Memories of Childhood
Memories of Childhood
Memories of Childhood
MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD
Introduction
The “Memories of Childhood", written by Zitkala-Sa and Bama has extracts taken from the writings of
two different female writers from the marginalised communities. In both these autobiographical
extracts, the writers narrate the painful experiences of their childhood when they were subjected to
humiliation merely as they belonged to backward tribes or communities. The former is a victim of
racial discrimination, whereas the latter is a victim of caste discrimination.
The first part titled ‘The Cutting of My Long Hair’ is by the extraordinarily talented and educated Native
American writer, Gertrude Simmons Bonnin (pen name Zitkala-Sa). Her works criticised the dogma
and the evils of oppression towards the Native American culture and women.
The second part ‘We too are Human Beings’ is written by Bama, a Tamil Dalit woman. This is an excerpt
from her 1992 autobiography, ‘Karukku'. This excerpt relates her first experience with untouchability.
THEME
The theme of the chapter ‘Memories of Childhood’ is the universal reaction of hatred and abhorrence
against class distinction and the indignities suffered by the oppressed class. This hatred has no barrier
of time and space. Right from the inception of human life on this earth there have been inequalities
and dissimilarities. Man is born equal but always finds himself in the meshes of superiority and
inferiority of seniority and juniority. The ruling and the ruled classes are an essential but unwanted
modes of human hierarchy. Wiping out of inequalities, shall usher in kingdom of heaven on this earth.
The two anecdotes speak of the revolt against oppression.
GLOSSARY
• belfry : part of the church tower where bells hang
• clatter : sound of hard objects striking
• bedlam : scene full of noise and confusion; choas
• stiff : rigid
• closely clinging : tight fitting; sticking to the body and showing its shape
• moccasin : a flat shoe made of soft leather
• tapped : hit quickly and lightly
• immodestly : indecently
• ceased : stopped
• muttering : words spoken in a low voice, usually to oneself
• venture : to dare to do something dangerous
• shingled hair : crew cut hair; a woman's short haircut in which the hair is shaped into the shape
of a neck
• squeaking shoes: shoes making a noise while in use
• whither : to or towards what place
• huddled : curled (oneself) up
• peered : looked searchingly; peeped
• shuddering : shivering with fear
• closat : cupboard
• gnaw off : (here) cut off
• braids : length of plaited hair
• indignities : insults
• anguish : mental and physical pain