Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Gertrude

Gertrude was also "passing" but with the crucial difference that her husband knew. Why do you think Larsen included this character, and did you find her portrayal sympathetic? Why, to his face at least, did Gertrude adopt a different tone with Bellew than Irene did? Did the fact that Gertrude was more working class than high society matter for any reason?
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2 comments:

  1. ShanxiAugust 7, 2010 at 9:00 AM

    I'm glad you mentioned Gertrude, kc. I didn't find her portrayal sympathetic, but I thought she provided a purpose at that tea party in making Irene feel outnumbered "in her adherence to her own class and kind; not merely in the great thing of marriage, but in the whole pattern of her life as well."

    I thought Larsen did a great job of making us, like Irene, feel "slimed" just for being present at the tea party. And yes, maybe her working-class status did make her more accommodating than Irene. Then again, she seemed like a much more obliging person anyways.

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  2. kcAugust 9, 2010 at 7:54 AM

    Feeling "slimed." That's perfect, Shanxi! I agree Larsen is very good at evoking strong emotion.

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