What do you guys think of language/grammar of the text? This has been something people have actually complained about while reading. They don’t think that High School or college students should read something that is not up to their literary expectations, and in fact, breaks most grammar and punctuation rules.
But I think it is brilliant.
Walker is writing the text through the characters, how they would write letters or journals. A lot of Celie’s writing comes close to stream of consciousness, saying whatever she is feeling in the moment, whatever words fits the scene.
I think it also reflects the historical time period of the day. It wouldn’t be accurate to read this in “proper” form (whatever that it) and still get the essence of the book. I think the language is needed for the sincerity of the characters. I wasn’t hindered by the language, but moved along with it. You guys?
Having had no background knowledge about this book, I was surprised when I read the first sentence. "Wait, what?" I had to read it over twice.
I became more pleasantly surprised as I kept reading. What an amazing portrayal of the times. As the reader reads, it feels like Celie is in the room with you. Talking, reading, writing. Not Celie from the present, or a more properly educated Celie. The reader gets to know all of Celie. Even how she speaks. The language enhances the experience of the book as well as brings to light the culture and education of the time. Celie, a woman, considered to be the lowest of the low, hardly educated, is writing the story. This is an excellent read for students. Is it going to ruin their grammar if they read it? Absolutely not. If anything, the proper grammar and language will only be enhanced.
What do you guys think of language/grammar of the text? This has been something people have actually complained about while reading. They don’t think that High School or college students should read something that is not up to their literary expectations, and in fact, breaks most grammar and punctuation rules.
ReplyDeleteBut I think it is brilliant.
Walker is writing the text through the characters, how they would write letters or journals. A lot of Celie’s writing comes close to stream of consciousness, saying whatever she is feeling in the moment, whatever words fits the scene.
I think it also reflects the historical time period of the day. It wouldn’t be accurate to read this in “proper” form (whatever that it) and still get the essence of the book. I think the language is needed for the sincerity of the characters. I wasn’t hindered by the language, but moved along with it. You guys?
Having had no background knowledge about this book, I was surprised when I read the first sentence. "Wait, what?" I had to read it over twice.
ReplyDeleteI became more pleasantly surprised as I kept reading. What an amazing portrayal of the times. As the reader reads, it feels like Celie is in the room with you. Talking, reading, writing. Not Celie from the present, or a more properly educated Celie. The reader gets to know all of Celie. Even how she speaks. The language enhances the experience of the book as well as brings to light the culture and education of the time. Celie, a woman, considered to be the lowest of the low, hardly educated, is writing the story. This is an excellent read for students. Is it going to ruin their grammar if they read it? Absolutely not. If anything, the proper grammar and language will only be enhanced.
This is simply my opinion.:)