Topic > A review by Jamaica Kincaid of Seeing England for the First Time

In the essay On Seeing England for the First Time, Jamaica Kincaid exudes a tone of conquest, yet resistant to the power of the English. Kincaid draws the reader in by writing about a different range of issues and we are able to see her journey of realization and reflection on the power she is subjected to. Kincaid describes to the reader his attitude towards England by showing the effects that colonialism had on his country and his family. Kincaid conveys the effects of English power by using metaphors and symbols to show his displeasure with England. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Kincaid uses metaphors and allusions to attack the effect of English colonialism not only on the people of his island, but on anyone who has been subjected to any type of colonialism. Growing up in Antigua, Kincaid says only English-born people are some sort of “special gem.” Such a jewel was worn by the English as a badge of honour, "in the jungles, in the deserts, in the plains, in all the oceans... in places where they were not welcome." However, no jewels for the people who have been brainwashed and colonized by these people. Her teacher then acts as if Britain is Jerusalem in that it is a “place you will go to when you die, but only if you were good”. Referring to the Crusades, Kincaid once again states how all “true” Englishmen already have the “privilege” of dying there and the colonists must earn the right to be English. When it comes to style in the essay, Kincaid uses his angry tone to mock and downplay the enormous dominance of the English. His hatred manifests itself when he compares England to a “prison” or, strangely, to “a leg of mutton”. Kincaid begins with the first paragraph by introducing the tone he uses throughout the essay. Kincaid also uses many heartfelt and lasting phrases that match the hatred and disgust he feels towards England. Kincaid not only describes her displeasure with England, but also makes the reader feel the same hatred that she feels. His use of sarcasm, such as describing England as "a special jewel... only special people can wear..." shows his negligence towards the "jewel" that is England and takes away the "charm" and the "respect" that England gives itself. In Kincaid's world, England is by far a "gem" and she references little things that support her point of view to draw the reader into her world of hatred towards this dominant country that has changed her in ways that he never wanted. mind: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In a way, I can see where Kincaid is coming from. Being a descendant of immigrants to the United States is not something that is taken lightly here. I am despised for the color of my skin, for the language I speak to my family, for the way I live, for where I live. I completely understand the reference to Kincaid's "jewel" because at a certain moment that's what I felt. I imagined that the United States was an equal place for everyone and that it completely loved and accepted everyone for who they were. God I was wrong. Now, I know this country isn't entirely like that. There is some good. I have a better chance of being successful here than in Mexico. I have the opportunity to become equal; but I will never truly be “the same”. I, like Kincaid, saw my country as wonderful, but as I grew up I learned all the history, all the turmoil, and all the hatred that is still found today..