Kasienka (Junior Cert English): Revision Notes

Kasienka

• Kasienka is a 13-year-old Polish girl who moves to England with her mother. She is shy and feels out of place in her new environment.
• The quote, "I knew I'd be different, Foreign," shows her alienation.
• Kasienka is mature for her age and often takes on responsibilities to support her mother.
• This maturity is clear when she helps her mother search for her father despite her own feelings of hopelessness.

Development

• Kasienka evolves throughout the novel. At first, she feels helpless against Clair and her friends' bullying.
• The quote, "I am their prey and there is nothing I can do to stop their pouncing," shows her initial vulnerability.
• As she builds relationships with William and Kanoro, she gains confidence.
• Swimming helps her feel powerful and in control. She says, "I have to trust myself, Trust the territory and My own body".
• She finally stands up to her bully Clair, saying, "Why don't you just piss off," showing her new confidence.

Kasienka's Role

• Kasienka's role is central to the story's themes of alienation, identity, and resilience.

• Initially, she feels like an outsider but eventually finds her place and voice.

• She thinks, "I thought maybe I'd be exotic... like an English girl in Gdansk. But I am not an English girl in Gdansk. I'm a Pole in Coventry".

  
  • Her actions and relationships move the story forwards. She supports her mother while dealing with her own struggles.
  • The quote, "Kasienka do you know that you are useless?… The answer to that question is YES: I know. I am useless." shows the tension in their relationship.
  • It also shows Kasienka's internalised guilt about their situation.
  • Kasienka's journey shows her strength and resilience as she ultimately finds her place in her new world.