American Horror Story: Gregor

So I know the newest season of American Horror Story just aired a week ago, but since I don't have cable and am still on season 4, I thought I'd share what occurred to me while watching Freak Show alongside reading The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. Needless to say, there'll be ***spoilers***.

At the beginning of the season, we are introduced to a scary clown that terrorizes the 1950s town of Jupiter, Florida. He looks bedraggled, wears a mask covering his mouth, and carries a knapsack of equally dirty clubs and other simplified weapons. In the first few minutes of the show, we watch him viciously attack an innocent couple; killing one and kidnapping the other. However, a few episodes later, we learn about this character's past. It turns out this is just a simple-minded, misunderstood character. He mentions he was dropped on his head as a child, which explains things, and it's made clear that his intentions are innocent. Of course, this shouldn't excuse his actions, but it makes the audience sympathize with him to an extent. After being ridiculed all his life and taken advantage of for simply entertaining children, he's banished from the circus and turns to kidnapping children to enjoy his act. Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to see the wrong in this. One thing that adds to the ambiguity of his character is the fact that he wears a mask, under which are the deformed remains of his face. Because he has a large, bloody hole where his mouth used to be, he's unable to communicate with others. This menacing exterior, on top of his strange actions, all reminded me of Gregor Samsa in The Metamorphosis. 

The first similarity I found between the two was that both transformed into their "monster" forms against their will or unknowingly, and consequently overlook this change altogether. At first, the reaction of Gregor's family struck us as insensitive, yet it's important to remember that he had, in fact, transformed into a giant insect. In the case of the clown, he's unaware that he's done anything wrong once he stops simply entertaining children and moves to drastic measures like killing their families, who are obstacles to him. Of course, Gregor isn't a murderer, but, like the clown, he values his old lifestyle of traveling salesman over the obvious changes that have occurred. Secondly, both have trouble communicating with the people around them on the physical level: Gregor no longer has vocal cords and the clown no longer has a normal mouth. However, they both still try to make their intentions clear, which unfortunately comes off as a bunch of undecipherable noise. Lastly, they both look pretty menacing, and the other characters are relieved once they die. When Gregor dies, his family is actually overjoyed, now excited by what the future has in store. Similarly, once the clown dies, the town gets to relax a little.

Overall, I don't know if I'm reaching, but I definitely saw some parallels between these two story lines. Also, we mentioned that The Metamorphosis may very possibly be about Gregor's family, not Gregor himself, and that's also true in Freak Show. The majority of the plot is centered around the main characters in said Freak Show, and the clown pops up every once in a while to add some terror.

The Sun Also Riseth

At the beginning of this unit, we took some time to read the epigraphs at the start of the book. They are:

"You are all a lost generation." - Gertrude Stein in conversation

"One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth forever ... The sun also riseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to the place where he arose ... The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it wirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits. ... All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again." - Ecclesiastes

Originally, we were all pretty confused on the purpose of these two quotes and how they related to the novel. However, we now had a hunch as to where the title came from. Upon reading this, I was intrigued by what the novel would entail. A short while in, however, I realized it would be much more ambiguous than I had bargained for. The Sun Also Rises follows a castrated man by the name of Jake Barnes, and his unfulfilling monotonous routine of life in Paris. He's in love with a woman, Brett, but of course she's very sexually promiscuous and satisfies her needs with men that are not Jake. The book hints that they met many years ago, and Jake is still tormented yet infatuated by her presence. The author makes it clear that he's not interested in any other women, especially not sexually, than Brett. 

All this made me wonder why the book is called what it is. From the Ecclesiastes quote, it is pretty clear that humans are just pawns in the bigger picture of the world. This made me consider the fact that The Sun Also Rises takes place right after the war, and Jake has lost a lot (specifically, his ability to reproduce). Though not all WWI veterans came out like he did, Jake represents the aimlessness and wandering of the Lost Generation. Like many others around him, he drinks and parties to dull the pain. However, he is never really happy when doing these things. He mentions repeatedly how the people he's surrounded by, his "friends," irritate him constantly. On numerous occasions, he expresses his distaste for a situation, then turns to alcohol as a way of comfort. When he sees the gay men dancing with Brett, he is so frustrated that he has to leave. "I walked down the street and had a beer at the bar at the next Bal. The beer was not good and I had a worse cognac to take the taste out of my mouth" (20). However, there are also times when he enjoys drinking. When Jake takes his vacation in San Sebastian, we get to see how being by himself changes his mindset. "I drank a bottle of wine for company. It was a Château Margaux. It was pleasant to be drinking slowly and to be tasting the wine and to be drinking alone" (232-33). 

Overall, I think the reason for Ernest Hemingway including the Ecclesiastes quote is to hint at the general theme of this book. Jake, a lone soul who literally lost a generation (he's no longer able to produce any offspring), finds himself in a meaningless loop of existence. However, the novel ends on a relatively positive note. Brett and him are finally happy with each other's company, and are optimistic about their roles in society. I also think it is significant that the last page of the book emphasizes how "hot and bright" it is outside. As a matter of fact, Hemingway says this twice. It looks like the sun has risen after all.

Jake's Curse (or Brett's Curse?)

Today in class, we continued to discuss Jake's war wound and its significance. Though not explicitly addressed, it is safe to infer that he is impotent, and has similar issues with "performance." Because this is a concealed wound (at least, when he has his clothes on), he still tries to carry himself like nothing is wrong. He succeeds to some extent and appears to be a fairly popular guy, yet The Sun Also Rises can also be seen as a tragedy. Even though he has friends and presents himself as a confident man, he is incredibly lonely and sexually/emotionally deprived. By this point in the novel, it is clear that he is in love with Brett. However, she parties a lot and hangs out with tons of guys, so he feels helpless in comparison. They end up talking about this issue, and agree that it isn't meant to be. The reason? Brett would probably cheat on him because he wouldn't be able to satisfy her fully. Now, while the author's intention may be for the audience to simply pity Jake, I think Ernest Hemingway was trying to get at something else. Though I haven't read the whole book yet, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that he sees the increased sexual promiscuity of women in the 1920s as destructive.

The novel, narrated from Jake's perspective, gives us the sense that he's trying to pretend the injury doesn't phase him. This depicts the forced concept of masculinity, as pertinent to this time period. After World War I, men were expected to come back as hyper-masculine versions of their old selves. In the case of Jake, however, things took an unexpected turn. In the process of doing what society expected him to--fight valiantly in the war--he lost the thing "more important than life itself." In this sense, he is also similar to Septimus in Mrs. Dalloway. Both men went in expecting to prove themselves, but when they returned it was clear that some part of them stayed in the war. What makes their loses different from that of an amputee, for example, is that their ailments aren't visible on first glance. Both seem relatively put together (Septimus less so, but he still has all his limbs), so it is hard for strangers to pity them.

Brett, on the other hand, is well aware of Jake's misfortune. In fact, she is the very nurse that cared for him in the war hospital, and this is when they fell in love. Because of Jake's injury, Hemingway portrays the two as star-crossed lovers. However, I find this weird. While it is clear that they may never be able to consummate the marriage (if there is one), both characters clearly want each other. Though Brett has her fun around town, she confesses that she is unhappy and misses him. At this point, I am confused as to what the author's intention is when he shows Brett as incapable of making it work with Jake. Is Hemingway trying to hint that women like her have lost all sense of compassion, and are only interested in sex? Overall, I want to see where this goes, and if they'll end up together or not. 

Clarissa's Lovers

Upon reading Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf and discussing it in class, most of us have come to the conclusion that Clarissa Dalloway lives a life of concealed regret, often found reminiscing about what could've been. This point is reinforced by the different romantic characters that come into her life, and how she's affected by them.

Peter Walsh, for starters, represents the uncertainty women of her time faced when encountering their first love. Though it may have been tempting for both of them (certainly for Peter) to seal the knot, there were definitely some personality inconsistencies. In 1923 when this novel takes place, Clarissa finds herself thinking back to him numerous times. It is possible that she is dwelling on him and even wishes she'd said yes to his marriage proposal. However, I think the fact that she declined and continued with her life says something about her rebellious character. In the early 20th century, women were expected to settle down young and start makin' babies right away to keep the family line going. By recognizing the faults in Peter's character and rejecting him, it is clear that she still hasn't seen all her options, and knows it. Indeed, even 30 years later when they reunite, she is ticked off by his little annoying habits (like the knife thing). Additionally, he's always been quite condescending of her. Describing her sarcastically as the perfect hostess, it is clear that they wouldn't have meshed well in the long run.

Peter and Clarissa go way back. Peter proposed to Clarissa, but she declined.

Here we see Peter ~30 years later. He is still conflicted about his feelings for Clarissa.

On the other hand, Richard Dalloway, almost the antithesis of Peter, ends up being the man whose name she takes (hence Mrs. Dalloway). Introduced in the book as a remarkably bland and timid character, he makes the reader wonder why Clarissa chose him. One conclusion that I came to is that he is the man society expects her to marry. An established member of Parliament, Clarissa finds herself growing fond of him. However, would this make her a gold digger? While she is found focusing the bulk of her time on parties and similar frivolous events, I believe that, in some ways, the two are almost perfect for each other. Though some may call them platonic, there is something soft and comforting about their relationship. In the end, though, I found it sad that he doesn't run through her mind on the daily, like Peter and Sally do. It seems like she settled for him just because she was supposed to.

Richard Dalloway is a classy man. This is probably why Clarissa chose him.

However, their relationship lacks its spark. Richard looks on as Clarissa meets someone more interesting.

Finally, Sally Seton sparks Clarissa's wild side. At the time the book was published, homosexuality was a foreign concept. However, the way Virginia Woolf illustrates their relationship is subtle, which I think makes the audience relate to them more. By avoiding specific labels, Woolf is able to craft Clarissa's most significant relationship in a way that seems both organic and appealing. Drawn to each other in their youth, the two women find comfort in each other's company, more so than they do with other people in their lives. After significant build up, they share a kiss--a moment of revelation that is soon crashed by a bumbling Peter. Though it only happens once, it's clear that the kiss is much more meaningful to them than those in their respective heterosexual relationships. Unfortunately, this love can't flourish in the late 19th century, and both women are pushed to marry who society wants them to.

Clarissa is thrilled and excited by Sally's company.

Eventually, they share a kiss, which Clarissa describes as "the most exquisite moment of her whole life."

Thoughts on Paul D

Over the course of the book, we've all had time to develop our opinion on what Paul D's place is in the novel. He comes into play early on, and is a symbol of Sethe's past. He charms her and they rekindle their love, all while Denver is eyeing him menacingly from the sidelines. At first we thought this was just Denver's jealousy kicking in--she felt as though Paul D was replacing her in her mother's life. Upon Beloved's arrival, however, Paul D develops a dislike towards the reincarnation of Sethe's daughter. This cycle of jealousy and unrest makes for a very tense situation, and one could argue that this "family" dynamic is doomed to fail. Sure enough, Paul D abandons Sethe upon learning the truth about what happened that day in the woodshed, proving his general flakyness.

At first, I sympathized with Paul D. His reaction is justified, and I'm pretty sure that if any of us were in his shoes, we'd react the same way. However, I then had to consider where he stands in Sethe's life. As it was mentioned upon his arrival, he is a ladies man, and his presence can make even the toughest of women break down in front of him. This explains how intimate he and Sethe get when they see each other, but Paul D should understand that his comforter responsibilities don't stop at sex. When Sethe reveals the murder of her daughter from her perspective, she is hoping he will understand where she is coming from. At this point in their relationship, she isn't ashamed of her past when she is around him. However, Paul D is terrified and flees to the local church. It is at this point that I began questioning Paul D's character. It seems to me that, as much as he enjoys wooing all the women he encounters, he is not ready for the emotional consequences that come alongside the benefits. While his initial reaction is a given, I think it's about time that he return home and make things right with Sethe, or just leave the whole situation altogether.

Meanwhile, Stamp Paid is hitting himself over the head for revealing this to Paul D. He starts to think that he's meddling, and he just managed to ruin a relationship. While he did, I don't think it's entirely his fault. He didn't have any way of knowing that Paul D would react the way he did. Taking this into account, we can see that Paul D's presence in this town is affecting multiple characters in a negative way. Sethe, Denver, Paul D, and Beloved are all unnerved by his presence. While it is apparent that he doesn't mean any harm, I think his time has passed. Personally, I see Beloved's entrance into the novel a symbolism of a future and fresh start. Paul D, on the other hand, represents Sethe's past. While he tries to establish a promising future with her, it is clear that he is maybe pushing for the impossible.

The Four Horsemen & Racism

The chapter of the four horsemen was important in it gave the audience an inside look into the complex minds of southern whites. Not only was the imagery and mentality disturbing, but I also think Morrison was making a valid point in terms of the thought process of racists. Namely, the minds of modern-day whites who think they are progressive, but still retain their racist instincts. The reactions of the schoolteacher, nephew, slave catcher, and sheriff are all rash examples of the racism that exists today.

For starters, schoolteacher sees this whole situation as a disappointment. Based on what we learned about him so far, it is apparent that he plans on exploiting blacks to their full potential. However, upon seeing Sethe perform an unexplainable act, he sees his investment dwindling and knows that this isn't a good day. He goes on to recall the punishment he gave his other nephew. For beating Sethe too harshly, schoolteacher sees it fit that his nephew learns his lesson. He compares the slave woman to their animals in a very casual manner, and "made him stay there, feed stock, feed himself, feed Lillian, tend the crops. See how he liked it" (176). A shock to modern day readers, Morrison presents this as a perfectly reasonable decision in schoolteacher's mind. He represents society's general racism towards black people. In his mind, this is just the way the world is. Even though this book wasn't published until the late 20th century, schoolteacher's role is meant to serve as a reminder of the racism that is still present in the minds of white people; if not to this extent.

At the same time, the nephew is describing his total shock regarding the situation. He is bewildered as to what exactly Sethe's reasoning was for murdering her baby. "What she go and do that for? On account of a beating? Hell, he'd been beat a million times and he was white" (176). The fact that he mentions his race is an interesting twist. On one hand, he is saying that he has had his fair share of beatings, despite his being white. Therefore, he doesn't understand why this person in particular responded to discipline so drastically. On the other hand, he doesn't really seem to understand the luxury he has for being white. While Sethe realizes that there is no way out of this life, a point so strong that she murders her child for it, the nephew just sees beatings as a punishment. I would say that here, Morrison is using the nephew to represent the whites that think they can relate to the hardships of black people, but obviously can't. It's not fair of the nephew to relate himself to Sethe on this level, but continue to treat her as sub-human

I think this is a very pertinent topic for today, especially with all the chaos regarding Ferguson and white on black crime. Even a century after these mentalities were mainstream, we can't say racism has been discarded completely. I'm not sure what this says about our future, but I think this was a very wise point to make on Morrison's part. By showing us the minds of racists, it makes us question the fundamental values our society has been built on.

Denver the Sheltered Child

So far in Beloved, we seem to have come to the consensus that Denver is a very sheltered child. We learn that she has no friends, and her favorite spot to pass time is a patch of trees in her backyard. Though Sethe means well, I began to question whether her lengthy precautions were a necessity. From the start of the book we know 124 as being "spiteful," and all those who walk past it are overcome with a feeling of immense sadness. As a result, Denver does't have any friends who want to come over. Though Denver seems to be a relatively normal child when presented in the context of the house, it is soon apparent that she has unresolved issues within her.

In the novel, Denver is portrayed as a particularly possessive and lonely character. For starters, the idea of a time before she came into this world makes her very uneasy. This is why Paul D's appearance into their life angers Denver. She sees that they share a bond from the past she can't match, and he becomes an important part of Sethe's life. Thus, Denver is protective of Sethe. Once Beloved comes into the picture, Denver also can't separate herself from her. This clingy behavior is probably the outcome of the loneliness she has had to endure for a majority of her life. Interestingly, Denver favors Beloved's presence but is wary of Paul D. This is because Paul D represents the past, and while he has come back from a second round at the future, it is Beloved's turn. Additionally, her brothers abandoned her nearly a decade ago, and Denver is now Sethe's only remaining child. This predicament is what causes Denver to be so unnerved when it comes to human relations.

One thing this dynamic made me question was if this was a wise decision on Sethe's part. We learn that the concept of rememory is very important to Sethe. In this world, one can hear or stumble upon someone else's memories and remember them as their own. Considering her hard past, it is understandable why she wouldn't want to open up to Denver about these parts of her life. Sethe has lost so much in her life, and the memories are her only connection. The saying that the deceased "live on in our memories" is very applicable here. However, maybe Sethe doesn't want to share her memories. Instead of hurting Denver, she is worried Denver won't be able to appreciate her memories to the same extent Sethe endured them. We see an example of this when Sethe tells Paul D the story of her milk being stolen. She is frantically trying to make him understand the extent of her violation, but Paul D doesn't really get it. It is maybe at this point that Sethe realizes that the idea of rememory is something she should stray from, supporting her denial that Beloved is the reincarnation of her lost child.

Overall, I guess I'm just confused about where Sethe is coming from. I understand why she has sheltered Denver the way she did, but I wonder if this has some repercussions that may impact the plot later on. By not being taught her mother's, and country's, past, Denver may not be ready to face the world. I feel it's possible that her character may play a turning role later on in the novel.