To da duh, in memoriam Flashcards
What is the central theme of ‘To Da-Duh in Memoriam’?
“The conflict between tradition and modernity
Who is the narrator of the story?
“A young girl from Brooklyn who visits her grandmother in Barbados.”
Who is Da-Duh?
“The narrator’s grandmother
Why does Da-Duh admire the narrator?
“Because of her strong personality and confidence
How does Da-Duh feel about modern technology?
“She is skeptical and finds it hard to believe in the modern
Why does Da-Duh challenge the narrator about the tallest building in New York?
“She wants to prove that Barbados is superior in some way.”
What is the significance of the sugarcane fields?
“They symbolize Barbados’ natural beauty
How does the narrator impress Da-Duh?
“By describing the modern
What does the contrast between Barbados and New York represent?
“The contrast between tradition and progress
What does Da-Duh’s death symbolize?
“The passing of the old way of life and the triumph of modernity over tradition.”
What is the significance of the title ‘To Da-Duh in Memoriam’?
“It suggests that the story is a tribute to Da-Duh and the cultural values she represented.”
How does the narrator feel after Da-Duh’s death?
“She feels a sense of loss and guilt
What is the main conflict in the story?
“The generational and cultural clash between Da-Duh’s traditional ways and the narrator’s modern perspective.”
How does the narrator describe Brooklyn?
“As a place full of noise
What is Da-Duh’s reaction to hearing about airplanes and skyscrapers?
“She is both fascinated and intimidated by these modern developments.”
What does the tall palm tree symbolize?
“Da-Duh’s pride in her homeland and its natural beauty.”
What role does colonialism play in the story?
“It influences Da-Duh’s sense of identity and her resistance to modern change.”
How does the narrator change throughout the story?
“She begins as a competitive child but later gains a deeper understanding of her grandmother’s world.”
Why does the narrator feel guilty about her last interaction with Da-Duh?
“Because she feels she overwhelmed her grandmother with stories of industrial progress.”
What literary device is used in the descriptions of Barbados?
“Vivid imagery
How does Marshall use symbolism in the story?
“Through objects like the sugarcane fields and palm tree
What is the role of storytelling in the story?
“It is used to highlight the differences in perspective between the narrator and Da-Duh.”
What does the narrator’s visit to Barbados represent?
“A journey of self-discovery and cultural reflection.”
How does Da-Duh view her own mortality?
“She seems to sense that her time is ending
How does the setting contribute to the theme?
“Barbados represents tradition and nature
How does the narrator’s relationship with Da-Duh develop?
“They start as competitors but develop mutual admiration and understanding.”
What does Da-Duh’s house represent?
“A connection to the past
Why is Da-Duh unable to reconcile the modern world with her beliefs?
“Because she has lived her entire life in a traditional setting and cannot fully grasp industrialization.”
What happens to Da-Duh’s house at the end?
“It is destroyed
What is the significance of Da-Duh’s silence after hearing about New York?
“It suggests her realization that the world she values is being overshadowed by modernity.”
Why does the narrator feel a connection to Da-Duh even after her death?
“Because she recognizes the importance of her heritage and culture.”
What does the narrator’s return to New York symbolize?
“Her return to modernity
How does the story reflect postcolonial themes?
“It explores the impact of colonialism on identity
How does Marshall use contrast to emphasize key themes?
“By showing the differences between Barbados and New York
What does the final paragraph suggest about the narrator’s memories?
“That she carries Da-Duh’s spirit and heritage with her
