tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703718213453635254.post6274110833807750049..comments2012-12-05T22:45:25.859-08:00Comments on Introduction to Short Fiction: Flashes From ChildhoodProfessor Crystal Benedickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17356748083537416572noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703718213453635254.post-85806612199777189472008-10-08T02:58:00.000-07:002008-10-08T02:58:00.000-07:00I agree with Clint that one of the most interestin...I agree with Clint that one of the most interesting aspects of "Girl" is the lack of chronological order to the story. The disorder of the story points to the disorder youth must pass through before "it" all makes sense - a process called maturation("it" being life in general). This lack of order speaks volumes of the obstacles facing all youth, as growing up entails more than just learning etiquette, responsibility, work ethic, etc. Rather, growing up is about weaving all that is learned from parents - and all other contributors to youthful growth - with real-life experience gained through personal failures and successes. The abruptness of the story forces the reader to link their own experiences to each quip, reagardless of sex, to form a complete understanding of and relation to the story.<BR/>However, the specifics of what is conveyed from mother to daughter is moot. This story reminds the reader of just how confusing growing up is, as evident of only snippets of advice and direction are remembered except for the end. The end of the story as indicated by Clint shows the specificity of a child's memory in remembering certain things and not others. I will always remember my mother telling me from as early as the age of four how to address, write and send Thank You notes after Christmas or a birthday because I want to show "how much older I am" to those that send me presents; by older, my mother conveyed the responsibility I had to relatives, friends and family to demonstrate my growth as a person, my appreciation for their time and resulting gifts, etc., leading to more/better gifts as equal to my maturity, similar to "Girl." Like "Girl," I couldn't recognize what she meant by this at the time, but after putting others together, along with life expereiences, it's blatantly obvious now what little details actually can mean in the long run.Patrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02983499751590427953noreply@blogger.com