Essay Questions

How does the theme of individualism manifest itself in the book ‘Marilyn’ by Marilyn by Amanda Ngoho Reavey?

The theme of individualism is prevalent throughout the book because the author suffers from a self-identity crisis. The author notes that she was handed over to the Philippine state's custody while her mother was young. Closer examination of the author's photocopy of birth certificate, the backside shows the official state's paperwork detailing the information regarding her custody to the country. Therefore, the author struggles to rediscover herself, and she points out several instances that she might be of an Asian-American bi-cultural origin.

Why is the author insisting that looks can be deceptive?

The author has lived in America for several years, and many assume that she is an American by origin. However, towards the end of the novel, she discusses her passport, which reveals that she originates from the Philippines. She owns an American passport, but when she returns to the Philippines, she realizes that her appearance is not different from the Asians, which raises the suspicion that leads to her self-discovery journey.

How is decolonization epitomized as a symbol of radical healing by the author?

Throughout the book, the reader realizes that the main problem troubling the author is a self-identity crisis. She has resolved to write poems and books to rediscover who she is. She asks herself the question, "how do you reconcile the practices of your ancestors, the procedures of where you are from, and the traditions of where you are living, which may or may not all be in the same place? The author's exposure when living in America exposes her to cultural diversity, and she wonders why her past is very complicated. However, she learns that the best way to heal and accept herself is to decolonize her thinking and take her current circumstances the way they are.