Oyao 1

Amanda Oyao
Mrs. Mann
AP Literature - Block 1
17 April 2015
Annotated Bibliography
Donaldson, Elizabeth. Handing Back Shame: Incest and Sexual Confession in Sapphires
Push. Transgression and Taboo Critical Essays. P. Messier, Vartan. Web. 8 Apr. 2015.
Elizabeth Donaldson reflects primarily on the readers response towards the
uncomfortable themes relating to incest and rape within the book. This article
does extremely well in creating connections between Sapphires book along
with other older African-American literature that touches on similar themes; in
addition, it creates comparisons and differences that depict the books classic
qualities and also aspects where it lacks other qualities --placing Push in a much
larger scope for comparison to decide truly how relatable the book is to its
readers and other literature. In addition, it seems to focus primarily on the topic
of incest, so this specificity is valuable for precise evidence for the effect of
labels upon Precious. This article brings greater depth to my arguments for the
negative consequences of labeling and also demonstrates where Push lacks in
terms of classic-like qualities compared to other books of the same subject
matter.
Pemberton, Gayle. A Hunger for Language. A Womens Review of Books 14.2 (1996): 1-3.
JSTOR. Web. 7 Apr. 2015.

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Gayle Pemberton explicates a thorough and broad understanding of the most
prominent issues Precious faces in the book and analyzes Precious response to
such tribulations. She writes merely to inform readers of the fine details of
Sapphires characters, their effects on Precious, and their significance to the book
as a whole. Pemberton specifically focuses on the relevance of Precious poetry
to the culture of her time period, and connects the poetry to Precious grand
transformation of rising self-confidence --thus illustrating its influential impact
upon her identity. Not only does Pemberton emphasize the poetry aspect, but also
explicates the motives of all of Precious actions towards independence; while
Pembertons opinion of Precious intentions is very subjective, many of the
arguments are presented with reasonable evidence relevant to my understanding
of the theme of the book. As this source analyzes Push at both smaller plot level
situations as well as more global perspectives, it proves to be extremely
beneficial in complementing my essays ideas at varying levels and undoubtedly
brings support to my perceived theme of the book.
'Push' author Sapphire revisits childhood abuse in second novel. Dynamic Range. By Robin
Amer. WBEZ91.5, 23 Mar. 2013. WBEZ.org. Web. 9 Apr. 2015.
This source relates to the sequel of Push, called The Kid, however dives much
more than other sources into the cause-and-effect scenario embedded in both
books --a scenario that the rapists life style resulted from beginning as a victim.
The intentions of Sapphire in Push are further explicated in The Kid, and the
source also explains more of her background that would entice Sapphire to write
books of such matter. While the source may focus more on the scope of the

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sequel, it still covers the back story of Sapphire and what she she wants readers
to derive from both books. This information is extremely helpful for my
approach towards theme, and knowledge of her backstory truly integrates well
when answering the relevance of her stories to her readers.
Sapphires Story: How Push Became Precious. Sapphire. Interview by Michele Norris.
All Things Considered. Natl. Public Radio, 6 Nov. 2009. NPR.org. Web. 2 Apr. 2015.
This source explores many of the influences of the book, Sapphires desire to
write the book, and the social remarks that Sapphire intended. In addition, the
interview explores the transition from the book to the big screens and also
includes elements of illiteracy, obesity and incest and how important Sapphire
feels these aspects are in portraying to the public. One last valuable aspect of the
interview includes the relevance today in stereotyping, further deepening the
ability of the book to resonate with many minority groups. The source continues
to question Sapphires wishes and desires in how she conveys her message,
further showing the greater meaning to the work. This greater meaning points me
in a more direct aspect of how I attack my perceived theme of Push and how
Sapphires backstory will serve as evidence to the theme.
Stapleton, Laurie. Toward a New Learning System: A Freirean Reading of Sapphires Push.
Women and Sports 32.2 (2004): 213-223. JSTOR. Web. 8 Apr. 2015.
This source examines the relationship between Precious and her teacher, Ms.
Rain; this is especially important since Ms. Rain is instrumental in allowing
Precious to achieve her own self-identity. Stapleton also identifies the universal
characteristics that of which many readers can connect with Precious --another

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possible example of a relatable characteristic of being a classic. While this article
mostly dives into applying Freirean theories to the plot, it nonetheless possesses
a thorough characterization of Precious progress and transition to her new
identity as she continues to mature as a mother and a student.