POV of “Girl”

“Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid is written in second person point of view, as indicated by the repetitive use of the word “you” and the voice introduced in the reading. The voice is presented as being particularly assertive and commanding. It can be assumed that the voice is likely that of a mother or other female authority figure speaking to her daughter or a younger female, stressing the importance of upholding the norms of society in a strict manner. The use of this point of view makes the reading as a whole appear confrontational, as if the reader themself is being told the dos and don’ts.