Citzen

What does it mean to you to read this as a work of protest? How is that different from reading it as poetry?

The way Citizen is formatted is incredibly artful, juxtaposed with more biographical portions. The more realistic portions, the more biographical portions, create the sense of Citizen being itself a work of protest. The more poetic portions attract the reader and make the book very engaging.

How is the book addressing you as the reader?  How is it addressing its audience?

The book didn’t necessarily address the reader, but it certainly engaged the reader. The juxtaposed format is how Rankine draws her reader to more specific details from the story. Brief instances, many times with the aid of imagery like on p. 23-37 the reality of our world is further illustrated. This is where the juxtaposition of lyric and realism collide to emphasis the themes of Citizen.

What do you make of all the different genres and visual references in the book?

The visuals throughout the book, and the juxtaposition of more biographical sections and lyrical sections create a sense of dystopia and stress themes throughout the book. Specific historical situations, societal ideas, and experiences are emphasized through the chaotic collision of genres.

What interpretive questions does this raise for you?

Mainly I wonder why Rankine decided to structure Citizen this way. I would like to have more personal accounts from her, given with distinct clarity to further understand her experiences and thoughts. In some ways, it feels like she displays her personal feelings through political and historic events and societal terminology. The whole book makes me want to sit and talk to her, it sparks an interest in who she is as an individual and her individual experiences, at least more in depth than the book goes into.

What initially strikes you most strongly about this book?

The formatting of the book as a whole is incredibly striking, along with the imagery and the cover. At first sight, the cover is haunting and intriguing, and really sets up the entirety of the book. Again, I just wish that there was maybe a more autobiographical book discussing exclusively her personal experiences, the book left me feeling like I wanted to know more about Rankine, and maybe her next piece could focus on herself.