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The Theme Of Power In Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry

434 Words2 Pages

Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney

Power is wielded in Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry through themes including oppressed privilege, identity, and race. The protagonist Quinn experiences an impressive character progression, resulting in a newfound understanding and acceptance of her ethnicity. At the beginning of the novel Quinn admits “which makes me wonder about the authenticity of my own Blackness” (Joya Goffney). She feels ashamed that she can’t be as ‘black’ as Carter or Olivia which destroys her conviction in herself. Quinn progresses to realize that she holds power and can control her perception of her identity, Quinn says, “I am a warrior. I faced my to-do-list. I fought for my freedom. I stopped allowing Destany and Gia to abuse me” (Joya Goffney 283). Quinn admirably finds confidence in herself to express her inner feelings to her parents, friends, and boyfriend even when the consequences are life-altering. …show more content…

However, Gia is influencing Destany with negative information about Quinn, which gives Gia greater power to cause trials for Quinn. Gia says, “Dessie, she does it for attention. She’s not hurt. She just wants someone to feel sorry for her.” (Joya Goffney 250) Destany’s character progression results in her losing power towards the end of the novel due to using her power to benefit Quinn out of guilt. Destany confesses, “I’m so sorry…I am a coward…The race stuff. I didn’t know it bothered you.” (Joya Goffney

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