Chapter 10 Flashcards
“They are the children of the strangers,” I told her. They have no faces
ANALYSIS
* The term ‘strangers’ likely refers to the villagers, indicating her sense of alienation and mistrust.
* “They have no faces,” suggests a dehumanization or an unwillingness to acknowledge their individuality, further highlighting Merricat’s disconnect and fear of the outside world.
MESSAGE
* Serves as Jackson’s commentary on the fear and mistrust towards the ‘other’, which can result in dehumanization or stereotyping
* It could also be a critique of societal norms that promote exclusion and alienation of those who are considered different
Perhaps they came in darkness not to be recognized, as though each of them wanted to hide from the others, and bringing us food was somehow a shameful thing to do in public
ANALYSIS
* After their destructive actions towards the Blackwood sisters, the villagers attempt to offer food, a symbol of remorse and reconciliation.
* However, their choice to do so in darkness suggests their continued fear and prejudice, as well as their unwillingness to publicly acknowledge their guilt or extend empathy towards the sisters.
MESSAGE
* It highlights how society often fails to take responsibility for harm caused, choosing instead to make token gestures of remorse that lack sincerity, often carried out in secrecy or shame.
* Jackson underscores the harmful consequences of such societal hypocrisy and calls for genuine acknowledgment and correction of wrongdoing.
They hate little boys and little girls. The difference is, they eat the little girls.
ANALYSIS
* The phrase “they eat the little girls” might metaphorically represent the consumption and destruction of female individuality and agency within a patriarchal society.
MESSAGE
* This quote could be seen as a critique of gender dynamics and the oppressive societal norms that disproportionately target and harm females.
* Jackson might be suggesting that societal structures often consume and silence females, pushing them to the margins and denying them their rights and freedoms.