Ol'Higue By Mark McWatt Flashcards
What is the main theme of Ol’ Higue by Mark McWatt?
The main theme revolves around the intersection of folklore, blame, and societal fears. The Ole Higue resents her painful existence as a scapegoat for infant deaths but recognizes her importance in society. Themes of motherhood, aging, guilt, and the persistence of cultural myths are explored.
What is the tone of Ol’ Higue?
The tone shifts from defensive and irritable to reflective and resigned. Initially, the Ole Higue argues against her role, but she later accepts her place in society, recognizing that her myth will endure as long as mothers need someone to blame.
Front:
What does the line “gallivanting all night without skin / burning myself out like cane-fire” suggest about the Ole Higue?
The Ole Higue expresses frustration with her nightly routine of shedding her skin and becoming a fiery creature. The simile “burning myself out like cane-fire” emphasizes the exhausting and painful nature of her existence.
What is the significance of “And for what? A few drops of baby blood?
This rhetorical question highlights the Ole Higue’s bitterness at the unrewarding nature of her task. Despite the effort and pain involved, she gains only a negligible amount of blood, making her existence seem poin
What does the Ole Higue mean by “You think I wouldn’t rather / take my blood seasoned in fat / black-pudding, like everyone else?”
The Ole Higue reveals that she would prefer to consume blood in a normal, human way—seasoned in black pudding—rather than taking it from babies. This shows her reluctance and dissatisfaction with her compelled role as a supernatural being.
What folklore elements are referenced in “the pain of salt / And having to bend these old bones down / To count a thousand grains of rice”?
These lines allude to Caribbean folklore, where salt can harm the Ole Higue, and rice placed at doorways forces her to count every grain before entering. These traditions reflect ways people protect their homes and babies from her.
What do the lines “If only babies didn’t smell so nice! / And if I could only stop / Hearing the soft, soft call” reveal about the Ole Higue?
These lines reveal her internal conflict. Although she despises her role, she is irresistibly drawn to the pure, tempting scent of babies’ blood, which symbolizes new life. Her yearning reflects her struggle against aging and mortality.
What does the Ole Higue mean by “how would you, mother, / name your ancient dread”?
The Ole Higue suggests that she provides an outlet for mothers to name and externalize their fear of losing their children. Without her myth, mothers would have no way to explain or blame infant deaths.
What is the meaning of the lines “As long as it have women giving birth / A poor ol’ higue like me can never dead”?
The Ole Higue acknowledges that as long as society fears for its children, her myth will persist. This reflects her resigned acceptance of her eternal role as a cultural scapegoat.
