I tried to post this as a response to someones post but I don't think it went through. I am fairly certain that the Mesdames are lovers. This is supported by the narrator when he mentions Miss Tolkas' religious orientation, "She would never leave her Lovey so alone in this world." I even believe that the narrator himself may be gay.
Judging by the period in which this piece is taking place, this would also explain why in Bilignin (an otherwise mundane village) they are seen as "the only circus act in town." Three groups (gays, lesbians and immigrants) were not a common residence in these parts.
I have to say, for a piece I originally wasn't drawn in to, I really enjoyed it. The figurative language used throughout the story is incredibly detailed.
"I grudgingly revealed the names, one by one, of the cities that had carved their names into me, leaving behind the scar tissue that formed the bulk of who I am."
Wow. That line along with the descriptions on 479 and 480 had my undivided attention.
-Jonathan Rosado
Jonathan, I do agree with you regarding the three characters' sexual orientations. Which page does the quote, you've included in your post, appear on? What is Binh revealing in this quote? What effect does the figurative language have on how we perceive Binh and his experiences? Any patterns?
ReplyDeleteThe quote appears in the first paragraph of page 484.
ReplyDeleteI get a mixed idea of what Binh is implying. He is referencing that Miss Toklas is prepared for GertrudeStein's death, but I'm not positive of why. My thoughts are that maybe it is religion related since Binh hints at the idea that the two ladies do not believe in the same god. It is possible that there may be an inheritance involved or it is possible that GertrudeStein may be ill (since Miss Toklas seems so certain she will outlive her partner), but i don't see any other evidence that would support that argument.
The figurative language suggests that Binh has had a hard life. Being a gay immigrant in the 20's-30's in any part of the world would have been subject to immense judgement. He suffered both physically and mentally wherever he went. The brief history he does provide us is very grim as well (bottom of page 479). All of the struggle that he has faced which he must rehash on every interview not only eat away at him, but they also stand as barriers that prevent him from receiving work.
As for patterns, Binh appears to delve into details when (this is a shot in the dark) he wants to remind the reader that he is more than just a live-in cook. He goes about what is job is and what he has to do, but then gives some reflection of himself. Opens up as the piece goes along. He is worth more than how he is perceived by society. I think that keeps the reader engaged to the very end.