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Who is to Blame?

Sep 4th, 2024 by

On Little Terry Road – Tom Franklin

From the very beginning of the story, it is established that Dibbs’ knows he has (or soon will have) something to hide. The secrecy in which every action is carried out leaves a bad taste in one’s mouth, even before he leaves a man to die from a shotgun wound. It makes one wonder how many times he has done something like this for Ferriday. While it is extremely plausible (completely undeniable) that Ferriday was assaulted by the men, the circumstances around it leave every character at fault for something, be it drug use, murder, assault, or the concealment of a crime. It is also, despite her actions leading up to it, very difficult to hold Ferriday at fault for the murders. 

It is, in contrast, very easy to be uncomfortable with Dibbs’ actions, especially his motivation for them. He seems to look at himself as some sort of white knight, or savior for Ferriday. It is hard to define his reasoning for it. Does he see himself as a father figure, or some sort of protector? Is he attracted to her and hoping for some sort of gratification as a reaction to what he has done for her? His perspective is confusing, and almost viscerally uncomfortable. He describes his actions at the crime scene very detachedly, noting blood, death, and even Terry’s pleas unflinchingly. Is this because he truly doesn’t care, or is he simply doing his best to distance himself from a truly horrific situation- one that is near impossible to find a solution for.

The story ends strangely, as Dibbs has said what he believes will happen tomorrow, but we do not know what will actually occur. Where did Ferriday go? Where is the gun? Will either be found, and if so, what will happen then? Did Dibbs miss something? Will he be arrested if he did? It also leaves one wondering- is there someone who could be seen as truly, fully at fault here, or is this just the culmination of many, many terrible decisions from all sides?

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Addiction As Seen In Little Terry Road

Sep 3rd, 2024 by


    On Little Terry Road, Ferriday is driven by addiction. This addiction drives her to Little Terry Road, which is declared to be “where you went if you wanted trouble” (Franklin 10). Often in literature, addiction can symbolize isolation, deception and despair, which could easily be argued to be a fair representation of Ferriday’s current state. Ferriday is seemingly alone, unable to depend on anyone else other than the narrator. She even claims that she had been forcing herself into isolation, away from him, to get sober.  Her despair is a driving factor of how she got herself into danger, in which it drives her to try to get more substance. 

 Addiction can also be seen in Little Terry and Spike’s characters. As they are introduced, they are snorting a “yellow substance” (Franklin 3) and are known dealing various other drugs. It seems addiction is the only thing these characters share with Ferriday, as these two individuals are clear antagonists who are portrayed as menacing dealers who were fully prepared to take advantage of a young woman. 

   The clear division between these characters is that Ferriday is a victim, of not only addiction, but by the hands of the men around her, Little Terry, Spike and our narrator who continuously internally sexualizes her throughout the story, stating that just as young as when she was sixteen, did he feel ‘sexual tension’ between the two. Little Terry and Spike are monsters who are not vulnerable like Ferriday, but are more rather dangerous and propel the story forward with their menacing ways. 

  Interestingly enough, in this story addiction makes or breaks a character. For Little Terry and Spike, their addiction fuels their vile tendencies, which for Ferriday, this makes her more vulnerable to the circumstances (and men) around her. This can be said for various other stories, in which addiction makes men more frightening and women more vulnerable. This ideology of men vs. women in addictions can be observed outside of literature, but  is obviously not always the case. However, in literature, this is a common theme. Perhaps this story is simply navigating two very different types of people with addiction, or it is following this theme closely, exhibiting addiction in two very different ways. 

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It’s a Fine Line

Sep 3rd, 2024 by

Tom Franklin’s “On Little Terry Road,” explores the concept of bordering on the edge of two paths. We follow the story of Dibbs, a deputy sheriff, trying to navigate an impossible situation. We see his struggle in both trying to internally define his relationship with Ferriday as well as cleaning up the mess she’s made. There’s a tragedy to their story. Ferriday is someone Dibbs feels obligated to protect, but the two of them teeter between something almost familial and something intimate.

The central conflict, of course, is the fact Ferriday has just shot two men she alleges tried to rape her. It’s difficult, as a woman, to read such a thing. Objectively, almost everyone recognizes and resonates with how terrible such an act is. However, there’s a certain camaraderie amongst women about this sort of thing. I’d be lying if I said I were not more inclined to believe Ferriday’s side of the story and forgive her actions due to my being raised as a woman. Still, the language of the story does seem to imply that her version is rather accurate.5df10d01dcd800011822c3d4d3acfb98

This, however, is another line Dibbs must cross. When he decides to cover for Ferriday, ultimately killing Little Terry to do so, he crosses from a somewhat morally gray cop to a downright murderer. The question becomes, is it justified? This moral quandary is never answered for us as readers. As an author, Franklin leaves this question for the audience to ponder on their own. As with all works, everyone is bound to draw their own interpretation. I’ve always been appreciative of pieces that leave me with interesting questions—something to carry and work out as I continue with my life.

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The male voice in “On Little Terry Road.”

Sep 3rd, 2024 by

The male gaze/voice

The main character Lolo in “On Little Terry Road” is a prime example of the conversations we’ve had in class around the male voice/gaze but also cliches/troupes. The story is written in 3rd person so we see how whoever is in proximity to Lolo sees his view of Ferriday in a lustful manner which is such a stark difference from what he does for her which feels like an act of love but ultimately it feels more like an obsession and this need to catch and possess her. This is a recurring theme in the damsel in destress troupe we see more often than not. And that is the plot this storyline follows where Lolo feels that only he can save Ferriday. The male voice in this places such an emphasis on the aspects of Ferriday that add to her sensuality as a character. This is so interesting if you think about how works about men who struggle with addiction are viewed in stories while not saying there aren’t any books out there that sexualize men but there definitely aren’t many that depict them as needing someone else to save them typically they’ll save themselves.

The Writing and Interesting choices

The writing itself is so well written in a way that you can truly keep up with the pacing, plot, storyline, and characterization. The writer’s choice to write in 3rd person fits so well with the story they’re trying to tell. The story’s level of realism felt like it had in-depth research. But it also intrigued me enough to do more research and it seems the Ferriday character was based around the writer’s wife which adds another level of depth and connection to the story. What I also found interesting was the writing choice on page 123 in the last paragraph where the writer puts some kind of critical knowledge in parentheses. I really want to know what that added to the story or why that specific choice.

 

 

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Delving into Themes in “On Little Terry Road” by Tom Franklin

Sep 3rd, 2024 by

Tom Franklin’s short story “On Little Terry Road” is a rich exploration of themes like vengeance and justice, wrapped up in a compelling narrative. As a writer looking closely at this story, it is clear that Franklin has crafted something deeply engaging. Let’s break down how he uses narrative techniques to highlight these themes and make his story resonate.

The Cycle of Vengeance

Franklin’s treatment of vengeance in “On Little Terry Road” is intricate and powerful. The protagonist’s quest for revenge drives the plot and serves as a lens through which Franklin explores the destructive nature of vengeance. What’s interesting from a writer’s standpoint is how the protagonist’s actions, though seemingly justified, end up perpetuating the very cycle of violence he seeks to escape.

Franklin skillfully uses symbolism and recurring motifs to emphasize this theme. The story’s dark, oppressive setting mirrors the protagonist’s emotional state, illustrating how vengeance can consume a person and lead to moral ambiguity. This cyclical pattern is not just a backdrop but a central element of the story, making it clear that seeking revenge can often lead to more pain rather than resolution.

The Illusion of Justice in a Broken Community

Another key theme in the story is the illusion of justice within a fractured community. Franklin doesn’t just use the town as a setting; he makes it an integral part of the narrative. The community’s brokenness reflects the broader theme of how personal grievances can distort the sense of justice.

The story shows how personal vendettas overshadow collective well-being. Through detailed character interactions and the town’s social dynamics, Franklin illustrates how the pursuit of personal justice can disrupt communal harmony. The protagonist’s experiences in this fragmented community highlight the limits of achieving true justice when personal and communal interests are at odds.

As a writer, I can appreciate how Franklin’s portrayal of the town adds depth to the story. It’s not just a backdrop but a character in its own right, shaping and reflecting the protagonist’s struggles. The theme of justice becomes even more compelling when viewed through the lens of a community that’s deeply divided.

Conclusion

Tom Franklin’s “On Little Terry Road” offers a nuanced exploration of vengeance and justice. Through careful narrative structure, symbolism, and character development, Franklin brings these themes to life in a way that feels both authentic and thought-provoking. For writers, his ability to weave complex themes into a compelling story serves as a great example of how to create narratives that resonate on multiple levels.

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Sink or Swim

Sep 3rd, 2024 by

“The Great Wave” by S.J. Rozan is an interesting read because of the choice to make it an interior piece, which reinforces the isolation of the main character who has found herself stuck in a situation she never thought she would experience and had a very hard time coping with.

I thought it was an interesting choice to introduce the relationship with her captor as almost a game, an ‘inappropriate’ thrill, because it plays on the fact that when your younger and in a new relationship, there are things you don’t notice or don’t know exist within the space of a relationship.

I also saw in these two a parallel of obsession, the man does not wish to give our main character up, and she refuses to destroy the glass frame of the Great Wave even if it would cost her the means of her freedom. The difference is that our antagonist, this captor who refuses to let her leave, locks her away, and our protagonist takes great measures to ensure the painting it removed from her. Perhaps because she doesn’t want it to be taken from her should she fail, and by removing the painting herself, gives her a sense of control she sorely lacks, or perhaps because this odd fantasy and conversation she has had with the painting and it’s occupants leave her with a feeling of not wanting the end of her journey to be witnessed by something she holds so dearly.

In many ways this story reads to me as how loving something too much can become suffocating, to ourselves and others. The antagonist traps our main character out of what he likely perceives to be love, and our reality of him is painted initially by our main characters love for him, and then later the misery of a captured soul going through the motions to survive. Our protagonist drowns herself, ending a long miserable existence on a strange note of reclaiming her choice in a very extreme way, denying herself the opportunity to escape alive out of love for the Great Wave. She cut her lifeline from her, and she drowned without it, even by choice.

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Peering Through the Glass: A Deep Dive into Joyce Carol Oates’ “The Woman in the Window

Sep 2nd, 2024 by

Joyce Carol Oates’ “The Woman in the Window” might seem straightforward initially, but it’s packed with deeper meanings and psychological insight. By taking a closer look at her writing choices, we can uncover how she explores themes of identity, perception, and isolation in a way that engages us on multiple levels.f1e275568506af0841501c170e531208

The Power of Perspective

One of the most compelling aspects of “The Woman in the Window” is its use of first-person narration. We see everything through the eyes of the narrator, who is obsessed with a woman across the street. This choice is crucial because it allows us to experience the narrator’s emotional and psychological state up close.

Her obsession with the woman reflects her feelings of insecurity and frustration. Since we’re seeing things through her lens, we question whether what we’re being told is the whole truth or just a reflection of the narrator’s biases. This uncertainty creates a layer of tension that makes us think more deeply about the difference between reality and perception.

Symbolism of the Window

The window in the story isn’t just a physical barrier; it’s also a powerful symbol. It represents the emotional and psychological distance between the narrator and the world outside. By looking through the window, the narrator is physically separated from the woman and emotionally detached from her own life.

This window also serves as a way for the narrator to escape her issues. By focusing on the woman across the street, she distracts herself from her unhappiness and isolation. The window becomes a metaphor for her sense of confinement and her struggle to connect with others.

Themes Explored

Oates uses the story to explore several key themes:

  1. Isolation and Connection: The narrator’s physical isolation in her apartment mirrors her emotional distance. Her limited interaction with others and fixation on the woman highlight her struggle to form meaningful connections. This theme underscores her sense of being cut off from real relationships.
  2. Perception versus Reality: The story makes us question how much of what we see is shaped by our experiences and fears. The narrator’s view of the woman is influenced by her anxieties, leading us to wonder if what we’re reading is a true account or a distorted version shaped by her mind.
  3. Voyeurism and Control: Watching the woman becomes a way for the narrator to feel a sense of control and power. This theme raises questions about privacy, the ethics of observation, and how people use watching others as a way to cope with their lack of control.

Writing Style and Impact

Oates’ writing style is sharp and detailed, creating a sense of suspense and unease that matches the narrator’s emotional state. Her choice of words and imagery builds a tense atmosphere that draws us into the narrator’s world and enhances the story’s psychological impact.

The tone of the story keeps us on edge, making us feel the narrator’s uncertainty and anxiety. Oates’ evocative descriptions add to this feeling, ensuring that the suspense doesn’t just entertain but also deepens our engagement with the story.

Engaging with the Story

Oates’ approach encourages us to dig into the story and question our interpretations. The ambiguity of the narrator’s reliability and the symbolism of the window push us to think critically about what we’re reading. This active engagement helps us understand the story’s deeper themes and reflect on our perceptions of reality.

The story’s open-ended nature means there’s no single answer or interpretation. This invites us to explore the uncertainties and complexities presented, making us consider how our experiences and biases influence our understanding of others.

Conclusion

In “The Woman in the Window,” Joyce Carol Oates delivers a narrative that’s more than just a simple observation story. Her use of perspective, symbolism, and detailed writing invites us to explore themes of perception and isolation in a meaningful way. The story challenges us to think about how we see the world and how our own experiences shape our understanding, making it a powerful example of literature that digs deep into the human psyche.

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The power of obsession

Sep 2nd, 2024 by

  watch 2        Audubon’s Watch by John Gregory Brown is filled with rich details about many different species of birds. I think this is a technique that the author used to try to gain the reader’s respect and showcase the knowledge that his character should have. The mention of many different species of birds, the comparison of flight patterns, and the other calls that the character links back to different birds have me, as the reader, fully believing that Audubon must have a profession that is closely linked with birds. 

          Audubon’s interest in birds quickly begins to slip into obsession. He seems to only think about birds; spending his free time drawing the birds and referencing a pair of mated eagles as if they were a human couple. Audubon seems to have a hard time separating birds and humans, stating that he can not discern between the two anymore. Audubon also has this ravenous hunger to find “all the birds” following the reasoning of: “Every bird is my brother.” He seems to not only be obsessed with the birds but seems to consider them like him, or equal to him. 

          Furthermore, the interactions between Audubon and his wife spark many questions. Audubon’s wife seems apprehensive at best and possessive at worst over her children when it comes to Audubon. It is heavily implied that this is because of his obsession. It seems that Lucy is afraid that Audubon will take the boys on an adventure and mentor them into becoming as obsessed with birds as he is. 

          As Audubon ages and his mobility fails, he sinks back into his infatuation with his birds. Stating that others may not see them, but he sees all of them. Even with his declining health, Audubon continues to draw his birds for a man named Victor. Throughout the story Audubon thinks of the birds and the sky. In his final moments he hears the beating of thousands of wings and knowing he is running out of time he wishes to write a letter detailing his wrong doings in life and his final words. 

 

 

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Freedom and Feathers

Sep 2nd, 2024 by

What stuck out to me was the distinct difference in the story that is being told by Audubon, and what he is experiencing as he shares his story. Through the course of this letter, he details a time where he was most free, and perhaps most poor. Despite his struggles at this time, I read it as him being most free, before his infidelity left a black mark on him that he couldn’t let go of until he was on his deathbed.

Often times when birds are used in stories, they are a mark of symbolism, and perhaps a parallel. I could see it in the parallel between his relationship with his wife, Lucy, and the scene in which he describes the mated eagles. The line “She would forbid his pursuit of another.” Stood out most prominently for this parallel, especially when one considers that it is in his wife’s absence that Audubon strays.

The birds also are a mark of a happier time in his life, as it is something that both brings him joy and haunts him in the hours of his worsening health, manifesting themselves to him inn a chorus of screaming voices. I think it is also a distinct choice that of all his children to share these stories and secrets with, he chooses not his sons to confide in, but his daughters. Perhaps because they might not be as dismissive or sympathetic to the plight as a man might be, but instead something more stalwart, as infidelity is an issue that troubles women a great deal more than men.

This story reads to me about the price of passion, and how it can consume so utterly that when you are forced to leave it behind it’s like you’ve lost some integral part of yourself, and it is only in death that you realize what exactly it is that you’ve lost – and how you will spend as much time as you have left scrambling to hold onto or share what scattered pieces remain.

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To Heal the Whole

Aug 30th, 2024 by

Griet leaves the Vermeer home to find who her true self can be. Marrying Pieter, becoming with child, and working at the meat hall, are all things Greit bears in her everyday life (Chevalier 187). Though she loves the simple little life she has created, a part of her will always be at the Vermeer home. 

Griet spends the prime of her teenage years there, growing into a woman, and taking care of everything. Though she knew that was her duty, she wanted more. A beautiful young lady she was, moved on with her life, yet still had hope that one day Vermeer would notice her and the feelings she thought he had would come rushing back to him. We learn that Vermeer passes away and Griet is called back to the home she once endured. She was overcome with emotions, knowing no one knew about her past and why she ended up leaving the family. Ten years later she knew she had to go back, even if it was because she was directed there, it was her sign, a sign of closure and peace, to continue to live her life without wondering about the past. 

Griet arrives and nothing has changed, though there is more. Cornelia is still the brat she was raised to be, the kids blowing bubbles outside the home, and Catherina’s attitude toward Griet hasn’t changed (Chevalier 189). When Griet learns that Vermeer has passed, she knows she can finally move on. However, she is told those pearl earrings that caused her much trouble, physically and emotionally, were hers to keep. She is at a loss for words, not sure what to do in this situation. To finally end all of this and for Griet to finally be able to get on, she has no other choice than to take these beautiful pearls to the pawn shop and start over for good.

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The Contrast of Life and Death

Aug 30th, 2024 by

Throughout this story a theme of life and death arises. I mostly realized this theme when reading about Agnes’s death and the birth of Franciscus. Griets town is struck with the plague and her sister, Agnes passes away. This shows a stark contrast in the plot line. As Griet’s family shrinks and loses a member, her other home gains a life. Almost as if showing that Griet’s family is fading away from her while her job becomes more present in her life. This also comes into play when Griet goes home and realizes shes more familiar with the home of her employers than the home of her family.

Another moment of contrast in life vs death is the aprons. Griet frequently remarks on the stains of blood on the buther and his son’s aprons. How she can barely look at them. Then later in the story Griet is smeared with red pigment from helping Vermeer. This dirties her pristine apron in the same way the blood muddies the butchers. One is blood, being the end of a life, the other paint pigment, maybe showing the beginning of something new. The cleanliness of Griet’s fingers and clothes also contrasts her friend Pieter who is always stained from his work, while she is sparkling from hers.

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The clever nature of The Girl With The Pearl Earning

Aug 30th, 2024 by

pearl earringAs a character, Griet is so well written, the more I read it the more I learned just how clever she is. One of her most amazing abilities is her affinity for colors and her frankly unexplained ability to identify what a painting is missing. For example; in the opening scene, when questioned about her strange placement about the ingredients for a stew, Griet explained that the color’s clashed when placed together. In addition when she was being painted, she was able to identify what the painting was missing before Vermeer could. 

 

Griets emotional prowess, with her ability to manipulate a conversation to appease Tanneke and placate her power hungry attitude, was also a mark in her favor. For example; while informing Tanneke that Griet plans to go to the meat market. Tanneke tells her that she normally goes later, Griet states that she wants to run to the market while waiting for the water to boil. What Griet left out was that the market sells the best cuts of meat earlier. Griet knew that Tanneke should’ve known that, but instead she left it out to not sour her mood. Later on Griet and Tanneke were talking about how Vermeer painted Tanneke. Griet realizing that Tanneke was using this as a power move to try and make herself feel better for Griet being able to clean the masters studio. Griet instead of rising to the bait, decided to comment on how Van Ruijven has her painting, which brightened Tannekes mood. Griet remarked that the right words would change her mood, and used that understanding of Tanneke to her advantage often. 

 

In addition, Griet developed an ingenious way to clean her masters studio and get underneath the staged object’s, as well as put them back in place. Griet would measure the object with her hands, move the object, clean underneath it, and then put the items back.

 

Griets ability to handle situations that might put her at risk, of her standing in the house and her job, and mitigating the situation without being in worst standing, was amazing to read. The perspective in combination with Griets cleverness gives the reader a sense of knowing something that the character does not, and I found that it was very fun to follow along. 

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A Love Letter to Color

Aug 30th, 2024 by

Tracy Chevalier’s Girl With a Pearl Earring accomplishes something with its writing that few authors have truly mastered. It exemplifies color and vivid imagery through words in such a way that we can practically see them in front of us. Chevalier uses language that—no pun intended—paints the scene before us. She dedicates such time and care to dissecting the colors of this world, showing them to the reader through Griet’s eyes.b9dff9f082d981396e3768b8b7899102

The characters themselves explore their own relationship with color, particularly Griet. Going from the way she organizes her vegetables to seeing the blues, yellows, and greens of the clouds. Additionally, Chevalier employs a timeless strategy of comparing colors to objects the reader can easily envision.

Griet’s relationship with color and art is one of the important parts of her journey working for Vermeer. He teaches her about all the colors around her at all times, opening her world to an entirely new sector of life. Along with color, we see a running theme of light and shadow. Chevalier uses these themes, taking us along through Griet’s eyes to step into 1665 Delft ourselves. I could feel myself in that star as the world around Griet was described so richly.

520f35dc759c99d56527d19f5cca1886The way the paintings are described is the most poetic to me. The language Chevalier uses conveys the sort of feeling a Vermeer evokes. To capture the style of a true master of a visual craft in words is incredibly skillful, to say the least. It was the assortment of colors, lights, and shadows that constructed the most magnificent parts of this book. The reader is brought with Griet to learn about all the colors her, and our, world have to offer us.

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Greit’s And Vemeer’s Relationship and a Woman’s Scorn

Aug 29th, 2024 by

Griet’s and Vermeer’s Relationship

Since a majority of the book focuses on Griet and Vermeer’s relationship, it’s only right to speak on it. Griet and Vermeer’s relationship as the story progresses becomes more complex in my opinion and it’s something that makes you uncomfortable as you read more. However, what I notice from the beginning is that the man who grabs the bucket for Griet is almost if not a little more for lack of a better word predatory than Veermer but it feels as if because Griet is in a world different than her own and Vermeer’s perspective on life she looks past the behavior. He has a fantastical about the way he builds and tears down worlds with his art that Griet views him as god. And the women in his life now including Greit are meerly subjects for him to build and tear down to create a version of themselves he enjoys. I think this is common in a lot of the work we’ve been seeing that leads to a question about the male gaze and the damage it causes to the female form and experience. To add there’s almost a romantic paternilism to they’re relationship. Where with Vermeer’s and Greit’s age gap you would want to see a “father and daughters” relationship but it feels more of an intimate love or more so an infatuation with a father like figure.

I also wonder why Veemer has such an infatuation with Griet. I wondered if it was something like the innocence of youth tainted with complex “adult” emotions. But I also wonder if it’s the want for someone to worship the art he does tthe chance to mold a young mind to see what he see’s. To fix a beauty to conform and contort to what the version of beauty he see’s. You can see that in some of their interactions where Griet thinks there is a right and wrong answer in art. When Vermeer knows that art has no answer which is why he takes so long on art cause there is no right or wrong way to do art but a way to present your vision in a way fitting to you.

Woman’s Scorn

I wanted to touch on Catharina’s role in this story. I feel she is a woman scorned by a man more obssesed with capturing beauty then valuing it. He doesn’t value the woman he has and instead parade’s a younger “woman” as the subject of his desire in his art wor which she know’s is deeply intimate to him. And for her to see him share that intimate part of himself he hasn’t shared with her create’s a resentment she then turn’s to Griet. In this sense Catharina’s character reminds me of Hera and Zeus’s relationship, where Hera continues to punish the lovers of Zeus rather then Zues himself.

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Who is Griet?

Aug 29th, 2024 by

Griet is a shy, quiet young lady who has many honest thoughts and deep feelings. A girl of short words and a strong work ethic. Greit becomes the maid for a wealthier family, wealthier than hers, yet poor in love, opposite of her family. From a young age, Griet had always been around art. She accepts and has deep thoughts of all the beautiful art and architecture around her. From the brick ground to the mosaic-like building structures in her small area of the place she calls home. With her father becoming blind, Griet seems to appreciate art much more than she did before. After working for Vermeer, Griet falls in love with the details of this ancestral house and the art within. She spends most of her time gazing at the art when she isn’t doing her maidly duties. While Griet appreciates these descriptive artworks of the house and also relates them to herself and wishes to be a girl in one of those paintings (Chevalier 33). However, while Griet admires most of the paintings, she is deeply appalled and tense around others. She describes her sleeping abis as a crucifixion room making it hard for her to rest after her long days of work. 

 

While Griet is just a maid she is also an artist herself. In her own way, Griets work is like an art process. From the very beginning of the story when Griet color coordinated the vegetables for the soup, so the colors wouldn’t clash, she pays attention to detail and treats everything as her own masterpiece, regardless of what she is tending to. She takes her time to insure all the belongings remain perfect and in the exact spot they once were while ensuring everything around is spotless. Griet placed her thumb along the edge of a piece of paper, her second finger along another, and anchored her hand with her smallest finger hooked on the edge of the table, in order to dust there and replace the letter where her hand indicated (Chevalier 31). Her laundry process goes into multiple days, guaranteeing the perfect cleanliness of the linens (Chevalier 37). Within the first week of working so hard she had callused hands, rough like sandpaper. She may appreciate the art being done and seen around her but in reality she is an artist herself. 

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Tracy Chevalier on the inspiration for the novel

Aug 28th, 2024 by

On her website, Tracy Chevalier describes the inspiration for Girl With A Pearl Earring:

I was lying in bed one morning, idly contemplating a poster that hung across from me of the Vermeer painting Girl With a Pearl Earring. I’d had the poster since I was 19 and first discovered the painting. As I pondered the girl’s face, I thought suddenly, ‘I wonder what Vermeer did to her to make her look like that.’ It was the first time I’d ever thought of the painting as being a portrait of a relationship rather than simply of a girl. After all, she is looking at him, not at us. That drama and conflict in her face is reflecting how she feels about him. I immediately looked up what we know about her, and was delighted to discovered no one knows who she (or indeed any of his models) is. That meant I was free to make up whatever I wanted.

It seemed to me that the girl’s look is intimate; she knows Vermeer well. Some think it’s his eldest daughter, but she would have been just 12 at the time, and this girl seems older. Also, her mouth is open and glistening — a sensual expression that I don’t think a father would have given his daughter. But someone physically close; a servant, perhaps? If it’s a servant, that pearl earring couldn’t be hers. We know that Vermeer had different models wear his wife Catharina’s clothes, so maybe the earring is hers. How would Catharina feel about her husband painting this beautiful girl wearing her earring? Within three days I had the whole story worked out.

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A Study in Tiles

Aug 28th, 2024 by

In the beginning of Girl With A Pearl Earring we are introduced to Griet and her family, but the one who intrigued me most in referral to potential parallels and how class can influence interpretation was Griet’s father, a master painter of Delft tiles.

Unlike Vermeer, who we can see throughout the story as a man who agonizes over every detail and spends months on a single painting, Griet’s father is a man of streamlined artistry. Simple square tiles painted with delicate blue porcelain, depicting interesting motifs that are stylized and simple. Vermeer and the father both had a background in artistry, but for Vermeer it was a highly rewarded skill that allowed him a great deal of leniency when it came to time spent, versus Griet’s father who approached artistry with the understanding that it was the only thing supporting his family.

Another parallel I was curious to see what how Griet’s father is introduced to us as blind, and yet desperate for details of Vermeer’s paintings as seen through Griet’s eyes, only to grow more and more bitter as time goes on about his blindness and Griet’s unwillingness to acknowledge certain facts. This personality change is mirrored in opposite to Vermeer, who begins as distant with Griet, only to grow more interested in her interpretations and approach to art, going so far as to protect her from his own patron when he did not do the same with another maid he once painted.

They are an odd pair when placed side by side, a middle class artisan forced to quit due to a disability brought on by accident, and an upper class but struggling artist. Both were the main providers of the family wealth, and when both suffered, if in different ways, you can see how the families crumble and how it changes them.

I almost found this dynamic, of two very important men in Griet’s life and how they influenced her, interesting. It brought to mind the concept of love maps, and how we are raised and what we are introduced to at a young age can influence what we as individuals could find attractive. Griet is the daughter of an artisan, but she falls in love with an artist. It’s a curious little thread that was fun to chase over the course of this story, and how Vermeer and the father walked a similar path, if in opposite directions.

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Girl With A Pearl Earring: The Reformation in 16th Century Europe

Aug 28th, 2024 by

Themes within the 16th century Reformation is a key piece to Tracy Chevalier’s Girl With A Pearl Earring. Historically, The Reformation of this time is credited to splitting Western Christianity into two different practices: Roman Catholics and Protestants. While both originating with Christianity, these two different practices expected different from their church. Separating the church in such a drastic way created different communities, that in some ways more than others, seemingly resented each other. This resentment is a prominent theme in Greit’s character. 

crucified-expiring-jesus-1640-francisco-de-zurbaran   A significant conflict in this story for not only Griet, but much of 16th century Europe, is the division between religions. Griet, coming from a Protestant family, is unfamiliar with the Catholic religion and its followers, being only surrounded by a Protestant community throughout her young life. Much of her own troubles with the Catholic religion is manifested into fear. This fear becomes a deep issue for Greit as she is introduced into a family of Catholics as their maid. It is important to remember that much of the Protestants and Catholics at this time did not coincide with one another, and instead found their religion to be a piece of their identity and culture. This contributed greatly to the social division between the two communities in Europe. Griet finds this piece of identity to be one that forms them to be completely different then herself. As she is introduced into the house of Catholics, she thinks of herself as “outnumbered” (Chevalier 31). Greit seems to carry a strong form of ‘Me vs. Them’ mentality, weaponizing her own religion against the family she works for. This ideology represents much of the communities in Europe in this century, in which these two different groups of people use their faith against one another. 

  New to this culture, Griet is made uncomfortable by several of the catholic paintings within the house, including one particularly disturbing image that hangs in the cellar where she is to sleep. “It was another picture of Christ on the cross, smaller than one upstairs but even more disturbing” (Chevalier 30). This image is so disturbing for Greit, that she finds herself struggling to sleep underneath  it. This contributes to her own hesitant nature towards Catholics she lives with. Art in this time period symbolized many things to the European people. Art was apart of identity and customs, holding heavy significance in every piece. Griet, already fueled with her own fears, becomes greatly intimidated by this painting as it looms over her as she sleeps. This painting is symbolic to how the Catholic religion looms over her in her every waking moment in the Catholic household. As a protestant, she feels threatened. It’s as if her identity as a Protestant is being violated with the very existence of this painting. 

 

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Unveiling the Craft in The Girl with a Pearl Earring’s Early Chapters

Aug 27th, 2024 by

OIPWhen I look at the first third of Tracy Chevalier’s The Girl with a Pearl Earring, I see a masterclass in carefully crafting historical fiction. As a writer, it’s impossible not to appreciate Chevalier’s deliberate choices in setting, characterization, and narrative voice, all of which contribute to the novel’s immersive quality and ability to transport readers to 17th-century Delft.

Setting as a Living Character

From the first pages, Chevalier’s attention to the setting is striking. Delft isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. The cobblestone streets, the markets, and the somber interiors of the Vermeer household are described with such detail that they feel alive. The artist’s studio, particularly, stands out to me as a writer. The way Chevalier uses the dim lighting, the arrangement of objects, and the quiet, almost sacred atmosphere creates a setting that mirrors Griet’s internal world—full of secrets, tension, and a sense of being trapped.

This focus on the setting early in the novel is a deliberate choice. By immersing readers in this world, Chevalier lays the groundwork for the characters’ struggles and desires to feel real and immediate. It’s a reminder that in historical fiction, the world-building must be so vivid and tangible that it not only grounds the story but also shapes it.

Characterization Through Subtlety and Restraint

Chevalier’s approach to characterization in the first third of the novel is a lesson in subtlety. Griet, the protagonist, is a young woman of few words but rich inner thoughts. Chevalier allows us into Griet’s mind, revealing her intelligence and sensitivity through her observations and inner monologue. As a writer, I admire the restraint here—dialogue is sparse, and much is left unsaid, which only adds to the tension. Griet’s conflicts—between duty and desire, family and self—are powerful because they’re so quietly portrayed.

Then there’s Vermeer, who remains distant and enigmatic. His presence is felt more through his art and the reactions of those around him than through direct interactions with Griet. This distance is a conscious choice by Chevalier, creating an air of mystery that makes their eventual connection more complex and intriguing.

For a writer, this subtle characterization is a reminder of the power of restraint. By showing rather than telling, by leaving things unsaid, Chevalier creates characters that feel real and layered, inviting readers to fill in the gaps and engage more deeply with the story.

The Power of Perspective

The choice of a first-person narrative, closely aligned with Griet’s perspective, is another deliberate craft decision that I find particularly effective. This narrative voice pulls the reader directly into Griet’s world, making her experiences and emotions feel immediate and personal. Chevalier’s use of this perspective also reflects Griet’s limited understanding of the world around her—she’s a young, lower-class woman in a society where her knowledge and power are constrained.

As a writer, I see the brilliance in this choice. By aligning the narrative voice so closely with Griet’s perspective, Chevalier not only heightens the emotional impact of the story but also creates a sense of suspense. The reader, like Griet, must piece together the intentions and desires of the other characters, which adds layers of complexity to the narrative.

Why it Matters

In the first third of The Girl with a Pearl Earring, Chevalier’s craft choices—the attention to setting, the subtle characterization, and the use of a first-person narrative—are not just about creating a believable historical world. They’re about crafting a story that resonates on multiple levels. By immersing the reader in 17th-century Delft, the past feels alive and relevant. By developing her characters with such care, she explores timeless themes of power, control, and identity. By choosing to tell the story from Griet’s perspective, she invites readers to see the world through her eyes, making her struggles and desires feel personal and relatable.

For writers, The Girl with a Pearl Earring offers valuable lessons in the art of storytelling. It’s a reminder that every element of craft, every choice we make, contributes to the overall impact of the narrative. Chevalier’s novel shows us that when these elements are used thoughtfully and deliberately, they can create a story that not only transports readers to another time and place but also resonates with them on a deeply emotional level.

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Soir Bleu

Aug 27th, 2024 by

The first time that I read “Soir Bleu” by Robert Olen Butler, I had a hard time understanding the plot of the story. Upon a second read through, I realized that the emotional depth of the story far outweighed the slightly strange plot. When I first read the piece, I had been bored until Pierrot began interacting more with the main character. Pierrot was made to be such an anomaly in a pretty normal social setting. As a reader I found myself imagining how Pierrot would stick out and the haunting image the painting provides. 70_1208_cropped

When the relationship between Solange and Vachon was woven into the story, I couldn’t figure out whether or not Solange was simply a way to leverage business or if they were in a relationship. As time went on the clarity of their relationship was still shaky at best. It was evident that Vachon considered Solange his in every way possible, going as far as to say that she no longer existed except by his hand (referencing his skill at painting her I believe). 

In this story it is clear to me that Leclare’s character in this story serves only the purpose of being a component of the confrontation or really the murder of Solange. Not only does not really contribute to any conversation nor is his character revealed at all, but the story actually actively avoids mentioning what he and Solange were discussing although it was heavily implied. The only time that Leclare really speaks, besides dismissing himself, is him blaming Solange for their bedroom activities after being caught. His character is the very definition of a flat character. 

 

The author introduced a character that confused me on how it would all tie together. However with the introduction of Vochan’s father we learned that his love for theater was a result of his fathers similar intensity. It was stated that Vochan did not want to remember things about his father as it was quite a traumatizing memory it seems. However Vochan’s frankly strange reaction to seeing Solange and Leclare and his following moment of violence were hard to process. As the reader I was expecting Vochan to have a moment of rage but instead he just acted without really having a burst of emotions, which is what I thought would happen in a crime of passion like this. The transformation of Pierrot into Vochan was well executed by describing the father’s previous features, making it easy for the reader to understand the “magical” transformation. Without the description of the father ahead of time I believe that I would not have realized that Pierrot was actually Vochans father. 

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Corruption and Integrity in “Nighthawks”

Aug 27th, 2024 by

Michael Connelly’s “Nighthawks” dives deeply into several important themes, with systemic corruption and personal integrity standing out as central concerns. These themes are intricately interwoven throughout the novel, providing a rich landscape for analysis.

Systemic corruption is a major theme in “Nighthawks.” The murder case at the novel’s center involves a high-profile individual, bringing issues of political and institutional corruption to the surface. Connelly uses this high-stakes plot to explore how power and influence can distort and undermine legal processes. The novel exposes how those in positions of authority can manipulate the system to evade justice, revealing systemic flaws that enable such abuses. This theme resonates with real-world concerns about institutional integrity and susceptibility to corruption. As highlighted in the novel, “Griffin was a man of wealth and power and was unused to being told that things didn’t pan out. Things always panned out for Reginald Griffin, producer of three Academy Award–winning films” (86). This illustrates how Griffin’s influential status allows him to navigate and potentially corrupt the justice system to his advantage.

In contrast, personal integrity is vividly represented by the character of Harry Bosch. Bosch is driven by a strong personal code of ethics, which often places him in conflict with the flawed system around him. His pursuit of justice goes beyond professional duty; it’s a personal mission to uphold his moral values. Connelly highlights Bosch’s struggle to maintain his integrity despite institutional shortcomings, emphasizing the personal sacrifices involved in seeking justice. This theme highlights the tension between individual morality and systemic corruption, offering a poignant commentary on the costs of pursuing truth. The novel also delves into the search for redemption and personal responsibility. Bosch’s investigation is not just about solving the murder but also about confronting his past and seeking redemption. This adds depth to Bosch’s character, revealing his inner conflicts and motivations. As he reflects on his relationships and the support he receives, Bosch’s personal interactions echo the sentiment expressed when a character says, “’Listen,’ he said. ‘I’m not going to get rid of this phone, okay? I know that was the plan but I’m going to hold on to it. You call me anytime, okay? If you need help or even if you just want to talk. You call me anytime, okay?’” (89). This moment underscores the broader narrative about personal accountability and how past actions can shape one’s present and future.

Moral ambiguity is another significant theme, especially in the interactions between Bosch and the various characters involved in the case. The complexity of these characters and their motivations challenges simplistic notions of right and wrong, reflecting the real-world complexities of legal and moral decision-making. Connelly’s portrayal of these ambiguities encourages readers to consider the nuanced nature of justice and the difficult choices faced by those navigating a compromised system. As the narrator describes, “Bosch put his hand back in his pocket. He wanted to get out of there. He knew he should have never taken the job in the first place.” (87)

Overall, “Nighthawks” uses these thematic concerns to offer a profound commentary on corruption, integrity, and personal responsibility. Connelly’s exploration of these issues not only drives the narrative but also engages readers in a broader reflection on justice and morality. The novel’s depiction of systemic corruption and personal integrity deeply influences its message, underscoring the complex interplay between individual ethics and institutional failures.

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Phantom-mime

Aug 27th, 2024 by

Robert Olen Butler places us inside the eyes of Vachon, an artist visiting Nice to paint and sell his finished illustrations. Being both in the first-person and present tense, “Soir Bleu” keeps the reader locked in Vachon’s real-time perception of the world around him. Settling ourselves into the painter’s mind, his thoughts toward his lover, Solange, begin to show the discrepancies in his ideas of those around him. He considers himself her savior from a whore house, going so far as to tell us that she “only exists by his hand,” and that she allegedly shares the sentiment—according to him.

Sitting at an outdoor dining area, Vachon and Solange are in cahoots to secure a buyer for Vachon’s paintings in Colonel Leclerc. Across from the risque business discussion between Solange and Leclerc, a Perriot mime sits at the same table. From there, the tone shifts. Additionally, from that point on, I was completely unable to guess what came next in the best way possible. zzz59

While we don’t hear the exact dialogue of the whole story, Vachon’s one-sided conversation with Perriot guides us through his vivid childhood memory of seeing the performer. The performance itself borders on grotesque. The Perriot character murders his unfaithful wife, playing it as a silent one-man show. It almost seems as if the performance passes down its series of events to Vachon’s father, who kills Vachon’s mother the next day. At the end of this horrific memory, Perriot—now known to be the very same performer from Vachon’s childhood—breaks the cardinal rule of mimehood: speaking. He tells Vachon to find Solange, saying he “must go to her,” in their room where Vachon had sent her.

The same twisted fate has now gripped Vachon. Solange’s affair with the Colonel is interrupted. Once Leclerc rushes out, Vachon strangles Solange, killing her. In the wake of his crime, Perriot has appeared behind him. I cannot overstate the amount of pure shock that overtook me when Perriot quite literally ripped away his grease-painted facade. I also must give an incredible amount of praise to the bombshell of what I can only assume to be some sort of specter of Vachon’s father being revealed under Perriot’s skin.

Butler presented a historical fiction to us, tying us to something in our own reality: the painting. This choice leads us to believe that his story works within the same rules we do. And yet, at the very end, Butler wrenches the story into the fantastic. Vachon’s father’s actions manifest to literally haunt him, almost forcibly making him follow in his father’s footsteps. I am inclined to believe there could have been some sort of curse involved. Vachon’s mother’s death could be explained at the time by the performance his father saw being his breaking point. Then, a pattern forms, putting the prior crime into question. Or perhaps the clown violently morphing into Vachon’s father could be some sort of crazed hallucination. We are, in fact, inside Vachon’s mind. Then again, as far as anyone is concerned, this is as real as anything else Vachon has perceived.

While I’m sure this is apparent, I found this story incredibly compelling. Especially for such a short story, where every detail must count. The cross between our reality and the sudden appearance of the fantastic is made even more momentous by the perspective and tense. We do not know what happens next, and neither does Vachon. While he is objectively a bad person, we can still feel his terror. The end rings like the sound left after a gunshot, leaving me reeling. The free reign Butler has given our imagination is thrilling. I, for one, have never been happier to be filled with so many questions at the end of a story.

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Girlie Show

Aug 27th, 2024 by

Screenshot 2024-08-26 212753

Through reading “Girlie Show” I encountered a wonderfully written story that addressed numerous societal concerns. Firstly, the mentions of domestic violence play a large role in this tale. From Pauline’s perspective we feel the weight of a loathsome marriage. Her husband, Wade, uses her as a model for his painting while telling her, “You’re not anything”. He makes her stand in heels on a stool, naked, in a freezing house for hours on end. When asking her about a lunch she had he, “In one clean move, he backhands her, a crack like a ball bat” then, “The next day, there are carnations.” This represents a common theme in abusive relationships. A violent act is committed, hurtful words are said, and to manipulate her to stay he ices the bruise with flowers. As if to remind her how sweet he is and how much she loves him. The story also glances back at an early time in their relationship, when out of anger Wade pushed Pauline to the point of needing stitches from marital activities. I feel as though this story very accurately addresses the quiet, hidden side of domestic violence. Showing how this behavior has been accepted and normalized. Through the story this theme continues until Pauline discovers Wade has been a regular at a Burlesque Club, which is finally her breaking point. Pauline sticks it to Wade by becoming what he seems to desire, a nude dancer on the stage. Very poetically Wade reacts with violence and though it has worked on his wife, it doesn’t work on the crowd of men. Wade is beaten up, over powered, and left behind just as he has done to his wife. Which I found to be a very satisfying end to an excellent story.

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The Intertwined Themes of Obsession and Isolation: Robert Butler’s Soir Bleu

Aug 27th, 2024 by

  Soir Bleu is a story of obsession and revenge. Butler is careful when crafting the inner thoughts of our narrator, who himself represents deep obsession and desire.  The narrator is in close proximity to Solange, who he feels some sort of ownership over. He credits himself as her “savior” and is obsessed with the image he creates of her in his paintings. He sees Solange not as a person of her own making, but as a woman who he has perfected in his arts. It is his understanding that she also shares this insight and no longer values herself as her own, but as a product of his creation. “We have come to understand, Solange and I, that in the deepest sense she no longer exists except in my hand” (Butler 43). This understanding is revealed to be one sided and as the narrator discovers this, we see just how deep his obsessions and his desires drive him to a violent revenge. 

3-soir-bleu-edward-hopperWhile the theme of obsession is prevalent throughout Butler’s story, where is it in the  painting? Soir Bleu is often found to capture themes of isolation within the characters depicted. In the painting, we can see four uniquely dressed individuals, while all posed carefully together, are lonesome in their own aesthetics. We can see that the  clown, dressed in a luminosity white attire and a painted face stands out the most. As the clown captures the eye for the aesthetic, there is also a look not familiar with the common stereotype of clowns. While clowns are typically depicted with a smile, the clown in Soir Bleu is nonchalant, boarding a look of sadness. As viewers, it is obvious that while the clown is surrounded by people, the clown is not particularly overjoyed by the company. The contrast of the clown’s apperence and those that sit with him at the table create a certain visual division between the four. 

   Robert Butler’s story connects themes of obsession to the painting’s theme of isolation. In the story, with the narrator’s isolated perspective on Solange and their relationship, he is dumb sided and evidently finds himself lonesome. It seems in the story that his own obsession and feeling of ownership over Solange drives him to his state of lonesomeness after he carries out revenge. As according to the story and the painting, the character’s own individualism, such as  the narrator’s drives everyone to isolation. 

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A New Frontier

Aug 26th, 2024 by

“Girlie Show” by Megan Abbot covers a wide variety of topics, from the classic 1940’s housewife culture, sexuality, independence, and relationships between women. I particularly wish to focus on the history that is mentioned and teased throughout this story, working as its framework.

The painting which inspired this work was done in 1941, the same year in which America joined World War after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Through the inclusion of America in that war, the many jobs which kept the great beast running needed new workers, and women rose to the occasion. They were introduced to a new sort of independence, the joy and struggle for working, of managing and making their own money. In reference to the might-be inspiration for “Girlie Show”, burlesque was making the rounds, popular with soldiers on leave looking for the kind of red-blooded hedonism that kept them afloat in times of such turmoil.

Pinup was also popular during this time, sensual and erotic drawings of women like the starlets Betty Garble and Ava Gardener, sketched by the hands of artists like Vargas or Gil Elvgren. It was used as a means of pacification and inspiration for men at war, a way of soothing anxieties and reinforcing the concept of male heterosexuality at this time.

This new take of sexuality and power opened opportunities that were not present before, a passivity in men and an increased independence and demand for more from women. In “Girlie Show” you can see facets of this topic being explored between Pauline and Mae. Mae, who would be considered a promiscuous and ‘deviant’ woman by the times standards, and Pauline, a quintessential face of the ‘expected’ woman of the 40’s. Mae introduces Pauline to a concept that Pauline had not explored before, a sexual confidence Pauline felt only briefly in the paintings her husband made of her. The story reads to me as a thrilling example of how opportunity and support can change a life, and for the better.

 

 

 

 

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