Jamaica Kincaid’s novel “See Now Then” was published in 2013 and has been praised for its unique writing style and exploration of themes such as time, memory, and family dynamics. In this comprehensive summary, we will delve into the plot, characters, and symbolism of the novel to gain a deeper understanding of Kincaid’s work.
Background Information
Jamaica Kincaid is a renowned Caribbean-American writer, born in Antigua in 1949. She moved to the United States in 1966 and began her writing career as a staff writer for The New Yorker in 1976. Kincaid is best known for her novels, including “Annie John” and “Lucy,” which explore themes of identity, colonialism, and mother-daughter relationships. In 2013, Kincaid published “See Now Then,” a novel that continues her exploration of these themes while also delving into the complexities of marriage and family dynamics. The novel received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Kincaid’s lyrical prose and others criticizing the book’s structure and character development. Despite the mixed reception, “See Now Then” remains an important work in Kincaid’s oeuvre and a fascinating exploration of the human experience.
Plot Summary
In “See Now Then,” Jamaica Kincaid tells the story of a family living in a small New England town. The novel centers around the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Sweet, who have two children, Heracles and Persephone. The story is told from Mrs. Sweet’s perspective, and the reader is taken on a journey through her memories and thoughts as she reflects on her life with her husband and children. As the novel progresses, the reader learns that Mr. Sweet has been unfaithful to his wife, and this revelation causes their marriage to unravel. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and the passage of time, and Kincaid’s lyrical prose creates a vivid and emotional portrait of a family in crisis.
Main Characters
The main characters in Jamaica Kincaid’s novel “See Now Then” are the Redgrave family, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. Redgrave and their two children, Persephone and Heracles. Mr. Redgrave is a composer who is struggling to finish his latest piece, while Mrs. Redgrave is a writer who is dealing with the aftermath of their divorce. Persephone and Heracles are typical children, trying to navigate their parents’ separation and their own identities. The novel explores the dynamics of this family and their relationships with each other, as well as their individual struggles and triumphs. Through their experiences, Kincaid delves into themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.
Themes
One of the central themes of “See Now Then” is the passage of time and its effects on relationships. Kincaid explores the ways in which time can erode love and intimacy, as well as the ways in which it can deepen and strengthen them. The novel also delves into the complexities of family dynamics, particularly the tensions and conflicts that arise between parents and children. Kincaid examines the ways in which parents can both shape and be shaped by their children, and the challenges of balancing individual desires with familial responsibilities. Additionally, the novel touches on issues of race and identity, as the characters grapple with their own sense of self and their place in the world. Through its exploration of these themes, “See Now Then” offers a poignant and thought-provoking meditation on the human experience.
Symbolism
Symbolism plays a significant role in Jamaica Kincaid’s novel “See Now Then.” Throughout the book, Kincaid uses various symbols to represent different themes and ideas. One of the most prominent symbols in the novel is the house. The house represents the family and the relationships within it. It is a symbol of both comfort and confinement, as the characters are both protected and trapped within its walls. Another important symbol in the novel is time. Kincaid uses time to represent the passage of life and the inevitability of change. The characters in the novel struggle with the passing of time and the changes that come with it. Overall, the use of symbolism in “See Now Then” adds depth and complexity to the novel, allowing readers to explore the themes and ideas presented in a more meaningful way.
Narrative Style
Jamaica Kincaid’s narrative style in “See Now Then” is characterized by its stream-of-consciousness structure and poetic language. The novel is told from the perspective of Mrs. Sweet, a middle-aged woman living in a small New England town, and her thoughts and memories are woven together in a non-linear fashion. Kincaid’s use of repetition and imagery creates a dreamlike quality to the narrative, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. The novel’s structure reflects Mrs. Sweet’s own fragmented sense of self and her struggle to reconcile her past with her present. Overall, Kincaid’s narrative style in “See Now Then” is both lyrical and introspective, inviting readers to delve into the inner workings of Mrs. Sweet’s mind.
Setting
The setting of Jamaica Kincaid’s novel, “See Now Then,” is a small New England town called Shirley Falls. The town is described as being picturesque, with its white clapboard houses and tree-lined streets. However, beneath the surface, there is a sense of unease and tension. The novel takes place over the course of a year, and the changing seasons are an important part of the setting. The harsh New England winters are contrasted with the lush greenery of spring and summer. The house where the main characters, Mr. and Mrs. Sweet, live is also an important part of the setting. It is an old, rambling house with a history that is slowly revealed throughout the novel. The house is almost a character in itself, with its creaking floors and hidden rooms. Overall, the setting of “See Now Then” is both beautiful and unsettling, reflecting the complex emotions and relationships of the characters who inhabit it.
Writing Techniques
One of the most notable writing techniques employed by Jamaica Kincaid in her novel “See Now Then” is her use of stream of consciousness narration. This technique allows the reader to delve deep into the thoughts and emotions of the characters, providing a more intimate understanding of their inner workings. Kincaid also employs vivid imagery and metaphors to create a rich and immersive reading experience. Additionally, she uses repetition and circular storytelling to emphasize certain themes and ideas throughout the novel. These writing techniques contribute to the overall impact and effectiveness of “See Now Then” as a literary work.
Reception and Criticism
Reception and criticism of Jamaica Kincaid’s novel “See Now Then” has been mixed. Some critics have praised the novel for its poetic language and exploration of themes such as time, memory, and family dynamics. Others, however, have criticized the novel for its disjointed narrative structure and lack of plot. Some readers have also taken issue with the portrayal of the main character, Mrs. Sweet, as an unsympathetic and unlikeable figure. Despite these criticisms, “See Now Then” remains a thought-provoking and challenging work of fiction that offers a unique perspective on the complexities of human relationships.
Author Biography
Jamaica Kincaid is a renowned Caribbean-American writer, born in Antigua in 1949. She moved to the United States in 1966 to pursue her education and began her writing career as a staff writer for The New Yorker in 1976. Kincaid is best known for her novels, including “Annie John” and “Lucy,” which explore themes of identity, colonialism, and mother-daughter relationships. She has also written non-fiction works, such as “A Small Place,” which critiques the effects of tourism on Antigua. Kincaid has received numerous awards for her writing, including the Guggenheim Fellowship and the Lannan Literary Award for Fiction. She currently teaches at Harvard University.
Historical and Cultural Context
Jamaica Kincaid’s novel “See Now Then” is deeply rooted in historical and cultural context. Kincaid, a Caribbean-American writer, draws on her own experiences as a black woman living in the United States to explore themes of identity, race, and family dynamics. Additionally, the novel is set in a small New England town, which serves as a microcosm of American society. Kincaid’s use of language and imagery also reflects her Caribbean heritage, as she incorporates elements of Creole and folklore into the narrative. Understanding the historical and cultural context of “See Now Then” is crucial to fully appreciating the novel’s themes and message.
Gender and Race Issues
In “See Now Then,” Jamaica Kincaid explores the intersection of gender and race issues through the lens of a family’s disintegration. The novel follows the lives of a black couple, Mr. and Mrs. Sweet, and their two children, Heracles and Persephone, as they navigate the complexities of their relationships and identities. Kincaid delves into the ways in which societal expectations and prejudices shape the experiences of black women and men, particularly in the context of marriage and family. Through her vivid and poetic prose, Kincaid challenges readers to confront their own biases and assumptions about race and gender, and to consider the ways in which these issues impact our lives and relationships.
Family and Relationships
In “See Now Then,” Jamaica Kincaid explores the complexities of family and relationships. The novel follows the lives of a family living in a small New England town, and delves into the intricacies of their relationships with each other. Kincaid portrays the family dynamic as both beautiful and flawed, highlighting the ways in which love and resentment can coexist within a family unit. The novel also touches on themes of infidelity and divorce, as the family struggles to navigate the challenges of these issues. Through her vivid and poetic prose, Kincaid captures the essence of what it means to be a family, and the ways in which our relationships with those closest to us shape our lives.
Identity and Self-Discovery
Identity and Self-Discovery are two major themes explored in Jamaica Kincaid’s novel, “See Now Then.” The novel follows the lives of a family living in a small New England town, and delves into the complexities of their relationships and personal struggles. The main character, Mrs. Sweet, is a writer who is struggling to find her own identity and purpose in life. She is constantly questioning her role as a wife and mother, and is searching for a way to express herself creatively. Through her writing, Mrs. Sweet is able to explore her own thoughts and feelings, and begins to understand herself on a deeper level. The novel also explores the theme of self-discovery through the character of Mr. Sweet, who is struggling to come to terms with his own identity and sexuality. As the novel progresses, both characters are forced to confront their own insecurities and fears, and are ultimately able to find a sense of peace and acceptance within themselves. Overall, “See Now Then” is a powerful exploration of the human experience, and offers a unique perspective on the themes of identity and self-discovery.
Language and Communication
In “See Now Then,” Jamaica Kincaid explores the complexities of language and communication. The novel is written in a stream-of-consciousness style, with the narrator’s thoughts and observations flowing freely from one topic to the next. This style of writing reflects the way in which we communicate with one another, often jumping from one idea to another without a clear structure or plan.
Kincaid also delves into the power dynamics of language, particularly in the context of a family. The novel follows the breakdown of a marriage and the impact it has on the couple’s children. Through the use of language, the parents attempt to assert their authority and control over their children, but ultimately fail to connect with them on a deeper level.
Overall, “See Now Then” highlights the importance of effective communication in relationships, and the ways in which language can both facilitate and hinder our ability to connect with others.
Time and Memory
Time and memory play a significant role in Jamaica Kincaid’s novel, “See Now Then.” The story is told through the perspective of Mrs. Sweet, a woman who is struggling to come to terms with the passage of time and the memories that haunt her. Throughout the novel, Kincaid explores the ways in which time and memory shape our lives and our relationships with others. Mrs. Sweet’s memories of her past, both good and bad, are constantly present in her mind, and she is forced to confront them as she navigates the challenges of her present life. Kincaid’s novel is a powerful meditation on the nature of time and memory, and it offers a unique perspective on the ways in which these forces shape our lives.
Religion and Spirituality
In “See Now Then,” Jamaica Kincaid explores the themes of religion and spirituality through the lens of a family’s disintegration. The novel follows the lives of a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Sweet, and their two children, Heracles and Persephone, as they navigate the complexities of their relationships and their individual struggles with faith and belief.
Mrs. Sweet, a composer, finds solace in music and the natural world, often drawing inspiration from her surroundings to create her art. She also grapples with her own beliefs, questioning the existence of God and the purpose of life. Mr. Sweet, on the other hand, is a writer who finds comfort in the structure and traditions of religion, particularly Christianity. He struggles to reconcile his faith with the reality of his failing marriage and the challenges of raising their children.
As the novel progresses, the family’s dynamics become increasingly strained, with each member grappling with their own demons and insecurities. Kincaid uses their struggles to explore larger themes of faith, love, and the human condition. Through her vivid descriptions and lyrical prose, she invites readers to contemplate their own beliefs and the role of spirituality in their lives.
Overall, “See Now Then” is a thought-provoking exploration of religion and spirituality in the context of a family’s struggles. Kincaid’s nuanced portrayal of her characters and their experiences offers a unique perspective on these timeless themes, making the novel a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of faith and belief.
Education and Knowledge
Education and Knowledge play a significant role in Jamaica Kincaid’s novel “See Now Then.” The protagonist, Mrs. Sweet, is a former schoolteacher who values education and encourages her children to read and learn. However, her husband, Mr. Sweet, does not share the same enthusiasm for education and often belittles her intelligence. This conflict between the couple highlights the importance of education and the impact it can have on relationships. Additionally, the novel explores the idea of knowledge and how it can be both empowering and isolating. Mrs. Sweet’s knowledge of literature and history sets her apart from her small town community, but also makes her feel disconnected and lonely. Overall, “See Now Then” emphasizes the importance of education and knowledge in shaping one’s identity and relationships.
Art and Creativity
In her novel “See Now Then,” Jamaica Kincaid explores the themes of art and creativity through the lens of a struggling writer and her composer husband. The novel delves into the complexities of the creative process and the ways in which it can both inspire and hinder personal relationships. Kincaid’s lyrical prose and vivid descriptions of the characters’ artistic endeavors make for a compelling read that will leave readers pondering the nature of creativity long after they’ve finished the book. Whether you’re an artist yourself or simply appreciate the beauty of the creative process, “See Now Then” is a must-read novel that will leave you feeling inspired and enlightened.