Regarding idea number 1, "Bo Nobody's Darling" by Alice Walker does imply that being an outcast is a good thing and gives you a sense of freedom. If people just go along with the crowd then they never get a chance to be themselves, they always feel like they have to live up to a certain standard. Only when you are what other people consider and outcast can you live your life exactly how you want with no extra pressure or anybody persuading you. Alice Walker makes a good point my saying this, because if you are an outcast you live up to your own standards and make yourself happy, and do what you and only you think is right.
In Kingston's "No Name Woman", the aunt is painting in a very bad light by her family members, doing more than implying that she is an outcast and that she is a bad person that is best to be forgotten. This is totally differnt than Walker's poem, although the narrartor begins to validate why her aunt did what she did. Maybe she is doing this to salvage some pride for her aunt or just figure out who is right and wrong. Although the family believed that no matter what she broke "normal" family traditions and for that did not belong anymore, that her life with them was over. Walker would believe that her life may be over in that family because they are getting rid of her, but in reality HER life is just beginning because now she was free.
Cassidy Weeks, Post 1
Good connection between Walker and Kingston. You suggest that perhaps Kingston writes about her aunt because even though the no name woman was outcasted by her family and community she dared to be an individual and make her own choices. Perhaps Kingston sees something commendable in her for doing so.
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