Question

We stood awhile, marveling at America, both of us trying hard to feel luckier than we felt, both of us pointing out the beach pails, the shovels, the sand castles no wave would ever topple, the red and blue boats. And when we backed away, we saw our reflections superimposed, big-eyed, dressed too formally with all due respect as visitors to this country. What does this scene tell us about the speaker's feelings about America? Why do the speaker and the speaker's father not feel lucky despite their attempts to marvel at America? Use evidence from the poem to support your response.

Answer 1

The scene in the poem "Exile" where the speaker's family gazes at a picture of a family at the beach reveals the insecurity and the uprootedness that the speaker feels. The picture seems to represent America because as the family "marvel[s] at America," they point out the details of the beach. Although they admire America's technology and differences, they don't feel lucky because they were forced to leave their country. When the speaker points out how alien her family looks (too dressed up) when superimposed on the beach picture, she ends by explaining that they are "visitors to this country." Her word choice clearly indicates that she wants to feel positive about all America has to offer (and perhaps is even grateful that they have found a place of refuge), but that doesn't change the fact that it just isn't home.

Answer 2

I think because are just visitors and they oviously envy America "marveling at America." They feel a little upset that they won't be able to stay.