Ractatif

Donna Peters                                                                                      September 19, 2014

Professor Rachel Corona                                                                     

English 102

Reading Response to the story “Ractatif”

Question: From the clue provided by the narrator, how do you figure out the race and class backgrounds of the two main characters Twyla and Roberta? Why do you think Toni Morrison presented this the way she did?

            The clues provided by the writer at the outset of the story provides a clear view that Twyla was of black descend and Roberta white. Later in the story I experienced extreme difficulties distinguishing the difference between both girls, their race and background. However, close to the middle and closing of the story the narrator subtly revealed the character’s identities, Twyla is indeed black and Roberta white. I’m convince that Toni Morrison presented the story in this format to spark her reader’s interest and to also stimulate their analytic skills.

            This story proven to be one of the most suspense and interesting story that I've read. From start to finish I was captivated and intrigue by the manner in which Toni Morrison introduce the race, class and background of the two main characters, Twyla and Roberta. She skillfully narrated their pieces in such a format that it was somewhat clear to me in paragraph 2 that Twyla was black and Roberta white. In lines 13-15 paragraph 2 ,Twyla mention that her mother often told her that “they never wash their hair and often smell funny, Roberta sure did smell funny”. Actually, the premier portion of this statement was quite strange to me, but the second portion is familiar. among African Americans about Caucasian. This statement lead me to their true identity initially. But, as I read along, I was left in suspense and confusions trying to distinction between both them both. Until, somewhere between the middle and ending of the story the peculiarity between them both was confirmed.  Notice line 142 when they dine at the café , Twyla asked Roberta why she didn't pay much attention to her when at Howard Johnson’s. Roberta’s excuse was, “Oh Twyla you know how it was: black-white… Back then this would not be a normal excuse from an African American woman for not conversing with a white individual in the public, but on the reverse. 

The Narrator Toni Morrison was very particular, in presenting the story in this format. No doubt to attract the reader’s interest and to also stimulate their analytical skills.