Class Post - Archival Methodologies and Discussion Question

Archival Methodologies

2)

・remembrance: a. Memory or recollection in relation to a particular object + b. That operation of the mind which is involved in recalling a thing or fact

"James's visit concluded. Frado had become greatly attached to him, and with sorrow she listened and joined in the farewell which preceded his exit. The remembrance of his kindness cheered her through many a weary month, and an occasional word to her in letters to Jack, were like 'cold waters to a thirsty soul.'" (p.30-paragraph 1)

I think this word "remembrance" describes one of the sorrowful contradictions. Basically, the reader can interpret that the memory of James's kindness must be a support for Frado whenever she encountered many difficulties. The remembrance of James will help salvage her from the sequence of the anguish and the agony. But the remembrance would also remind Frado of James's kindness as comparison between the past events which she could enjoy and the current agony when she encounters it in her daily life. Because of the remembrance, Frado would sink down in despair much more.

・departure: a. The action of departing or going away + b. A boundary separating two regions; a separation, division

This word is used as a title in chapter V and as the plural form "DEPARTURES". (p.30)

I believe this word "departure" is implying two meanings. In this chapter, many characters separate from Frado regrettably. James, Jane, Jack, and the dog Fido. Some people depart to gain their new way of life, others have to depart against their will.

Furthermore, I also believe that this word implies her approaching death: "and six months after Jane's departure, was Nig abandoned to the tender mercies of Mary and her mother" (p.34). This means that a boundary separates two regions. That is, this chapter may be a boundary between people who step into the hopeful way of life and Frado who will encounter her death in the future.


3) The title page of this story gave me an impression of a play composed by several fonts and including long passages by Holland. Obviously, this story has really alien contents for many people. Even though the author reflects her own experience into Frado's life, the entire events would be unfamiliar for people as if they watch one of the tragic plays. Therefore, I think the title page may show us up the impression such as the play.


Discussion Question

Throughout the first 34 pages, the discrimination about race is described obviously. Even though the mother of Frado, Mag, is helped and fed by Jim who is the father of Frado, she cares and concentrates on their color too much all the time. Finally she calls her own child Frado such as the black devil. It is described that "'It's no use,' said Seth one day; 'we must give children away, and try to get work in some other place.' 'Who'll take the black devils?' snarled Mag" (p.11). Although it must be fact that they are threatened with poverty and distress, how can they call Frado black devils in spite of the fact that she did not choose to be born as their child? Essentially, parents have to be the last fort for affection even though their children are discriminated against by all of the others except their parents. One of the tragedies against Frado is that she is persecuted by her own mother and finally is abandoned.

Furthermore, the presence of Mary and especially Mrs. Bellmont must be the roots of all tragedies against Frado. Because of just the color of her skin, they discriminate against Frado in the same way as slavery. Even though other characters seem to like Frado and figure out her situation, Mary and Mrs. Bellmont persist their prejudice. Ironically, I think people's kindness make them explode and annoys them much more because they dislike the figure of Frado that she is treated favorable and pleasant. For instance, Mrs. Bellmont disagrees with her husband's opinion that he wants Frado to go to school: "Mr. Bellmont, Jane and Jack arguing for Frado's education; Mary and her mother objecting. At last Mr. Bellmont declared decisively that she should go to school" (p.18). Furthermore, Frado also gets Mary's antipathy when she socializes in the class that "Day by day there was a manifest change of deportment towards 'Nig.' Her speeches often drew merriment from the children; no one could do more to enliven their favotite pastimes than Frado. Mary could not endure to see her thus noticed, yet knew not how to prevent it" (p.19).

Thus, the realization that Frado is discriminated against makes them attack Frado and discriminate more violently. I believe this book indicate so well the structure of discrimination--how invalid prejudice is realized on people against their will. The same thing likely happens even now around us. For instance, some young children are irritated when other children are treated like idols, because they also want to be favorites. Generally speaking, any insignificant disgust is likely happened throughout this world on people. The idea is perpetual on people's life. The spread of discrimination is really easy to pretend to be their real custom when it connected with their prejudice. The reader can see the structure of discrimination through this story "Our Nig", and they can also review their real own life that what kind of events usually happened around them.