“Let me claim that Africa and I kept company for a while and then parted ways as if we were both party to relations with a failed outcome. Or say I was afflicted with Africa like a bout of a rare disease from which I have not managed a full recovery.”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis
In this quote, Barbara Kingsolver effectively conveys the deep impact that Africa has had on her life. By likening her experience with Africa to a failed relationship or a debilitating illness, she emphasizes the lasting effects of her time in Africa. This metaphorical language not only adds depth to Kingsolver's emotional connection to the continent, but also highlights the transformative power of her experience. Kingsolver's use of vivid imagery and comparison invites readers to reflect on their own intense relationships or encounters that have left a lasting mark on their lives.
Exploring the Complex Relationship: Africa and the Western Perspective
In this quote by Barbara Kingsolver, she reflects on her experience with Africa and the lasting impact it had on her. The quote highlights the enduring influence that Africa can have on individuals from the Western world, comparing it to a rare disease that leaves a lasting impression. This speaks to the enduring relevance of Africa and the complex relationships that exist between different cultures and societies.
Barbara Kingsolver on her relationship with Africa
"Let me claim that Africa and I kept company for a while and then parted ways as if we were both party to relations with a failed outcome. Or say I was afflicted with Africa like a bout of a rare disease from which I have not managed a full recovery." - Barbara Kingsolver
Reflection Questions:
In this quote by Barbara Kingsolver, the idea of a complex and perhaps tumultuous relationship with Africa is presented. As you reflect on this quote, consider the following questions:
- What do you think Kingsolver means when she says she was "afflicted with Africa"?
- How do you interpret the comparison of Africa to a "failed outcome" or a "rare disease"?
- Have you ever experienced a similar feeling of being deeply connected to a place or culture, only to feel estranged or disconnected from it later?
- How might this quote speak to larger themes of colonialism, identity, and belonging?
- In what ways can we reconcile conflicting feelings or experiences with a particular place or culture?
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