Notes on "With No Immediate Cause" by Ntozake Shange

Context and Background

• Author: Ntozake Shange
• Work: "With No Immediate Cause" (1978)
• Theme: Violence against women and societal indifference.

Key Concepts

• Frequency of Violence:

• Every 3 minutes: a woman is beaten.

• Every 5 minutes: a woman is raped.

• Every 10 minutes: a girl is molested.

• Personal Observation:

• The speaker reflects on her experiences while riding the subway, contemplating the potential past actions of people around her.

Imagery and Symbolism

• Subway as a Microcosm:
• Represents the broader society where violence occurs.
• Betsy Wetsy Dolls:
• Symbolizes innocence lost, contrasting the trauma inflicted on women and children.
• Graphic Violent Imagery:
• Descriptions of injuries and violence to illustrate the harsh realities faced by women and girls.

Emotional Response

• Screaming and Vomiting:

• The speaker expresses visceral reactions to the statistics and horrors of domestic violence.

• Questions of Blame:

• The need to ask potential offenders if they have hurt women, showcasing the deep-seated fear and mistrust.

Societal Issues Addressed

• Victim Identification:
• Discussion on the unidentified bodies of women, emphasizing the epidemic.
• Concerns from Authorities:
• Society's concern that battered women might retaliate, highlighting a lack of empathy towards victims.

Repeated Phrasing

• “Every 3 minutes…”:
• Signature repetition emphasizes the urgency and constant nature of violence.
• “Did you hurt a woman today?”:
• Reflects a call for accountability and awareness in society.