When her school discovers the pregnancy, it is decided that she should attend an alternative school. Precious is a few months pregnant with her second child, the product of her father raping her he is also the father of her first child (who has Down syndrome). Thirteen years after its release in 1996, the novel was made into the 2009 film Precious, which won numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards.Ĭlaireece Precious Jones is an obese, illiterate 16-year-old girl who lives in Harlem with her abusive mother Mary. GradeSaver, 28 June 2017 Web.Push is the debut novel of American author Sapphire. Next Section Push (Precious) Summary How To Cite in MLA Format Anonymous 'Push (Precious) Background'. Will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback. You can help us out by revising, improving and updatingĪfter you claim a section you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. It ultimately won two Academy Awards, including Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role and Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay. In 2009, Push was adapted into a film by Lee Daniels entitled Precious. However, when she watched Lee Daniels’ films, Monster Ball and Shadow Boxer, she knew that this was an individual who undoubtedly pushed the boundaries of typical cinema. When Push was published in 1996, Sapphire immediately received offers for movie adaptations, but she turned them all down because she did not believe that a filmmaker could adapt the story in all of its brutality. She believes that an explicit depiction of illiteracy and abuse is necessary for an accurate portrayal of youth in poverty although it may be disturbing for some readers.

As Sapphire told NPR, she wanted to show that this character was “locked out through literacy, by her physical appearance, by her class and, by her color” as these are realities some teenagers must face on a daily basis. Sapphire’s own experiences as a remedial reading teacher in Harlem heavily influenced the narrative of Push. As Claireece improves in literacy and obtains a proper education, she gains a visible confidence throughout the story. Rain, who inspires her students with art and literature. She is eventually transferred to an alternative school where she meets a teacher, Ms. Despite these blatant acts of assault, her mother, Mary, is apathetic to her situation and does nothing to better the quality of life for her daughter. At the start of the novel, Claireece is pregnant with her second child, a result of the sexual abuse she endures from her father. Push by Sapphire tells the story of Claireece Precious Jones, a 16-year-old overweight, impoverished girl living in the slums of Harlem. Written by people who wish to remain anonymous We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community.

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