Recitatif by Toni Morrison

Key facts

Morrison became the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature

She received the Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2012.

About the author

Toni Morrison, orig. Chloe Anthony Wofford, (born Feb. 18, 1931, Lorain,
Ohio, U.S.—died Aug. 5, 2019, Bronx, N.Y.), U.S. writer. She studied at
Howard and Cornell universities, taught at various universities, and worked as
an editor before publishing The Bluest Eye (1970), a novel dealing with some
of the shocking realities of the lives of poor blacks, and Sula (1973). The
brilliant Song of Solomon (1977) brought her national attention. Her later
novels included Tar Baby (1981), Beloved (1987, Pulitzer
Prize), Jazz (1992), Paradise (1998), A Mercy (2008), Home (2012), and God
Help the Child (2015). Morrison cowrote children’s books, and she published
several works of nonfiction. The African American experience, particularly
that of women, is the principal theme of her fiction. Her use of fantasy, her
sinuous poetic style, and her interweaving of mythic elements gave her stories
texture and great power. She was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in
1993.
About the text

"Recitati (published in 1983) is the only short story written by the acclaimed
novelist. A reissue of the story as a book was published February 2022.

Récitatif is the French form of recitative, a style of musical declamation that

hovers between song and ordinary speech, particularly used for dialogic and
narrative interludes during operas and oratories. An obsolete sense of the term
was also "the tone or rhythm peculiar to any language." Both of these
definitions suggest the story's episodic nature, how each of the story's five
sections happens in a register that is different from the respective ordinary
lives of its two central characters, Roberta and Twyla.

Answer the following questions

1. What details does the author provide about the race and background of
each of the girls?
The author does not explicitly state the race of either Twyla or Roberta, but drops
hints throughout the story. For example, Twyla's mother is said to be "clean," "white,"
and "lady-like," and Roberta's mother is described as being "coffee-colored" and
speaking with a "refined accent." There are also references to the girls being at the
orphanage during the civil rights movement and a protest against busing, which
suggests that the girls are of different races. Also, Twyla describes herself as coming
from a poor, white family, while Roberta mentions her mother's elegant clothing and
her father's job as a doctor.
2. What do we learn about the girls, food and clothing? In "Recitatif" by
Toni Morrison, we learn that the girls' experiences with food and clothing are tied to
their respective backgrounds. Twyla recalls eating "junk" food and wearing
secondhand clothing while living in a state facility for children, while Roberta
mentions eating caviar at her mother's house and wearing a pink coat to school. We
also learn that Roberta has a nicer, more expensive-looking coat than Twyla, who has
a homemade one. ? Also, I remember such a qoute “The wrong food is always with the
wrong people” it was Twyla who said that.

3. Does any of this information help us make predictions about the girls’
races? The information given about the girls' backgrounds and the subtle hints that
are missing in the story can be used to predict their races, but the author intentionally
leaves the reader to question and interpret the text, challenging stereotypes and
assumptions about race.
4. What would you have thought about the mothers if you had met them
at the luncheon?
If I had met the mothers at the luncheon, I would have thought that they were both
from different social classes and possibly different races. Roberta's mother, wearing
expensive clothes and speaking with a refined accent, suggests that she came from a
more affluent background. On the other hand, Twyla's mother is dressed more
casually and speaks with a less refined accent, suggesting that she may be from a
lower social class.
However, it's important to note that the text intentionally leaves the races of the girls
and their mothers ambiguous. Morrison challenges readers to examine their own
biases and assumptions about race and class and to question the role that these
assumptions play in our perceptions and judgments of others.

The mothers at the luncheon are portrayed as being upper-middle-class and very
concerned with maintaining their social status. If I had met them at the luncheon, I
might have thought that they were shallow and superficial, more interested in
appearances than in genuine connections with other people.
5. Who is the most powerful person at the orphanage? Least powerful?
In "Recitatif" by Toni Morrison, the most powerful person at the orphanage is likely
the woman in charge, "Big Bozo," who is described as having a strong presence and a
stern demeanor. The least powerful person is likely Maggie, a mute and disabled
resident who is mistreated by the other children.
6. How does Roberta treat Twyla when they meet at the restaurant?
Roberta initially greets Twyla warmly but becomes increasingly distant as they
discuss their shared past at the state facility. She becomes defensive and accusatory,
blaming Twyla for the incident where they witnessed Maggie's fall.
7. How are the girls different now, and what does this tell us about their
social class and possibly their races?
When Twyla and Roberta meet again at the restaurant, they are both adults, and we
can see that they have taken different paths in life. Roberta is dressed elegantly in a
fur coat and high-heeled shoes, indicating that she has moved up in social class and
is now more affluent. In contrast, Twyla is dressed casually in jeans and a sweater,
suggesting that she may not have the same financial means as Roberta.

The differences in their lives may be indicative of their respective races and social
classes. Roberta may have had more opportunities and advantages in life due to her
race and social status, while Twyla may have faced more obstacles and challenges.
However, the text does not explicitly state the races of the girls, and it is left to the
reader's interpretation.

Additionally, the fact that Twyla is a waitress at the restaurant while Roberta is
there as a customer also suggests that they are not on equal footing in terms of their
social class and financial situation. Overall, the differences between the girls as
adults suggest that their social class and race may have played a role in shaping
their lives and opportunities.
8. Why does each character act the way she does?
Each character's actions and attitudes are shaped by their individual experiences,
relationships, and beliefs. Roberta's focus on political activism and advocacy for
black causes reflects her upbringing and experiences, while Twyla's prejudice
toward the "big bozos" at the state facility may stem from her own insecurities and
biases.
9. What does Twyla mean when she says, “I was dismissed without
anyone saying goodbye”? Twyla's statement about being "dismissed without
anyone saying goodbye" refers to the way she was treated by the other characters in
her life, particularly Roberta, who seems to have rejected her attempts at friendship
and reconciliation. Twyla feels hurt and rejected by this lack of closure.
When Twyla says, “I was dismissed without anyone saying goodbye,” she is
expressing her feelings of being abandoned and rejected. She was fired from her job
at the nursing home without any explanation or farewell, which made her feel
unwanted and unimportant.
the story leaves much of her inner thoughts and emotions unspoken. However,
10. How do you think Roberta feels toward Twyla at the moment?
 It is difficult to know exactly how Roberta feels toward Twyla at the moment
because the story is told from Twyla's perspective. Roberta is polite but distant
when they meet, and she seems to be avoiding any emotional connection with
Twyla. It is also possible that Roberta is harboring resentment toward Twyla for
their disagreement about busing and for her treatment of Maggie.
Based on her behavior at the restaurant, it seems that Roberta is initially reluctant
to engage with Twyla and is guarded in her responses. She is defensive when Twyla
mentions Maggie and seems to be trying to distance herself from their shared past.
As the conversation continues, Roberta becomes more willing to open up and
engage with Twyla, but it is unclear whether she truly wants to reconnect with her
old friend or is simply being polite.
11. How would you feel if you were Twyla?
If I were Twyla, I would most likely feel embarrassed and offended by Roberta's
change in behavior. I might also feel frustrated that Roberta is so quick to assign
blame without acknowledging her own role in the situation.
12. Why do you think Twyla asks Roberta, “How is your mother?” Twyla
asks Roberta about her mother to reconnect with her and possibly find common
ground. It's possible that she genuinely cares about Roberta and her mother, or that
she is attempting to establish a rapport in order to broach the topic of Maggie.
13. Do you think Twyla succeeds in whatever she wants that question to
accomplish? Why or why not?
Twyla's question about Roberta's mother seems to be an attempt to reconnect and
bridge the gap between them. Twyla may want to apologize for their past behavior
or to catch up on their lives. It is unclear if Twyla succeeds in her attempt as Roberta
becomes defensive and accuses Twyla of lying about their shared history.
14. How did eight-year-old Twyla feel about Maggie?
Eight-year-old Twyla had mixed feelings about Maggie, as she was both scared of
her and felt sorry for her. She is initially drawn to Maggie's innocence and
vulnerability, but then becomes uncomfortable and afraid of her when the other
girls start calling her "Maggie the dummy". Twyla is also influenced by her mother's
prejudice and fear of people who are different from them.
15. Do you think Twyla and Roberta were afraid of Maggie? Why do you
think they called her names?
Twyla and Roberta may have been afraid of Maggie, but their behavior towards her
is also influenced by their internalized prejudice and the social norms of the time.
They call her names and exclude her from their games because she is different from
them, and because they want to fit in with the other girls. However, their fear and
prejudice may also be a product of the institutional racism and classism they
experience at the shelter. They may have called her names as a way to assert their
own power or distance themselves from her.

15. Do you think Twyla and Roberta were afraid of Maggie? Why do you th
inkthey called her names?
It's unclear whether Twyla and Roberta were afraid of Maggie. However, their calling her n
amessuggests that they didn't have much respect for her. It's possible that they saw Maggie
as differentor less than them because of her race, her muteness, or her position as a caretak
er at the orphanage. It's also possible that they were influenced by the attitudes of the othe
r girls at the orphanage whowere abusive towards Maggie.
16. How does Roberta react to Twyla’s memory of Maggie? How doesRobe
rta’s reaction make Twyla feel?
When Twyla tells Roberta that she remembers Maggie as a white girl, Roberta becomes an
gry andaccuses Twyla of lying. Roberta insists that Maggie was black and that Twyla is mak
ing things up. This reaction makes Twyla feel defensive and frustrated, as she knows that h
er memory of Maggieis different from Roberta's. Twyla wonders if she has remembered thi
ngs incorrectly and questionsher own memory. However, she also feels resentful of Robert
a's insistence that she is lying and theway that Roberta seems to dismiss Twyla's perspectiv
e.
17. When she thinks about Maggie, Twyla says to herself,
“I wouldn’t forget a thing like that. Would I?” Why might Twyla not remember Maggi
e the sameway Roberta does? Is it possible for a memory to change over time?
Twyla's questioning of her own memory of Maggie suggests that she may not be entirely co
nfidentin her recollection of the events that took place. This could be because memories ar
e oftenimperfect and can be influenced by various factors, such as time, perception, and pe
rsonal biases. Additionally, the fact that Twyla and Roberta experienced the events differen
tly, and evenremembered Maggie's race differently, suggests that memory can be subjectiv
e and can change overtime.
It's also possible that Twyla and Roberta's different experiences and interpretations of even
ts couldbe attributed to their individual perspectives and experiences. For example, Twyla
may have seenMaggie as a helpless victim who needed their protection, while Roberta may
have seen her as a nuisance or a reminder of their own vulnerability.
In any case, the story highlights how memory can be influenced by personal biases, experie
nces, and time, and how it can affect our understanding of past events.

18. How do you think Twyla/Roberta feels? What information leads you t
o thisconclusion?
Throughout the story, Twyla and Roberta's feelings toward each other and their shared pas
t arecomplex and sometimes contradictory. At times, they seem nostalgic for their time tog
ether at theorphanage, but at other times they are resentful and angry.
For example, when they first see each other at the Howard Johnson's, they seem happy to s
ee eachother and catch up. However, when they start talking about their memories of Magg
ie and theevents in the orchard, their conversation becomes tense and confrontational. The
y argue about whatreally happened and accuse each other of lying.
Twyla seems defensive and hurt when Roberta accuses her of being a
"bigot" for not wanting herson to go to a school in a black neighborhood. Twyla also seems
frustrated and angry when Robertaaccuses her of being indifferent to Maggie's abuse.
On the other hand, Roberta seems more willing to confront the past and acknowledge thec
omplexity of their shared history. She remembers Maggie as being black, while Twyla reme
mbersher as white. Roberta is also more willing to engage with Twyla's questions about the
ir past and toconsider different perspectives.
19. Roberta asks Twyla,
“Did your mother ever stop dancing?” Twyla answers,
“No. Never. Did yours ever get well?” How is this exchange different from
theprevious one when Twyla asks Roberta,
“How’s your mother?” What does thisdialogue tell us about the relationsh
ip between these characters now?
The exchange between Roberta and Twyla about their mothers is different from the previo
us onebecause it shows a shift in their relationship. In the first conversation, Twyla asks ab
out Roberta'smother in a friendly and concerned way, suggesting that they still have some
connection to eachother's lives. However, in the second conversation, Twyla's response to
Roberta's question about hermother is somewhat cold and dismissive, as she quickly chang
es the subject to ask about Roberta'smother instead. This exchange implies that there is so
me distance between the two women and thatthey are no longer as close as they once were.
It also suggests that there may be some underlyingtension or resentment between them, pe
rhaps related to their different backgrounds or experiencesin the orphanage.
 20. Why do you think Twyla would have been “glad” that Maggie couldn’t
callout for help?
Twyla's statement that she would have been "glad" that Maggie couldn't call out for help re
flects thecomplicated emotions and conflicts she feels about the incident. On the one hand,
Twyla may havefelt guilty and ashamed about her involvement in the bullying of Maggie, w
hich would have madeit difficult for her to face the consequences of her actions. On the oth
er hand, Twyla may have beenafraid of Maggie's potential retaliation or exposure of the girl
s' misdeeds, which would have furthercompounded her sense of guilt and shame. By expre
ssing a wish that Maggie couldn't call out forhelp, Twyla may have been acknowledging bot
h her fear of punishment and her fear of theconsequences of her own actions. It also sugges
ts that she may have been struggling withconflicting feelings of empathy and hostility towa
rds Maggie, as well as a sense of powerlessness inthe face of her own actions and the broad
er social context in which the events took place.
21. Why is it important for the characters to know what happened in theo
rchard that day?
It's important for the characters to know what happened in the orchard that day because it
is a defining moment in their shared past, and their differing memories of the event have af
fected theirrelationship over the years. The ambiguity surrounding the identity of Maggie, t
he mute womanwho was abused by the girls in the orchard, has also contributed to their di
vergent recollections andunderscores the racial and social tensions that permeate the story
. By confronting their memories ofthis traumatic event, Twyla and Roberta are able to conf
ront their own prejudices and assumptionsabout race and class, and begin to understand t
he complexities of their shared past. It also allowsthem to come to terms with their own gui
lt and complicity in Maggie's abuse, and ultimately toforgive each other for the hurt and mi
sunderstandings that have plagued their friendship.
22. How has Toni Morrison used the characters’ dialogue about their mot
hersto illustrate the changes in their relationship over time?
The characters' dialogue about their mothers illustrates how their relationship has changed
overtime, as they have grown apart and become less interested in each other's lives. It also
highlightstheir different experiences of race and class, as seen in their diverging memories
of Maggie.

23. Why does the story end the way it does?

The ending of the story is intentionally ambiguous and leaves the reader with unansweredq
uestions. The last scene depicts Twyla and Roberta meeting at a coffee shop, where they ha
ve a tense conversation that hints at unresolved issues between them. They mention the po
ssibility ofmeeting again but never commit to it. The story ends with Twyla watching Rober
ta walk away andthinking to herself,
"It was like she was somebody I used to know, but more so."
The open-ended nature of the ending allows readers to draw their own conclusions about
whatmight happen between the two characters in the future. Some readers may interpret t
he lack ofresolution as a commentary on the complexities and uncertainties of human relat
ionships, whileothers may see it as a reflection of the difficulties of reconciling with someo
ne from a differentbackground. Ultimately, the ending reinforces the idea that the past can
never truly be put to rest, and that the effects of our actions and decisions can linger long a
fter they are made.

24. Do you think Twyla and Roberta will ever see each other again?
It's difficult to say for certain whether Twyla and Roberta will ever see each other again, as
the storydoes not provide a clear answer. However, it is possible to speculate about their fu
ture based on theevents and dynamics of the story.
Throughout the story, Twyla and Roberta's relationship is characterized by a mixture of wa
rmth andtension, as they struggle to reconcile their different memories of their shared past
. The story endswith them parting ways once again, after a brief but emotionally charged e
ncounter.
Given the unresolved nature of their relationship and the lingering questions and tensions
betweenthem, it's possible that Twyla and Roberta may feel compelled to seek each other o
ut again in thefuture, perhaps in an attempt to find closure or to better understand their sh
ared history. However, it's also possible that they may choose to continue on separate path
s and not cross each other's pathsagain.
25. What do you think this story says about friendship? About memories?
"Recitatif" by Toni Morrison explores the complexities of friendship and the unreliability o
fmemories. The story suggests that friendship can be affected by societal differences and tr
aumaticevents, which can create misunderstandings and divisions.
Additionally, the story highlights the fallibility of memory, showing how different people ca
nremember the same event in vastly different ways. This can be influenced by factors such
as race, bias, and personal experiences.
Overall,
"Recitatif" suggests that friendship and memory are both complex and nuanced aspects ofh
uman experience that can be shaped by a range of external and internal factors. The storye
ncourages readers to consider the ways in which these factors can impact our relationships
withothers and our understanding of the world around us.

26.Describe the narration style. How do you think this story would be
different if Roberta narrated?

The narration style in "Recitatif" by Toni Morrison is a first-person narrative told from the
perspective of Twyla, one of the two main characters. The narration is characterized by itsa
mbiguity and uncertainty, as Twyla struggles to remember certain events and understand t
hecomplexities of her relationship with Roberta. Morrison's use of shifting perspectives an
dincomplete information forces the reader to engage with the story and interpret the event
s andcharacters for themselves.
If Roberta narrated the story, the reader would likely have a different perspective on the ev
ents andthe characters. The ambiguity and uncertainty that characterize Twyla's narration
might be replacedby a clearer and more straightforward account of what happened. Howev
er, the reader would alsolose the sense of mystery and ambiguity that makes the story so co
mpelling. Additionally, Roberta'sperspective might reveal different aspects of her character
and motivations that are only hinted at inTwyla's narration.

27. Identify Roberta’s and Twyla’s races based on textual clues. How do yo
uknow? Are you sure? Why or why not? How does any uncertainty affect y
ourreading of the story?
Roberta and Twyla's races are not explicitly stated in the text, but there are clues that sugge
st theyare both African American. For example, they are described as having "big brown gir
ls" and "light-skinned" fathers who work in factories. However, there is some uncertainty a
round their racebecause the text does not provide definitive evidence.

28. Why do Roberta and Twyla have to live in the orphanage as children?
Howare they different from the other children there?
The story doesn't provide a clear explanation for why Roberta and Twyla were living in the
orphanage. However, we can infer from the text that they were both there because of
difficult family situations.
Twyla's mother was a dancer who worked long hours and was not always present in her
life. Twyla also mentions that her mother "married a white man," which may have caused
some tension and disapproval from their community. As for Roberta, she mentions that
her mother was sick and had to be hospitalized for a long time, which may have left
Roberta without a caregiver.
In terms of how they are different from the other children in the orphanage, we can see
that Roberta and Twyla are the only two girls who are not white. This makes them stand
out and creates a sense of isolation and difference from the other children. Additionally,
Twyla mentions that they were placed in the "garage unit," which suggests that they may
have been housed in a separate and less desirable part of the orphanage.

29. Why did some people oppose and some support racial desegregation i
nschools? What issues were involved?
People opposed racial desegregation in schools for a variety of reasons, including fear of ch
ange, racism, and concerns about the quality of education. Some also believed that segrega
tion wasnecessary to maintain social order and prevent unrest.
30. Why are Twyla’s and Roberta’s diverging memories of Maggie soimpo
rtant? Consider Maggie’s race, her muteness, and her abuse by theschool
girls. What does Toni Morrison suggest about why people rememberthing
s in certain ways?
Twyla and Roberta's diverging memories of Maggie suggest that memory is influenced by f
actorssuch as race, power dynamics, and emotional state. The fact that Maggie was mute a
nd a victim ofabuse may have made her more vulnerable to being mistreated and forgotten
. The story suggeststhat memories are not objective or reliable, but are instead shaped by p
ersonal experiences andbiases.

Vocabulary Practice
1. Explain the meaning
To start out: to begin to move, act, or happen
A runaway: a person who has run away, especially from their family or an
institution
Put-out (adjective): annoyed, irritated, bothered
To tell on someone: to tell someone in authority about the bad behavior or
actions of (someone else)
To file into: To move or process into a place or thing in a line
To sign off: to stop doing your work or another activity for a period of time, to
end a conversation or communication
To tack up: to fasten or hang something on a wall
To carry something around: to hold or transport something from one place to
another
To light out: to leave a place quickly, to depart suddenly and swiftly
To push someone around: to bully or intimidate someone, to treat them
unfairly or harshly
b)

Salt and pepper (meaning from the text): a term used to describe a mixture of
black and white people, used in the short story "Recitatif" by Toni Morrison
to describe the racial identities of the two main characters
Get a big bang out of something: to derive a lot of enjoyment or excitement
from something
Civics: a branch of political science that deals with the rights and duties of
citizens and the functioning of government
Put the shutters up: to close a business or stop operating for the day or
permanently
(not) to make heads or tails of something: to (not) be able to understand or
make sense of something
Dressed to kill: dressed very elegantly or provocatively, often to make a
strong impression or attract attention
 Step out of line: to behave inappropriately or against established rules or
norms
Bigot: a person who is intolerant or prejudiced towards people with different
beliefs or characteristics, especially on the basis of race, religion, or politics
recitatif The word "recitatif" is the French word for "recitative," an opera term that
refers to the dialogue in the opera.
2. Transcribe
Traipse трейпс, cellophane сЕлофейн, gourmet ґормЕй, ignition іґнИшин, dawdle
дадл , quiche кіш, sermon сОрмен, hymn гім, rear рір, parentheses перЕнтесіз, caw
ко

3. Match the synonyms

A) Slacks - pants,
recollection - memory,
strife - conflict,
slight - insult,
dope - drug,

B) Jumpy, hunky-dory, frazzled, sleek, simple-minded, sheer, stingy

Fine, mean, tired, smooth, foolish, thin, nervous

Jumpy: nervous
Hunky-dory: fine
Frazzled: tired
Sleek: smooth
Simple-minded: foolish
Sheer: thin
Stingy: mean

4. Translate the verbs

To traipse - тинятись, to wobble – хитатись, дрижати, to yank - смикати, to groan -
стогнати, to whine - скиглити, to strut – ходити дуже гордо хз, to putter, to dawdle
– тинятись, вештатись, to hoist - піднімати, to squint - жмуритись