At some points in Betsey Brown I had trouble figuring out what is going on. Vida seems prejudiced, both against blacks and whites – I wonder what she classifies herself as? I understand Betseys rage when Bernice deprives her of her private place of the tree outside her window – I too have a spot in the woods that I covet. It’s a good half-hour walk but well worth it: is secluded, with a great view in all directions, but no one can see you from where you are – and the ground is covered with velvet moss so thick and cushiony that I took a nap there once. This spot of mine is now going to be bulldozed and turned into houses and a neighborhood. Someday I will go back there, only to see it will be gone. It’s a bittersweet feeling.
Carrie has a very unusual fashion sense – two dresses over each other and a rope around her waist? Weird. But I like her personality – her wise, take-no-nonsense attitude. I like how she showed Betsey to run the house, and taught the other children how to help around the house properly.
I don’t think Jane makes a very good mother or wife – she doesn’t seem to be around the children enough, and doesn’t understand her husband’s selflessness. Still, she’s better than Vida. Greer needs to be around the kids more often, but other than that, I like him, and how he teaches his children about their black heritage.
I laughed out loud when, early on in the book, Betsey and her friends are counting their pubic hairs, curling them and putting hair cream on them.
Learning in the Age of the Trigger Warning
11 years ago
I love your post! I agree with everything! In particular, I too have trouble following some of the time. I think Shange's use of writing the words how she wants them to be pronounced and the contradicting attitudes of the various characters, all highly unknown to me (a white woman in the 21st century), take some getting used to.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing a description of your secret spot. It sounds wonderful and although it may soon be gone, I am glad you got to spend some time there. I have a secluded spot that I like to go to as well. I go there when I need to think or make big decisions. I agree that understanding the sanctity of such a place really helped me to understand Betsey's perspective.
The adults in the novel each have flaws and you captured them well. The only thing I would add is that Greer perhaps lacks something more than time in his parenting; i think sometimes he forgets that his children are people, not players in a revolution. Of course, his decision is admirable and influential and I fully believe it was correct - but perhaps some more sensitivity to his children's concerns might have supplied an easier transition for all.
Becca
PS I laughed out loud at that point too! And also after Betsey runs inside to gussy herself up for Eugene and Vida makes a tasteful joke about her dress!