Sexuality Control In Jamaica Kincaid's Girl

In the short story, “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid, the stories narrators tries to control, who we assume is her daughter, though directions of house hold chores and the use of a harsh but fearful tones about her sexuality, so she can make sure her daughter understands what responsibilities she has in a domestic life style, and that her sexuality control will help her be a respected woman in the community. Or how to control her sexual behavior, both which will help her be a respected woman in her community.
The author, Jamaica Kincaid is from a small island in the Caribbean called Antigua, and since there is no indication of a setting in the story, we can assume that Antigua is where the story takes place. Understanding the history of Antigua and what was happening at the time, tremendously helps understand why the mother is trying to control her daughter. In 1667, Antigua became a British colony, and didn’t reach their independence till 1981. Since British culture and beliefs were around for over three hundred years, it’s no surprise that many of them were left behind. Since the mother grew up with the British system that “attempted to erase female sexuality and to control the female body,” (Beyerman, Keith E. 2). It

Benna music became a useful form of spreading news and information across the island,” (Landed). The daughter then responds for the first time, “I don’t sing benna on Sundays at all and never in Sunday school”, (Kincaid, Jamaica). Since Benna can be associated with the spreading of rumors, the mother wants to make sure her daughter isn’t participating but instead “[P]rotect[ing] oneself from discrimination,” (Bailey, Carol 111), so it doesn’t interfere with her