"Seeing Things Simply"

The story "Seeing Things Simply", by Edwidge Danticat, follows a young adult named Princesse whom poses nude for a painter from Guadeloupe, named Catherine. Princesse is modest, but also very self-confident. However she fears negative attention which is why she hesitates and asks Catherine to turn around as she undresses. Princesse admires Catherine's sophistication and outlook on the world. The first few paintings Catherine draws of Princesse, left her wondering how Catherine could capture her body in such a way. Catherine tells Princesse "It is hard to catch a likeness of a person unless the artist knows the person very well. That's why, once you find someone whose likeness you've mastered, it's hard to let them go." The two women really start to form a bond making things very comfortable. One can see Princesse starting to open up, becoming more willing; every day Catherine taught her something new. Whether she's teaching her about life, art, or life through art. The influence that Catherine has on Princesse is unbelievable, you can see a glimpse of it when Catherine leaves for Paris to display her artwork. Princesse really starts interpreting life through art. For example: the way the stars are lined up in the night sky. It isn't until the end of the story where you see just how much Catherine influences her. Princesse leaves an unfinished artwork in the ground, so someone else can put their own interpretation of the work and leave it for the following person.  -TC