Author Archives: ksingh50

Conclusion

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Hello, RMST 202! This is the last blog of this course, which saddens me, and I must say I will miss it.

The journey through RMST 202 has been unique and transformative for me. Initially, I anticipated the course to be predominantly focused on exploring themes of romance and love. However, it explored themes beyond just love, touching upon a variety of different books focusing on war, politics, memory, identity, childhood, time, and a lot more. The amazing course structure, the setting of the classroom, and the diverse materials we engaged with broadened my perspective on literature as a whole. I am so grateful to have Professor Jon and the TAs, without whom this course would probably not have been the same. I am also grateful for the way this course expanded my horizons and challenged my initial expectations, offering a richer, more varied exploration of literature. Exploring the blogs was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the diverse range of interpretations and perspectives my classmates brought to our discussions on the novels. It was fascinating to see how differently each person could view the same piece of literature, bringing unique insights and drawing varied conclusions. This variety enriched our collective understanding and pushed me to consider viewpoints I might not have otherwise encountered.

This class has changed the way I read. It has made me more interested in the intricate details of writing, bringing to light things I had missed before. I’ve learned to respect the subtleties of language, the complexity of characters, and the importance of context by digging deeper into the text, making reading more enjoyable for me. This new way of thinking has not only helped me become a better analyst, but it has also helped me understand and enjoy books in general. The course’s focus on critical thinking and analysis has made me a better, more thoughtful, and more grateful reader.

My favourite novel will probably be The Book of Chameleons because it very well stood out to me. It undoubtedly deepened my appreciation for authors who push the boundaries of conventional narrative structures. I would say I was not a big fan of Combray because it was quite hard to understand, especially for a first read, but I might give it a try again, probably in the summer.

A big thank you to all my amazing classmates, TAs and professor. All the best for the finals, and have an amazing summer ahead!

Question: What was your favourite book?

Faces in the Crowd

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“Faces in the Crowd” by Valeria Luiselli was definitely not an ordinary novel. Its complex style of writing made it very hard to find meaning through the novel, which made me kind of sad because this is the last reading and I was expecting a lot from it. Luiselli deftly weaves a fragmented and profound narrative, exploring themes of identity and time. There is no doubt that we all encountered a dizzy array of stories within stories, where past and present and facts and fiction blurred as we navigated through the pages of this novel.

Although the novel has multiple narratives, it primarily focuses on a woman who is writing a novel whilst researching a Mexican poet named Gilberto Owen. She soon starts unhealthily obsessing over the life of the poet. The novel soon fluidly shifts with the introduction of Owen, where his narrative runs parallel to the woman’s own, creating a dual perspective that progressively switches between paragraphs, with stars (⭐) separating them. This chaotic style of narration made it difficult for me to follow the plot, and I had to flip back and forth between the reading to understand the novel’s perspectives.

I saw the woman’s obsession with Gilberto Owen as a coping mechanism that allowed her to reconcile the disparate parts of her identity. Living in the present, which feels increasingly disconnected from her vibrant past as a young woman in New York to the mature, grounded woman with familial responsibilities in Mexico constrained by the roles of a stereotypical woman in a patriarchal society, I feel she turns to Owen as a means of escape and connection. I feel Owen’s story became a vessel for her own unvoiced desires and frustrations, for she finds comfort in the parallels between both their struggles in recognition of their writing. This obsession serves as a way to cope with the invisibility she feels in her own life. It allows her to assert her identity in the face of societal expectations, using her connection with Owen to navigate the complexities of her own existence, and she is able (or rather feels that she is able) to establish her place in the world.

To conclude, the book embraces its own intricacy, turning uncertainty into an asset for exploration rather than a barrier. It invites us readers to accept the disorientation, make sense of the fragmented narrative, and view the world through the spectral reflections of its characters. Under Luiselli’s direction, the book develops into an in-depth reflection on the nature of humanity, a kaleidoscope of lives that converge and diverge in the tangled spaces of memory and imagination.

Question: What do you think obsessing over the poet symbolized?

Friendship in The Book of Chameleons

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The Book of Chameleons by Jose Eduardo Agualusa is a tale that intertwines reality with fiction, and the past with the present. The title of the novel is quite deceiving, as it barely mentions chameleons, but the closest we get is a gecko narrator living in Angola. The novel is a profound exploration of memory, identity, and the stories we weave to define ourselves, our pasts, and the future.

First, let’s address the elephant (or, should I say, the gecko?) in the room: a peculiar narrator named Eulalio, a roommate and “friend” of Felix Ventura. The pair share more than just a living space. As Felix creates new identities and pasts for people while switching between his own as a bookdealer during the day and a “seller of pasts” at night, the gecko’s existence is also split between his current life as a reptile and the memories of his past life in human form. Both characters try to navigate a world full of lies and illusions.

‘Dreams’ acts as a fascinating channel between illusions and reality too, giving much more character to the protagonists in the novel. The gecko experiences his dream in vivid human forms where he interacts with characters, including Felix. These dreams blur the line between his current form in a gecko’s body and his past self, creating a space where he explores his identity beyond his physical form. Though they are not discussed much in the book, Felix’s dreams are nonetheless interesting. Through their dreams, we also explore how close the gecko and Felix are, to the point where they both “share” dreams. Felix casually mentions that he has dreams of interacting with the gecko.

“I have dreams. Sometimes I have rather strange dreams. Last night I dreamed about him. And he pointed at me.” (69)

Felix’s attachment with the gecko inevitably seeps into his subconscious, influencing his dreams. Not only this, I believe that dreams acted as meeting points for both, as their physical forms inhibited them from interacting with each other in real life. Through these dreams, the novel delves into the theme of the cycle of life and the quest to find meaning beyond the physical realm.

As companions, both share a form of solitude. The Gecko provides Felix, who is lonely due to the nature of his work, with a silent yet compassionate presence.  Gecko’s death prompts Felix to write diary entries, (which I found very cute). We see how Felix not only tries to process his grief but also honors the memory of his friend, acknowledging the gecko’s role both as an observer and a confidante in their shared existence.

Question: What do you think the dreams symbolize?

“Money, it’s a crime…share it fairly, but don’t take a slice of my pie”

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Ricardo Piglia’s “Money to Burn,” rooted in the true story of a meticulously planned heist in Buenos Aires, transcends its crime-story boundaries to delve into the depths of capitalism, patriarchy, and the fragile nature of human relationships. It is a true story based on a heist executed by a group of criminals who manage to escape and hide in Uruguay but are soon caught by the police. Despite their careful planning, they eventually fall victim to their own greed and betrayals. The plot is dense with twists and turns, highlighting the characters’ desperate attempts to outmaneuver each other and the law.

Piglia’s intricately designed characters embody different facets of capitalist and patriarchal societies. Malito, the mastermind behind the robbery, represents the ruthless ambition and manipulative tactics that are often rewarded in capitalist systems. The so-called twins, Brignone and Dorda, along with Malito, and the rest of the crew, navigate a treacherous path where mutual reliance is constantly at odds with personal survival instincts. The male-dominated gang reflects traditional patriarchal values, with women in the narrative being sidelined or used as tools in the men’s schemes. The character of the young girl, Blanca Galeano, whose association with the criminals irrevocably changes her life, vividly illustrates this dynamic. Her experience serves as a reminder of the limited agency that women have in a society where men frequently judge their worth by how useful they are to them. The novel subtly explores the dynamics of what a woman goes through—exploitation and marginalization of individuals—in the context of crime and societal decay, reflecting broader issues of vulnerability and exploitation in the criminal underworld. Through these characters, Piglia explores the consequences of valuing material wealth over human connections, portraying a chilling yet accurate depiction of the solitude and paranoia engendered by such a worldview.

One of the most striking symbols in the novel is the literal burning of money, an act that encapsulates the futility of greed and the emptiness of material wealth. This act of destruction serves as a powerful counterpoint to the entire premise of the heist, questioning the very motivations that drive such endeavors. In this moment, Piglia invites readers to consider the true value of wealth and the cost of its pursuit, offering a poignant meditation on the meaning of success and fulfillment.

In the end, Piglia’s masterpiece is a call to introspection, a reminder that the flames that consume the ill-gotten gains in the novel also have the power to illuminate our understanding of the human condition. “Money to Burn” burns bright as a testament to the power of literature to provoke thought, inspire change, and challenge the status quo.

Question: What do you think burning the money means symbolically?

Song recommendation: Money by Pink Floyd (hence, the title of this blog)

The Coat.

Posted on by under The Trenchcoat

‘The Trenchcoat’ by Norman Manae, a part of the collection “Compulsory Happiness,”  is set in Bucharest during the stirring history of the haunting truths of Romania’s last years under communist rule. At first, I thought the novel was one of the most peculiar, vague pieces of literature I had ever read. I do not think that that opinion might have changed after listening to the lecture, but a lot of things in the novel now make sense. Through the lens of an unassuming, mysterious item—a raincoat, trench coat, or overcoat—the story unfolds in a landscape marked by monotony, surveillance, and the nuanced struggle for identity and autonomy against the backdrop of a dictatorial regime. Manea’s work, especially the complex, interactive interplay of power, boredom, and the presence of the state’s watchful eyes, offers a compelling exploration of life under a repressive government, where even the most mundane objects become symbols of resistance, conformity, or despair.

The novella follows two couples en route to a dinner hosted by another more formal and wealthy couple, their anticipation is tinged more with anxiety and disinterest than excitement, despite the privileges and luxury awaiting them. The scene later cuts to the next day, when an unexpected appearance of a trenchcoat at the guests’ house plungs the story into a maze that culminates in surprising and shocking discoveries. Thus, in the narrative, the trenchcoat transcends its ordinary role. While typically a commonplace item, within the novel, it becomes a beacon of mystery and intrigue.

To be honest, the novel left me hanging. I spent a lot of time on this piece of literature, and I feel like I just ran through the novel because of how confused it left me. However, I do want to talk about what the raincoat means to me. Much like raincoats, which serve the purpose of protection against the rain, kind of like a cover to protect oneself. The raincoat in this novel unfolds symbolically, a myriad of mysteries in the context of Dina and Brazil’s lives. One of which might be that their wealth and status afford them a protective layer, much like the raincoat, against the systemic oppressions and scarcity that plague their country. However, the symbolism of the raincoat in relation to Dina and Brazil extends far beyond a mere shield from physical elements; it represents the nuanced ways in which the elite navigate the treacherous waters of political and social conformity to maintain their position and safety. For example, Comrade Vasile uses his house as a means to hold certain kinds of confidential meetings.

Nonetheless, it is genuinely astonishing how the author expertly navigated the limits of censorship to offer a vivid portrait of life under a dictatorial regime, emphasizing the intricacies of state surveillance. Initially, the unusual writing style appeared to me as strange, but it perfectly depicts the complexity and subtleties of an oppressive system.

Question: What is the significance behind the nameless character, the Learned One, The Kid, etc., being shrouded in such mystery, and how does this contribute to the narrative, especially considering his eventual connection with Lady Di?

A Journey through Love and War: The Time of the Doves

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Merce Rodoreda’s ‘This Time of the Doves,’ originally published in Catalan, is a novel that masterfully intertwines the personal and political turmoil of Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War, seen through the eyes of the protagonist, Natalia. The text captures the essence of human endurance, the intricacies of love, and the bittersweet taste of circumstantial freedom.

The title, at first glance, suggested a sense of tranquility, peace, and love, but as we delve deeper into the novel, it becomes clear that the narration is nothing but a serene fantasy tale. As deep as I got into the novel, it became more depressing for me too read it. The novel is a profound examination of human existence, set against a society crumbling under the weight of personal despair. Natalia, or “Colometa” or “little dove” by her overbearing husband Quimet, is our window into the Spanish Civil War. Her transformation from a carefree young woman to a burdened survivor fighting abusive relationships and war shows the tenacity of the human spirit. Natalia is deeply empathetic and tragically heroic, and Rodoreda guides the reader through her hardships with a delicate yet unrelenting grip. Rodoreda’s depictions of marriage, especially Natalia’s marriage to Quimet, make strong statements about how love and power work. The way their relationship went from a cute romance to a stifling trap is a metaphor for the main theme of the book, which is freedom versus being trapped. Natalia’s fight for independence and self-worth is paired with Quimet’s possessive and violent behavior to show how the novel criticizes patriarchal structures and the search for personal freedom.

Doves are a strong symbol of peace, freedom, and being held captive that appear over and over again in the book. Although doves are usually associated with peace and purity, in Rodoreda’s story, they represent Natalia’s life as a paradox: she is stuck in her life and longs for freedom that she can never seem to reach. Another way to understand this meaning is to look at the difference between the doves flying free and Natalia’s life, which is shackled by her marriage and the political and social changes happening around her.

In conclusion, The Time of the Doves is a deep look at strength, love, and how people can survive and change even when things are very hard. Rodoreda shows what it’s like to be human through Natalia’s life, creating a story that is both heartbreaking and beautiful. The book shows how strong people can be even when life is hard, and they keep looking for their own “time of doves,” or moment of peace, in the middle of the chaos.

How do you think the Spanish Civil War amplified the effects of patriarchy on Natalia’s life, particularly in her interactions with Quimet and her role within her family and society? how was the war’s chaos exacerbate existing patriarchal constraints and shape her path to resilience?

A Journey Through Post-War: An overview of “Nada”

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Entering Carmen Laforet’s “Nada,” one goes on a moving adventure with Andrea, a character whose story goes beyond fiction to touch our humanity. Set in post-Civil War Spain, Andrea’s story delves into the landscapes of resilience and the desire for identity, going beyond a simple recounting of historical events. Her struggles to find her place in a devastated society mirror the universal human quest for belonging, insight, and meaning in the face of adversity. We, as readers, are drawn into a contemplative examination of the effects of war on the human soul as Laforet expertly creates a universe where the private and public spheres merge. Andrea shows us how hard it is to get back on your feet after a war when all that’s left is the skeleton of a country and the hope that you can start over. Nada is more than just a story about surviving. It’s an ode to the strength of the human spirit and the ability to see the good in even the worst situations. This book is about the complicated web of human emotions and social ties. Its vivid setting and well-developed characters make readers think. Loss, despair, and the prospect of redemption and growth are all reflected in Andrea’s journey, which serves as a mirror reflecting the intricacies of navigating such a world. Despite the many challenges she faces, her journey is filled with epiphanies that shed light on our common humanity.

Instead of merely recounting events, Laforet crafts a tale that touches readers’ souls in “Nada,” inviting them to delve deeper than the chronological record into the essence of humanity. As we watch Andrea go through her rollercoaster of ups and downs, we are reminded of our own paths, the problems we face, and the strength we need to get through our own struggles. This touching novel teaches us that we can get through anything if we stick with it and don’t give up, even when times get hard.

At the end of the movie, “Nada” sends a message about how beautiful and complicated life is. In the face of global anarchy, it dares us to face our own feelings of isolation and loneliness, to investigate the influence of our pasts, and to fearlessly pursue our own unique identities. Looking through Andrea’s eyes, we are reminded that no matter how bad things become, there is always a way out and the possibility of discovering something profound: who we are.

Question: How does her interaction with the city of Barcelona as a symbolic setting reveal the impact of external environments during her quest for self-identity and discovery?

Existentialism and the Female Experience in ‘The Shrouded Woman’

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In “The Shrouded Woman,” María Luisa Bombal examines the depths of human emotion, social norms, and the blurry line separating life and death. The novel sets itself apart with its unique storyline. It depicts the life of the novella’s main character, Ana Maria, who is lying in a death-like state and overhears the conversations of her loved ones’ who have come to say their final goodbye, almost like a ghost. 

I found this storytelling method kind of weird and bizarre since it makes it hard to tell the difference between reality and the beyond. Existentialism has always been in the back of my mind. I have been dubious about the afterlife and rather scared to know what life actually is, to the point where repeatedly thinking about it makes me anxious. And I would not defy saying that this novel triggers my anxiety as the main theme of the book explores life and death. I would also not deny that Bombal departs from conventional portrayals and rather beautifully portrays death as a phase of transformation and enlightenment rather than a final conclusion. This viewpoint suggests that death is an essential, even beneficial, aspect of life, which challenges the traditional understanding of it. This liminal state invites us to reflect on the nature of existence. 

Bombal also intertwines profoundly this theme of existentialism into her portrayal of women’s lives, creating a narrative about the search for meaning while experiencing life in a patriarchal society. The expectations society had for women in the early 20th century can be clearly found in the book. It explores the lives of women like Ana María, who saw marriage and love as the main defining factors. Because of this social norm, women frequently have little to no autonomy and are restricted to no more than a wife, lover, and mother, which suffocates their ability to find meaning beyond these roles. Her journey in this novella reflects the struggle for authenticity in a world that imposes predefined roles and identities. In this way, “The Shrouded Woman” remains a vital literary work, offering insights into the complexities of life, death, and societal norms. It’s a testament to Bombal’s skill in crafting a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally resonant. 

‘The Shrouded Woman’ uses death as a lens to re-examine the protagonist’s life, highlighting how societal norms shape and confine the experiences and identities of women. How does this perspective challenge our contemporary understanding of female autonomy and identity?

The Journey of Silvio in “Mad Toy” by Roberto Arlt

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Hello everyone! My reading for this week is Roberto Arlt’s Mad Toy, a novel that explores the life of Silvio, a young man entangled in a turbulent life of poverty and adolescence. This tale is not about the life of a carefree youth growing up but rather explores a different phase of development, an identity crisis, and the harsh realities of social restraints. The novel begins with the almost innocent, charming lives of young Silvio and his friends, engulfed in a world of fantasy. The dream of Silvio and his acquaintances to become cunning bandits comes across as an innocent and harmless fantasy. I perceived it as a typical daydream of teenagers romanticizing the world of adventurous novels, which is quite common and resonates with anyone lost in the realm of imagination during the initial years of development, aka the teenage. But as the novel unfolds, these fantasies come to reality as the protagonist’s environment becomes more apparent. Silvio engages in countless thefts at places such as libraries to battle the weight of poverty. Roberto Arlt captures the desperation that drives Silvio to commit these acts to make way for a better life. Even though they are morally wrong, they undoubtedly ignite empathy in readers. Later, Silvio stops stealing for a living because he feels guilty for engaging in such activities. He then tries to find a decent job, but struggles there too. The novel also addresses his family’s financial situation, which might also be a reason for him feeling guilty.

Later in the scene, as a door-to-door salesman, Silvio faces a moral dilemma in the scene where he encounters Lucio, a character from his past who is now a successful police inspector. He then not only questions his choices in life, but the novel also raises the question about the influence of society and the experiences that shape one’s destiny. The novel further delves into the depths of Silvio’s existential crisis, especially his conflicting desires for success and contemplation of suicide. He is seen struggling to find the meaning and purpose of life, and he feels that the world is set against him. I feel like a lot of readers would again resonate with this universal experience of seeking recognition and the need to leave an impact around us before it is too late. Roberto Arlt beautifully captures the struggle of life, further reminding us to keep strong while fighting the battle to find our place in the world. The story encourages the readers to reflect on their journey through life and the societal structures that influence our choices.

Question: How do the choices and challenges faced by Silvio in his quest for identity reflect on our experiences as human beings trying to navigate our ways while transitioning through different phases of life?

 

The Labyrinth of Memory: A reflection on Proust’s “Combray”

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Marcel Proust’s “Combray,” the first part of his exceptional work “In Search of Lost Time,” is a testament to a unique stream of consciousness that takes us through different passages of time and a complex web of memory. The immaculate writing style and narrative of the author invite the readers on a journey through the protagonist’s childhood memories.

I personally regard Marcel Proust’s “Combray” as quite complex and intimidating. I really struggled to get through the first few pages of the novel because his style of writing felt quite descriptive and nuanced, making me go back and forth throughout the text. However, Proust grabbed my attention with how he conveyed the depth and complexities of human memories and insights, making “Combray” an interesting yet challenging read.

The theme of memory and childhood is one of the central themes of Proust’s exploration of time and identity. As the plot jumps back and forth between the past and the present, facts and memories become hazy, making it challenging for us to comprehend the reality of the story at hand.

Our childhood is one of the most crucial parts of our upbringing, shaping our personality, behavior, relationships with others, and much more. The detailed narration about the protagonist’s presence in his parental home in “Combray” creates his most impressionable memory. His bedroom as the setting of the story shapes how fixated he is on his childhood and is perplexed by the external world. His revisiting of his memories with his family, especially his mother and father, gives us a sense of belonging and yearning for them. The most profound emotional experience of his childhood was the moment when his mother used to give him goodnight kisses. The habitual action by his mother now makes it uneasy for him to fall asleep because she is no more. The narrator also talks about how hard it was for him to fall asleep when he was younger. I believe this is something he still struggles with because, when he is about to fall asleep or dream, his childhood memories seem to trigger him, reminding him of his early years.

Ultimately, “Combray” is an exploration of the nature of time and the role of memory in shaping our personalities and everyday habits. Proust, through his writing, depicts how important it is to reconnect with our past and understand how it impacts our present selves.

Question: Do you think today’s novels have a different style of writing, narration, or literature in general as compared to that of Proust?

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