Cicada by Camille Acker: Summary, PDF, Text, and More

Page 2: Plot Structure, Setting, and Theme

This page delves into the narrative structure and key themes of "Cicada" by Camille Acker.

The story begins with Ellery and her parents traveling to a piano competition. The setting shifts between Ellery's working-class neighborhood and the wealthy Gold Coast area where she takes piano lessons.

Highlight: The contrasting settings emphasize the socioeconomic divide central to the story's themes.

The plot follows Ellery's experience at the competition, from her arrival to her performance and eventual win. The story climaxes with Ellery's victory, but takes a turn when she realizes the prize money is not immediately accessible.

Definition: Plot structure - The organization of events in a narrative, typically including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

Key themes explored in the story include:

1. Racial and economic inequality
2. The pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity
3. The complexities of family expectations and support

Quote: "Ellery is more interested in the check than in the actual win."

The narrative also touches on the subtle and overt forms of racism Ellery encounters, particularly through her interactions with Lori.

Example: Lori's backhanded compliment about Ellery's hair is an instance of microaggression, highlighting the racial tensions in the story.

Page 3: Narrative Techniques and Symbolism

This page focuses on the literary devices and symbolic elements used in Camille Acker's "Cicada".

The author employs a third-person limited perspective, primarily following Ellery's thoughts and experiences. This narrative choice allows readers to deeply connect with Ellery's emotions and perceptions.

Vocabulary: Third-person limited - A narrative point of view where the story is told from the perspective of one character, using "he," "she," or "they" pronouns.

Symbolism plays a significant role in the story, particularly through the use of the cicada motif. Cicadas, known for their long underground dormancy before emerging, symbolize Ellery's potential and her desire to rise above her circumstances.

Highlight: The cicada symbolism reinforces the story's themes of transformation and emergence.

Acker uses vivid sensory details to bring the setting and characters to life. For example, the description of the "elegant synagogue" where the competition takes place contrasts sharply with Ellery's home environment.

Example: "Her fingers raced across the keys to the next chord. Too fast, she heard Mrs. Hamilton say in her head as she would in practice."

The story also employs juxtaposition to highlight the disparities between Ellery and Lori, both in their appearances and behaviors.

Definition: Juxtaposition - The placement of two or more things side by side, often to compare or contrast them.

Page 4: Character Development and Relationships

This page examines the evolution of characters and their interactions in "Cicada," the short story by Camille Acker.

Ellery's character development is central to the narrative. Throughout the story, she grapples with her identity as a talented musician from a working-class background. Her growth is evident in her performance at the competition and her reaction to winning.

Quote: "She felt out of the dirt, out from the underground."

The relationship between Ellery and her parents is complex. While they are supportive of her talent, there's an underlying tension related to their financial situation and the pressure Ellery feels to succeed.

Highlight: The dynamic between Ellery and her parents reflects the broader theme of familial expectations and support.

Lori's character serves as a foil to Ellery, highlighting the racial and economic disparities between them. Her interactions with Ellery reveal both overt and subtle forms of prejudice.

Vocabulary: Foil - A character whose qualities or actions serve to emphasize those of the protagonist by providing a contrast.

The brief interactions with other characters, such as Cara and Mrs. Hamilton, provide additional perspectives on Ellery's talent and the competition environment.

Example: Cara's compliment to Ellery after her performance contrasts with Lori's dismissive attitude, showcasing different reactions to Ellery's success.

Page 5: Themes and Social Commentary

The final page of Camille Acker's "Cicada" delves deeper into the story's themes and its commentary on social issues.

The story powerfully addresses racial inequality through Ellery's experiences. From microaggressions to more overt forms of discrimination, the narrative highlights the challenges faced by young Black individuals in predominantly white spaces.

Highlight: The story's exploration of racial issues provides a nuanced look at the impact of systemic racism on individual experiences.

Economic disparity is another central theme, illustrated through the contrast between Ellery's family situation and the wealthy environment of the Gold Coast. The story critiques the unequal access to opportunities based on socioeconomic status.

Quote: "Ellery wanted to give her check to her parents willing to give up her check and generous (hope that her life may improve)"

The narrative also explores the theme of talent and merit versus privilege. Ellery's win at the competition challenges assumptions about who can excel in classical music.

Definition: Meritocracy - A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement.

The story's conclusion, with Ellery's disappointment about the prize money, serves as a commentary on the limitations of individual success in overcoming systemic barriers.

Example: The savings bond prize, which cannot be immediately cashed, symbolizes the delayed or limited rewards often available to marginalized communities.

Through these themes, "Cicada" by Camille Acker offers a poignant critique of racial and economic inequalities in contemporary society, viewed through the lens of a young girl's experience at a piano competition.

Page 1: Character Analysis

This page introduces the main characters of the short story "Cicada" by Camille Acker.

The protagonist, Ellery Cook, is a talented young Black pianist from a working-class family. She's described as being around twelve years old with "poof hair". Ellery is dedicated to her piano playing and hopes to help her family financially through her talent.

Highlight: Ellery's character embodies the struggle between pursuing personal dreams and meeting family expectations.

Ellery's parents are supportive but face financial constraints. They make sacrifices to provide opportunities for their daughter, such as taking her to piano lessons in the wealthy Gold Coast area.

Quote: "Ellery is trying to keep her legs together like her mother always said."

The antagonist, Lori Hansen, is a privileged white girl in Ellery's age group. She comes from a wealthy family and is described as pretty with blonde hair and fashionable clothes.

Vocabulary: Antagonist - A character who opposes or conflicts with the protagonist.

Other characters mentioned include Mrs. Hamilton (Ellery's piano teacher), Ms. Anita (Ellery's driver), and Cara (another competition participant).

Example: The contrast between Ellery and Lori's backgrounds highlights the story's themes of racial and economic inequality.