4 Stars – Jennifer's RMST 202 Blog

Black Shack Alley: Sacrifices Made for Us (Feb 13)

A. Initial Thoughts

“Black Shack Alley” ruined me. I felt very sentimental as this was the first novel where I felt a connection with the novel’s protagonist, José. Specifically, his relationship with his grandmother, M’man Tine—a figure of strength and hard work to provide opportunities to José—demonstrates the hardships parents or parental figures go through to provide for their children, something that we children are often ignorant to. In the beginning, “Black Shack Alley”’s tone was humorous and light, but it evolved into a narrative that was both heartbreaking and inspiring.

B. Important Themes: Sacrifice

The story starts with 5 year old José’s experiences in Black Shack Alley, a plantation village in colonial Martinique described as “comprised [of] three dozen ramshackle wooden huts” (Zobel 11), shadowed by the white overseer’s residence. We see how the residents of Black Shack Alley are living in poor conditions when José describes the clothing of his boy peers as having “so many holes in them that they in no way covered the frail bodies that pretended to wear them”, and how the dresses for the girls were so loose that they really “hid nothing at all” (Zobel 11-12). Despite poverty, José’s recounting of his youth is filled with a sense of happiness, joy, and mischief—a stark contrast to the reality of their living. A memorable moment involves José and his friends’ attempt to steal pomme-lianes, leading to a dangerous encounter with Mr. Gabriel, the overseer. Despite the fear this scene evokes, demonstrating the harsh conditions of black individuals during the colonial era, José interprets their frightened state as “proof of [their] bravery” (Zobel 15), illustrating how childhood innocence often masks the grim realities of life, such as racism. Another instance of childhood joy was when José and his friends played a game of chasing dragonflies, which ends in them making a mess in M’man Tine’s home. José’s recounting of the event, including the humorous punishment from his grandmother, offers a lighter perspective on his day-to-day life.

However, this childhood bliss is sharply contrasted with the reality of the adults’ world, filled with labor, pain, and the harsh truths of racial discrimination. I enjoyed how Zobel contrasted the children’s perceived freedom with the burdens the adults faced. Specifically, M’mam Tine, a central figure in José’s life, is a symbol of hard work and perseverance. Her dedication to laboring in the sugarcane fields to provide José with educational opportunities represents a beacon of hope for a better future. The narrative reaches its emotional climax as M’mam Tine’s health deteriorates, forcing José to face the demanding realities of adulthood and the value of hard work. Sadly, José starts to recognize the adults’ toil and suffering as a normal aspect of life, an acceptance that reflects a child’s perspective of the world around them. This shift in awareness marks the loss of a child’s innocence and when they become conscious of the harsher aspects of life.

C. Concluding Thoughts

I enjoyed how this novel illustrates everyday lives, as well as struggles faced by Black individuals during the colonial period. Specifically, the book highlights the crucial role of education as a pathway for these marginalized communities to progress in terms of social class. As a person of color and the child of immigrants, I deeply connected with José’s experiences. His youthful obliviousness to the sacrifices his grandmother made, ensuring he had opportunities she herself never experienced, resonated with me. The narrative was very moving and made me more conscious of how the parental figures around me have shaped my life.

D. Questions for Discussion

Q: What is your view on education? Do you agree with M’man Tine’s emphasis on pushing José to prioritize his education?

Q: Did you sympathize more with the characters in this novel than the ones we have read so far?

Agostino: The Cost of Adulthood (Feb 6)

A. Initial Thoughts

I quite liked this book. Moravia’s straightforward writing, reflecting the post-WW2 shift to realism discussed in lecture, appealed to me. It felt fresh, especially compared to the flowery language in “Combray”. Additionally, I appreciated that the book primarily used internal monologue instead of dialogue. This provided a deep dive into Agostino’s (or “Pisa’s”) inner world, giving us an introspective view into his journey from boyhood to adulthood. In contrast, I found “The Shrouded Woman” less appealing due to its heavy reliance on dialogue, which often felt extremely cluttered and made it difficult to grasp the characters’ nature.

B. Important Themes: Loss of Innocence and Exploring Adulthood

The story starts with 13 year old Agostino and his mother on their summer trip in Italy. The mother, described as a “big” woman, embodies both a physical and metaphorical largeness in Agostino’s life. This characterization, alongside Agostino’s declaration that he would “follow her anywhere, even to the bottom of the sea” (Moravia 4), illustrates the depth of his attachment on her, positioning her as the central figure in his life. Their daily routine of visiting Vespucci beach is a symbol of the simplicity and predictability of Agostino’s childhood, a safe and familiar environment where his innocent relationship with his mother remains unchallenged. However, the young man who garners his mother’s interest disrupts this stability. Agostino’s subsequent “unconscious desire to make his mother suffer” (Moravia 2) marks the onset of his emotional conflict, signalling a departure from the innocence of childhood as he grapples with feelings of jealousy.

To escape witnessing his mother’s new romantic interest, Agostino befriends Berto, a local boy from a poorer background. This friendship, deemed as a “justified form of revenge” (Moravia 21) against his mother, represents Agostino’s initial step into a broader, tumultuous world, signifying his transition towards manhood. Berto introduces Agostino to his friends at Speranza beach, which means “hope” in Italian. Here, Agostino is surrounded by new peers and an older (and disturbing) man named Saro and endures their teasing about his mother’s attractiveness and relationship with the young man. The boys’ revelations about Agostino’s mother complicates his perception of her, and his simple filial affection for her becomes intertwined with an emerging sexual awareness. This newfound awareness leads to a pivotal shift in Agostino’s relationship with his mother, where the “innocent fervor [of] his mother’s kisses and trusting sleep” is replaced by “the burning, shameful indiscretion” (Moravia 71), illustrating the transformation of his innocent love into a complex mix of desire and shame.

C. Concluding Thoughts

One thing I noticed in this book was the settings. In the story, Vespucci and Speranza beach symbolize Agostino’s growth from childhood into adolescence. Vespucci beach represents a secure haven for Agostino, evoking memories of his affectionate bond with his mother. Speranza beach, which means “hope” in Italian, marks Agostino’s transition into the unpredictable journey of adolescence, moving him away from the once familiar and comforting Vespucci beach. I think Speranza embodies his hope to confront his challenges of maturing; such as navigating changing feelings—especially that towards his mother—after losing “his original [innocent] identity” (Moravia 78). These beaches show the journey Agostino takes, not just physically moving from one place to another, but also psychogically, as he navigates the process of growing up.

D. Questions for Discussion

Q: Why do you think Moravia added the storyline of Agostino and Saro on the boat? Do you think it was necessary for Agostino’s journey?

Q: Why do you think the boys of the group always teased and made fun of Agostino? Agostino attributes this to his social class, do you think this is true?

The Shrouded Woman: The Unfortunate Life of Women (Jan 28)

A. Initial Thoughts

I appreciate having the opportunity to read “The Shrouded Woman” by Maria Luisa Bombal, a novel written by a female author. Although most books I’ve read are by women, Bombal’s perspective still felt very insightful to me. The storyline, however, felt a bit disorganized, leading to some confusion about characters and whose perspective I was reading. For instance, I initially mistook Fernando for Ana Maria’s brother, I was really disturbed until I realized he was actually her lover. Despite these issues, Bombal’s depiction of a woman’s love and passion across different stages of her life was incredibly rich, a stark contrast to the more one-dimensional portrayals of women in “Combray” or “Mad Toy”.

B. Important Themes: Gender and Societal Expectations

In “The Shrouded Woman,” I was deeply drawn into Ana Maria’s reflective journey through her life and relationships. She recounts interactions with pivotal characters: Zoila, her older maid who outlives Ana Maria and treats her like a daughter; Fernando, her affair partner; and Antonio, her husband. Ana Maria’s children, especially Alberto with his unsettling behavior towards his wife Maria Griselda, add intrigue and drama to the story. However, it is Ana Maria’s personal experiences that truly captivate me, painting a somber picture of a life with limited choices, a reflection of the struggles commonly faced by women of her era.

Maria Luisa Bombal situates “The Shrouded Woman” within a stark social hierarchy that clearly delineates the roles of men and women. Bombal describes the women of the house as having “little necessary work to perform” since “domestic work is left to servants,” a stark contrast to men who are actively engaged in managing their haciendas (estates) (Bombal 8). This societal framework, which confines women to their homes and excludes them from external affairs, is vividly mirrored in Ana Maria’s life. Despite her lively and spirited nature, she encounters considerable restrictions on her freedom. This is particularly apparent in her dependence on Zoila for emotional support and assistance with simple tasks like hairdressing, a dependence that renders her “helpless” when Zoila is not around (Bombal 221). This juxtaposition of her reliance on others against her fundamentally strong personality underscores the societal limitations that curtail Ana Maria’s autonomy and decision-making power.

Ana Maria’s romantic journey portrays the stages of love a woman under societal constraints experiences: (1) true love and (2) a love you settle for. Her first love with Ricardo, showcases the impact of societal constraints on being with one’s true love. Ana Maria’s love with Ricardo was real and passionate, but it is abruptly ended by what Ana Maria perceives as Ricardo’s “cowardly desertion”, leaving her questioning whether it was due to his family’s influence— as they view her as “not well brought up” (Bombal 166)—or his own nature (Bombal 165). Ana Maria’s marriage to Antonio marks a significant turning point in her life. The distressing account of her wedding night, where she lies “motionless” in a futile attempt to discourage him from his assault (Bombal 218), is a stark indicator of her lack of control over her own life. Even though Antonio initially loves her, her response, “I love you Antonio, but I feel sad” (Bombal 222), captures her sense of being trapped in an unchosen life. Further, Antonio’s eventual emotional detachment and infidelity push Ana Maria into the stereotypical role of a “crazy” wife, mirroring the societal outlook of women of that time (and even now). Lastly, her affair with Fernando, rather than offering solace, “humiliated her” and made her “feel poorer” (Bombal 205). Ana Maria’s involvement with Fernando is not because she likes him—it is a response to her emotional emptiness, stemming from Antonio’s indifference. It highlights the complexity of her situation, where societal norms restrict her pursuit of love and happiness from her husband, who holds the power over affection, forcing her to adapt to this constraint (thus starting an affair).

C. Concluding Thoughts

In “The Shrouded Woman,” Ana Maria’s narrative serves as a reflection on the diminished agency historically imposed upon women, particularly in matters of love and personal decisions. Even though Ana Maria finds contentment with her life at the end of the book, this also demonstrates how societal systems can mold and influence a woman’s perspective, perhaps even leading her to accept her unfortunate circumstances (but this is only my opinion).

D. Questions for Discussion

Q: How did you perceive Ana Maria’s relationship with Fernando? Do you think the love was reciprocal?

Q: Why do you think Antonio transformed so much after Ana Maria left to go home?