Ti Jeanne was a super interesting read, especially because Maman Dlo is woman who cares so much about the environment and about women. For instance she enchanted Ti Jeanne into living with her and serving her forever after with the benefit of “…a fishtail…was to become one of the most beautiful of the fairy maids, playing with the other river spirits and protecting the forest, its waters and pools for a long time to come.”(276) Very much like Maman Dlo, her purpose in life will be to protect the environment. That was the ultimate gift that she could receive, her grace towards the natural world was expressed in her newfound beauty as well. As Ti Jeanne’s “…chemise fell from her, her hair grew long, covering her round shoulders and her bare breasts…” She was left in her natural state, naked, only to be covered with her now long hair. Hair holds a lot of power on its own, especially long hair as it is can be seen as a form of dedication and divinity in spirituality. Maman Dlo has not only brought a new purpose of life for Ti Jeanne but she replicated it in her physical attributes as well. This shows the level of trust she has in Ti Jeanne to take her under her wing, truly an empowering moment.
In the end, we learn that being with her for the rest of her life is not always a gift. Considering, “Mortal men who commit crimes against the forest, like burning down trees or indiscriminately putting animals to death or fouling the rivers, could find themselves married to her for life, both this one and the one to follow.”(277) There is a mention of the after like as it states “both this one and the one to follow.” If I’m understanding correctly, that would mean that Maman Dlo will be apart of the after life with the human being. Very different from other mermaid stories that we have read where mermaids are not part of the after life and become one with the water. This is an example of the strength that comes from an angry woman, not in a “women’s emotions are hard to control” kind of way but a form of power. Especially coming from a non-human being that is surpassing the after life just to continue punishing the human being for their lack of compassion to anyone or anything else but their kind.
Great point here, seeing what is different from previous readings: ‘Very different from other mermaid stories that we have read where mermaids are not part of the after life and become one with the water. This is an example of the strength that comes from an angry woman.” Eager to hear more about what this different type of story– real women, angry women– has to offer our learning.
Hi Jackie I find it intriguing how you point out that the water spirits will have an after life in this story. I found differences compared to western depictions of mermaids, like Ti Jeanne’s vanity rather than Maman Dlo’s. I like how you relate it as an example of women’s strength when they are allowed to express their emotions. It is nice to see a powerful female water deity!
Jackie, I love how you read Ti Jeanne’s transformation as both environmental calling and embodied power. Your point about hair as dedication/divinity really lands. “Her hair grew long” reframes beauty as a sacred vow, not an ornament. I also felt the tension you hint at: being “enchanted…serving her forever” sounds like a gift and a binding at once. That ambiguity deepens Maman Dlo’s justice: the line “both this one and the one to follow” makes ecological harm a moral debt that outlives a single life. Compared with mermaid tales where spirits dissolve, this endurance is striking. I really enjoyed reading about your thoughts on this story!