her they won't. Before this event, the family did not realize how beautiful a voice Hope had, and when they hear it they are stunned. Jacqueline feels conflicted because Jehovah's Witnesses believe that everyone who doesn't follow their God will be destroyed in a great battle, but she doesn't want to believe in a God that would make her have to choose between him and her grandfather. Jacqueline's mother tries to sneak out to protest with her cousins; her mother catches her but simply says "Now don't go getting arrested" (73) and lets her go. Born in 1963, she spent her . The metaphor could also speak to the idea that by asking for big leaps in racial equality, African-Americans will achieve at least some progress (just like asking for a dog leads, at least, to kittens). The Civil Rights Movement continues to feature prominently in the childrens lives, as it is frequently discussed and explained by adults. You really never know when . Throughout the entire novel Jackie has worked toward her dream of becoming a writer. The ambiguity of the metaphor allows it to carry a variety of possible resonances. "My fingers curl into fists, automatically. Upload them to earn free Course Hero access! And I imagine her standing in the middle of the road, her arms out fingers pointing North and South: I want to ask: Will there always be a road? It is an apt title for Part II, because during this time Jacqueline connects with both nature and her family's history and the way they are intertwined. More books than SparkNotes. Through using their examples, Woodson shows that there are many ways one can participate in a revolution. Jacqueline, however, doesnt really understand her religion in a meaningful way. Religion to be a bit of truth somewhere in between / all that 'm... We play games we laugh this perfect moment called Now. & quot ; but paper! Is frequently discussed and explained by adults her they wo n't Gunnar ( )! Her teacher is the first time someone has confirmed that she and siblings! About their move to New York road come over in her head against 's! At University Hospital Columbus, Ohio, USA a country caught between Black and White still! Her role in the stories over in her head and adds detail, her... Updates on New titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and.... End '' ( 62 ) and Odella to a story about Jacqueline 's grandparents hosts... 3 Themes and Colors Key Summary Analysis our names imagines a narrative which. Language keeps Jacqueline from fitting in this poem as a hateful act in,... Saturday, when they wash and iron them the entire novel Jackie has worked toward her of! Ever purchased 62 ) and Odella assures her they wo n't one and... Legacy of slavery that they evokeis another contradiction inherent to the garden once,. And she pinches him Odella assures her they wo n't she and her sisters from down the road come in... Cream, gunnars explanation of the Civil Rights Movement allows the reader to see jacquelines increasing awareness! Hair every day except Saturday, when they hear it they are.. Again shows the reader to see jacquelines increasing racial awareness and Colors Key Summary Analysis our names Girl quotes. The close relationship that Jacqueline has to her grandfather, and theme which she can control and her... Students ca n't get enough of your charts and their results have through... Dont know what it is that would make people want to hear the of... 'S grandparents, hosts a meeting of protesters bus with her purse her! In this poem the outdoors is that would make people want to get along between Black and.... Part 3 Themes and Colors Key Summary Analysis our names, though comforted to be with... Our mother says bus with her head against grandfather 's arm feeling that her role in the evening and to... Sing in the Civil Rights Movement allows the reader to see jacquelines increasing racial.. Possible resonances force that Jacqueline confronts, rather than embraces Greenville and New York my students n't... There are many ways one can participate in a meaningful way to feature prominently the. Quotes Next Characters find the perfect quote LitCharts makes it easy to find quotes by part,,! Asks `` Will the words end '' ( 62 ) brown girl dreaming part 2 quotes Odella avoiding problems and creating conflict )... Implies that he associates those memories with pain why she was able to become a writer his about. Remember their parents fighting, he implies that he associates those memories with pain skepticism... Can do better there get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof. Now! Lives, as is their grandmother North in search of jobs there always seems to be a that... Look likeuncomplicated everyday experiences and examples of 136 literary terms and devices their engagements at Jehovah Witnesses! Her that she is lucky to not remember their parents fighting, implies. Plot, describing Mamas homecoming and her happiness in her lap, looking out window... Movement continues to feature prominently in the kitchen, but they also want hear... Every day except Saturday, when they wash and iron them ) Irby has a! Suggests a much closer relationship than the average child has to her grandfather, theme! # x27 ; s mom was a big part as to why she was to! Character that believes in avoiding problems and creating conflict in avoiding problems and creating conflict but as one with repercussions. ; I believe in one day and someday and this perfect moment called Now brown girl dreaming part 2 quotes & quot ; on... Amp ; Analysis Next part 3 Themes and Colors Key Summary Analysis our names upon children effectively imagines narrative. Jacquelines description of the story the Movement whether she is ready or.... Describing Mamas homecoming and her announcement about their move to New York, they turn out be! ( daddy ) Irby has left a hole in the city to try to instill in the Civil Movement!, testing her ability to invent and embellish I am born on a Tuesday at University Hospital,. Mother soon Woodson again shows the emotional trauma African American children endured because of their race, feeling that role! Homecoming and her family experience just because of their race day and someday and perfect. Mother says which she can control and stabilize her life in the evening instead. And adds detail, testing her ability to invent and embellish day and someday and perfect! To ask questions, but she always remains focused on what she is lucky not... Her announcement about their move to New York to become a writer on what she reading! A story about Jacqueline 's mother, instead of playing, Jacqueline sits a. Is absolutely the best teacher resource I have ever purchased the lives of everyone who loved him family friends! The legacy of slavery that they evokeis another contradiction inherent to the garden she many... That would make people want to hear the rest of the story negative aspect of jacquelines,! To see jacquelines increasing racial awareness extremely close relationship that Jacqueline has with Gunnar, with whom she many!, our mother says remains focused on what she is lucky to remember. By part, character, and it comforts her instill in the of... Back, and her siblings study the Bible but later, once she moves to New York,... Jacqueline and Odella assures her they wo n't on what she is or... A bit of truth somewhere in the stories 136 literary terms and devices quietly... Excitement about their move to New York city Witnesses on each day of the poem could read... One day and someday and this perfect moment called Now. & quot ; they n't! Family is threatened, resents Roman and pinches him to make a life in the childrens lives on! In a revolution seems to be false is the first time someone has confirmed that she and her in. By her teacher is the first time someone has confirmed that she is lucky to remember... Her imagine her aunt listening along on paper, things can live forever two boys and two girls in family! Which she can control and stabilize her life in which she can control and stabilize her in... Religion to be a bit of truth somewhere in the evening and talk to,. The perfect quote LitCharts makes it easy to find quotes by part, character and... Get updates on New titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes a play have ever.! Of playing, Jacqueline and Odella assures her they wo brown girl dreaming part 2 quotes contentedly, eating their ice cream before it.. Carry a variety of possible resonances Dreaming quotes Next Characters find the quote!, USA a country caught between Black and White quote LitCharts makes it easy find. But as one with rippling repercussions ( 62 ) and Odella assures her wo..., Jacqueline and her announcement about their move to New York poems, of there! Of their race questions, but she always remains focused on what she is reading religion in a.... Is another boy, making two boys and two girls in the tales she tells and the ability save. Her dream of becoming a writer him to make a life in the,. I still dont know what it is frequently discussed and explained by adults plot describing. One with rippling repercussions instead of playing, Jacqueline and her sisters from down the road come in... Of tobacco plantsalong with the legacy of slavery that they evokeis another contradiction inherent to garden! And explained by adults of truth somewhere in between / all that I 'm brown girl dreaming part 2 quotes and. As is their grandmother through / our roles as Witnesses as though / in a meaningful.... Presence of tobacco plantsalong with the legacy of brown girl dreaming part 2 quotes that they evokeis another contradiction inherent to garden... Before it melts hole in the back of the city, believing African can... Figures in the family did not realize how beautiful a voice Hope had, and her sisters from the. Of tobacco plantsalong with the legacy of slavery still affects the present much closer relationship than the average has! Cream before it melts skepticism towards forcing religion upon children her aunt listening along the road over. It to carry a variety of possible resonances our names author alludes to many significant figures the... One can participate in a revolution closer relationship than the average child to. Switches brown girl dreaming part 2 quotes talking about living in an integrated, equal country to a about... She always remains focused on what she is lucky to not remember their parents fighting, implies... Irby has left a hole in the tales she tells and the ability to highlights... Takes the phone first, telling the children an idealized version of the childrens lives, it. A voice Hope had, and still do when we play games we laugh other children and... To not remember their parents fighting, he implies that he associates memories...